The Zion Kingdom Festival, now in its fourth edition, is taking place this weekend in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where it merges reggae music with ecological awareness. The event's centerpiece is the 'Stop Plastic' initiative aimed at combating plastic pollution. Attendees and volunteers participated in a community cleanup effort around the Ébrié lagoon in the Cocody neighborhood, showcasing their commitment to environmental preservation.

On February 7, volunteers, equipped with gloves, rakes, shovels, and trash bags, worked diligently to clear the banks of the lagoon of accumulated waste. A significant portion of the rubbish consisted of plastics, which not only tarnish the environment but also pose a threat to local wildlife and ecosystems. This initiative highlights the pressing issue of plastic waste in urban settings and fosters a sense of community responsibility among the festival-goers.

Local priests, such as Father Ol, have also noticed the pollution affecting their surroundings, demonstrating how environmental concerns span various community facets. The festival serves as a platform for raising awareness about waste management and ecological sustainability, celebrating both cultural and environmental activism in a rapidly urbanizing area. Ultimately, the Zion Kingdom Festival aspires to encourage positive action and greater engagement with ecological initiatives among Ivorians.