Did you know that marine litter isn't always a result of human activity at sea? The problem usually starts on land!&nbsp;
Our Upstream Battle citizen science programme gets students, teachers, volunteers and other citizen scientists out collecting and auditing litter at key upstream sites, such as beside rivers, lakes and streams to help create a better understanding of the root causes of ocean pollution.
Marine litter is a huge concern with the National Geographic estimating that 80% of ocean litter globally comes from land. It’s then often brought indirectly to the sea by rivers, sewage, storm water, or winds, polluting ocean ecosystems and harming both wildlife and humans.
There are very few details known about this litter though – for example where it comes from (and how much) or what exactly is making its way from the land to the ocean through our waterways. We believe ocean conservancy begins with a better understanding of the root causes of ocean pollution and through our Upstream Battle programme we hope to get a better picture of what’s going on. That’s where you come in!
Our Upstream Battle programme is aimed at schools, community groups and volunteers throughout New Zealand who would like to contribute to the solution.
Upstream Battle is proudly presented by Suntory’s international Mizuiku Education Programme for Nature and Water, which is specifically designed to educate the next generation on the importance of clean water conservation. Both Keep New Zealand Beautiful and Suntory share a commitment to educating young Kiwis and providing hands-on opportunities that inspire and empower them to protect our precious environment. Through this partnership, Upstream Battle serves as a platform for young people to take action and make a difference in preserving the health and beauty of New Zealand’s waterways.
By registering for an Upstream Battle you’ll receive:
<ul>
 <li>Engagement in real-world data collection and meaningful action towards Keeping New Zealand Beautiful</li>
 <li>Participation, training and experience as a citizen scientist</li>
 <li>A comprehensive resource pack including guides, checklists, risk assessment and emergency procedure protocols, a digital certificate and more!</li>
 <li>Access to Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s support team</li>
 <li>Updates on other community led and education programmes</li>
 <li>A great day out with your school, community, whānau and friends, doing your bit for kaitiatikanga o Aotearoa</li>
</ul>
Be part of the National Litter Audit by taking on the Mizuiku Upstream Battle this September!

Mizuiku Upstream Battle: Help clean our waterways