Chbyka Summer Tour : A citizen-led crusade against plastic on 30 Moroccan beaches

Ya Biladi

10-07-2025

مدة القراءة: 3'
At first glance, Morocco's beaches may seem pristine. But a closer look reveals a hidden crisis. Using the «Chbyka» tool, volunteers from the NGO Bahri collected more than 5,200 kilos of nearly invisible microplastics last year, particles that infiltrate the soil, the sea, and even our food chain.
«As soon as we use Chbyka, we uncover what's hidden beneath the sand, waste that ends up in the sea, then in fish, and finally on our plates», warns Bahri's founder, Saad Abid. «Everything eventually comes back to us».
The numbers back up the field observations. According to the Clean Coast Index, 75% of Morocco's beaches show moderate to high levels of pollution. The most common items: rigid plastics, bottle caps, plastic films, and ropes. While 93% of bathing waters were deemed microbiologically compliant in 2024, Energy Minister Leila Benali recently reminded the public that 80% of marine debris originates from land-based human activity.
A Simple Sieve, Recycled Wheels... and Tons of Trash
In response to the growing environmental urgency, Bahri continues to take action. The Chbyka, a manually crafted tool made from recycled materials, is nothing new, but the association has improved its design. Now fitted with wheels for easy movement and a 0.4-millimeter mesh sieve, it can capture particles that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.
A Bigger Summer Tour: More Beaches, More Hands, Greater Impact
Last summer, Bahri mobilized 1,800 participants. This year, the goal is 3,000. The tour now includes 30 beaches : Dar Bouazza, Saïdia, Tangier, Rabat, Safi, Essaouira, Agadir, Laâyoune, Dakhla. Each with the same ritual: a community cleanup, interactive awareness sessions around the Chbyka, eco-friendly giveaways, and family-friendly activities.
Chbyka Summer Tour Highlights:
July 18: Dar Bouazza – Tamaris 3
July 19: Dar Bouazza – Tamaris 1
July 20: Moulay Abdellah – Sidi Bouzid
July 21: Mehdya – Kenitra
July 23: Saïdia – Central Beach
July 24: Nador – Charrana Beach
July 25: Al Hoceima – Tahra Youssef Beach
July 26: Chefchaouen – Chmala Beach
July 27: Tangier – Malabata Beach
July 28: Tangier – Achakar Beach
«Our idea is simple: one beach, one day, one concrete action», explains Saad. For Vice President Zineb Bennis, waste can be a powerful educational tool just as it is in Japan, where turning waste into value is part of the national culture.
This year, the BMCI Foundation joined forces with Bahri, allowing the NGO to broaden its scope, expand its team, and sustain the summer tour.
«Without this support, covering 30 cities would've been impossible», says Saad. «In civil society, money is a tool, not an end. But without it, we can't move forward».
Bahri hopes to build on this momentum. «We're beginning to collaborate with companies that see the value of the Chbyka. They join us in the field, they participate, they share. That's how you create connection, purpose, and change», he adds.
«The State Needs Us—Just as We Need the State»
Despite its international recognition, including the IVLP Award of the Decade for Social Innovation and Change, praised by John Kerry—Bahri still struggles to gain meaningful support from Moroccan authorities.
«We've had several meetings with officials. We reach out, but nothing follows», Saad laments. «We get more recognition abroad than we do at home».
Yet civil society, he insists, can be a vital partner in implementing public policy. «We're faster, more responsive, more connected to people on the ground. The State needs us just as we need it. We can't do it alone, and they shouldn't either. Together, we can achieve more».
Bahri's dream ? To work hand-in-hand with local authorities, especially in Casablanca. «The only one who can really unlock the situation is the governor», Saad hints. In the meantime, the association keeps moving forward, powered by passion, persistence, and the growing support of Moroccan citizens.