Sam Bencheghib - Co-Founder, Sungai Watch

Sungai Watch, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to preventing plastic waste from entering oceans by installing floating barriers in rivers. Founded by Sam Bencheghib, the organization has successfully installed 325 barriers and removed nearly 3 million kilos of plastic over four years. The initiative focuses on Indonesia, a country heavily affected by plastic pollution, and plans to expand to other countries like the Philippines by 2025. The organization faces challenges in managing the waste collected, leading to the creation of Songhai Design, a sister company that transforms low-value plastics into furniture. Sungai Watch collaborates with local communities and employs 150 full-time staff, known as river warriors, to clean rivers. The organization relies on sponsorships and social media to fund its projects and raise awareness. They emphasize the importance of local involvement and partnerships to ensure the success and sustainability of their efforts.