African delegates join IFY 2026 clean-up, collect 22 cubic metres of waste from Russian lake

African delegates joined the International Festival of Youth (IFY) 2026 clean-up efforts at Lake Shartash in Ekaterinburg, Russia. Collectively, volunteers from 24 countries removed 22 cubic metres of waste from the lake. The clean-up took place on September 12, 2026, as part of the charitable programme of the IFY 2026. Organized under the nationwide "Waters of Russia" initiative, the exercise was held in both land and water areas, with volunteers using stand-up paddleboards to access remote locations.

First Deputy Chairman of the Council of the DOBRO Association Kirill Antonov praised the initiative, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and the habit of doing good. Cameroonian delegate Marcel Bradley Monde Tingato expressed his appreciation for learning about Russian nature during his participation, noting the importance of shared experience among nations.

Brian Akom Ekwuri, another Cameroonian delegate, stated his intention to promote regular environmental clean-ups in his home country based on his experience. Denis Mamontov, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Sverdlovsk Region, highlighted the global nature of environmental challenges, emphasizing that love for nature transcends borders.

Lake Shartash, formed about one million years ago, spans 7.4 square kilometres and was designated a regionally significant natural monument in 2014. Since its inception in 2014, the "Waters of Russia" initiative has engaged over 13.2 million people, with 68 clean-up exercises held in the Sverdlovsk Region alone. The IFY 2026, themed "Follow Your Dream," brought together 10,000 young leaders from 191 countries.