The man behind the international campaign to clean up the world is coming to Christchurch.

Ian Kiernan, 59, who started the movement after noticing the volume of pollution in the world’s oceans when competing in a solo yacht race around the world, will be in Christchurch on Tuesday September 14 to take part in a local clean up venture.

However, on the weekend of September 17 – 19 most activities will take place locally as part of the seventh international environmental campaign, called Clean Up The World.

That weekend people around the world will remove rubbish from beaches, waterways, market places, reserves, and forests.

Some Christchurch schools, however, will carry out their clean-ups in school hours in the preceding week.

Ian Kiernan will help at the Avon River, at the Manchester Street bridge, from 11am. Groups will work their way to the Bridge of Remembrance, cleaning as they go.

Activities will not be restricted to litter pick-ups, however.

Some local groups will remove graffiti and others will hold working bees on waterways and reserves. Many schools and youth groups will be taking part with the work being co-ordinated by the Christchurch City Council, the Marine Watch Trust, and Keep Christchurch Beautiful.

Details of groups’ plans can be obtained from:

Kerry Everingham, environmental promotion officer, Christchurch City Council.

A biography of Ian Kiernan is attached, and to arrange an interview with him on Tuesday 14 September contact: Richard Marley-Hall 09 489 8900 (Ext 877).

Kerry Everingham, environmental promotion officer, Christchurch City Council.