The B.C. government has put out a call to First Nations, local government and community organizations on the B.C. coast to apply for $1 million funding for projects designed to clean up debris washing up from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The Japanese government is providing the $1 million fund, announced in March, to Canada to help clean up B.C. coasts. The B.C. government is administering the funds over the next two years, and is asking for project proposals.
An estimated five million tonnes of debris washed to sea after Japan was hit by a devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake two years ago, triggering a massive tsunami. Although most of the debris sank, it is estimated that 1.5 million tonnes of it is afloat in the Pacific, some of which has been washing ashore in B.C.
"This funding will be used in a targeted, responsible way to keep B.C.'s coastline safe and clean," said Mary Polak, B.C. minister of environment.
"I want to thank the Government of Japan for their generosity in providing this grant. We are looking forward to receiving proposals so we can get down to business and begin cleaning tsunami debris off our beaches as soon as possible."
