Together for a Clean Fjord
On September 12, over 100 cleanup actions were carried out in the Sognefjorden during the event "Rein Sognefjord", which is co-funded by the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund. Together, volunteer organizations, professional operators, and the Royal Norwegian Navy made an impressive effort that marked an important step towards a cleaner fjord.
Published: 17.October, 2024 Last updated: 05.December, 2025
In the heart of the Sognefjord, over 1000 volunteers and professional operators gathered for the cleanup action "Rein Sognefjord," organized by Framtidshavet. Siri Otterskred, CEO of Stiftelsen Medvandrerne - a volunteer organization focused on public health for people with substance use challenges and mental health - was one of many who played an important role during the action.
– For the third year in a row, we are with Framtidshavet picking up plastic, and this time in the Sognefjord, where I was born and raised, said Otterskred.
The Navy Took the Challenge
As the fjord is characterized by steep slopes, narrow areas, and soft terrain, it was a challenge for the cleanup operators to access. The Navy took this challenge head-on, making it possible for the volunteers to safely deliver waste to containers.
– We operated from the mother ship with our two small boats. We deployed personnel on various shore areas, which were then carefully cleaned. This waste was then taken onboard the small boats and taken to KV TOR, before being transported to land and delivered to containers, explained Marius Trondal, ship commander in the Navy.
Importance of Collective Action
The campaign also included support from several professional actors who contributed to the logistics of the implementation. These partners worked closely with volunteers to make the campaign as efficient and safe as possible. Nina Jensen, CEO of REV Ocean, emphasized the importance of collective action to combat plastic litter.
– We are going to collect many tons of plastic here, and if everyone does what they can, a massive effort can be accomplished in a short time, said Jensen.
Despite changing weather conditions, volunteers and professional cleaners together achieved impressive results. With over 1000 participants working across multiple locations, more than 13 tons of waste were removed from the fjord and surrounding areas.
– Clean Sognefjord, partially funded by the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund, stands as a strong example of what can be achieved when multiple forces unite to combat plastic litter, summarized Terje Eckhoff, responsible for voluntary cleanup in the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund.
