Southern Hemisphere

Swim and Snorkel Club - Coral Reef Identification and Safety Training (Trinidad and Tobago) [2024]

Country: Trinidad and Tobago

Site: Padee Again (tourism boat)

Target: Students and schools; Local communities and residents; Staff.

Short Description

The Science Snorkel Club, held on World Ocean Day, provides Tobagonians, especially youth, with a snorkeling experience to build comfort in deeper waters and learn about coral reefs and associated habitats.

The initiative, in partnership with Ball Blasters Youth Academy and Top Catch, aims to foster environmental stewardship by introducing participants to the concept of citizen science for monitoring and protecting the environment.

Participants receive a briefing on biodiversity and safety before snorkeling, combining fun with education to inspire the next generation of marine conservationists in Tobago.

Nurturing Blue Flag Beaches as place-based Environment and Sustainability Educational Sites (India) [2024]

Country: India

Site: Golden Blue Flag Beach, Odisha (beach)

Target: Students and schools; Local communities and residents.

Short Description

The Blue Flag beach in Odisha, India, has become a dynamic hub for environmental education. Leveraging its natural setting, the beach hosts regular Saturday events that have grown increasingly popular, attracting families, children, and tourists eager to learn about marine biodiversity, beach ecosystems, and the importance of sustainability. The programme's success stems from the strategic planning and insights gained from the Beach Managers Training Workshop, part of the Monitoring and Evaluating Climate Communication and Education Project (MECCE).

Led by the Golden Beach Management Committee and supported by local authorities, the initiative emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, such as marine turtle nest making and wetland protection activities. These events, designed by nature educator Akash Ranjan and his team, are diverse and interactive, ensuring sustained interest and engagement. The inclusion of rewards like handicrafts and local food items has further encouraged participation and fostered a sense of environmental stewardship among participants.

The programme has not only attracted local visitors but has also drawn the attention of community leaders, with notable visits from figures like the District Forest Officer (DFO) of Puri. Educational activities included the following events: “Remember water fowls protect wetlands”; “Imagine your beach”, “Celebration of World Migratory Birds Day”, “Identifying ten ecosystems of Odisha and contributing to their conservation initiatives”, “Beach talk on Ghost crabs and sand dunes”, “Marine turtle nest making”, “Unseen seeds collage”, “Identify and build leaf crown”, “Web of life.”

Native and Endemic Species Reforestation in Padre Nuestro (Dominican Republic) [2024]

Country: Dominican Republic

Site: La Laguna Dominicus Catalonia (beach)

Target: Local communities and residents.

Short Description

The "Native and Endemic Species Reforestation in the Archaeological and Ecotourism Path Padre Nuestro" project in the Dominican Republic highlights a significant conservation effort within the Cotubanamá National Park. This 2-kilometer trail, rich in Taíno heritage and tropical biodiversity, saw the reforestation of endangered species with plants donated by the national botanical garden.

The reforestation included the planting of Mirabal flowers, Copey trees, and Bayahibe flowers, all critical to preserving local flora. The project, involving community engagement and education, emphasized the importance of protecting these species and the broader ecosystem. This initiative not only enhances biodiversity along the historic trail but also fosters community awareness and participation in environmental conservation.

Action and Transformation - From Cleanups to Public Facilities (Brazil) [2024]

Country: Brazil

Site: Praia Grande (beach)

Target: Local community and residents; schools and students; staff; civil society.

Short Description

Action and Transformation - From Beach Cleanups to Public Facilities” highlights a creative approach to waste management and community engagement through partnerships and innovative recycling methods.

Initiative overview: in collaboration with Ecolocal Brasil, the project transformed waste collected from beach cleanups into practical public facilities. This included the creation of toy boxes for collecting PET bottle caps, signs for waste disposal, and benches made from recycled materials.

Materials and process: waste from the 2022/2023 beach cleaning season was repurposed into thermoplastics for new products. Non-recyclable materials were compacted and transformed into functional items such as trash cans, toy boxes, and signage.

Community engagement and impact: the campaign utilized social media, including Instagram and Facebook, to raise awareness and promote the project. Public facilities and ecological walks served as platforms to educate beachgoers about recycling and waste management. The campaign video garnered significant engagement with 26,626 views, 886 likes, and 92 comments, demonstrating widespread community interest and support.

This initiative not only improved beach cleanliness but also promoted environmental awareness and practical recycling solutions.

Rocky Coasts of Balneario Camboriú (Brazil) [2024]

Country: Brazil

Site: Praia de Taquaras (beach)

Target: Local community and residents; local schools and students; university.

Short Description

he "Rocky Coasts of Balneário Camboriú" project, initiated in 2021 by the Environmental Secretariat of Balneário Camboriú in partnership with the University of Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), focuses on cleaning and raising awareness about the rocky coasts in the municipality. The project involves:

  • Waste Collection and Analysis: the project systematically collects, quantifies, and qualifies waste from 13 rocky coasts, both above and below water. Over 15,000 items totaling 1.2 tons were collected, with plastics, styrofoam, glass, ceramics, and fishing gear being the most common.

  • Educational Outreach: an educational booklet, "Rocky Coasts of Balneário Camboriú: Their Attributes and Problems with Waste," was published to highlight the ecological, scenic, and cultural significance of these coasts. This booklet, along with lectures by oceanographers and biologists, will be distributed to municipal public schools and used in environmental education activities.

  • Public Engagement and Future Actions: The booklet and lectures aim to inform the local community about the importance of the rocky coasts and encourage scientific discussions on marine litter. The project also proposes actions to combat waste, including legislative proposals.

This initiative demonstrates a comprehensive approach to waste management and environmental education, engaging both local schools and the broader community.

Rescue Mission in Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) [2024]

Country: Brazil

Site: Yacht Club of Santa Catarina (marina)

Target: Staff; Local communities and residents.


Short Description

The "Rescue Mission in Rio Grande do Sul" by the Yacht Club of Santa Catarina underscores the club’s commitment to climate action through swift and effective disaster response. In the face of increasing natural disasters such as floods and storms, intensified by climate change, the Yacht Club mobilized boats and qualified personnel to provide crucial assistance. They coordinated their rescue efforts with other emergency services, ensuring a comprehensive response to the crisis in Rio Grande do Sul.

The initiative involved not only the immediate rescue of victims but also the distribution of essential resources like drinking water, food, and life jackets. This approach highlighted the club's dedication to supporting affected communities and showcased the vital role that civil society organizations play in enhancing community resilience to climate-related challenges. The Yacht Club's prompt action and effective coordination served as a model for how organizations can respond to climate emergencies and support vulnerable populations during critical times.

Waste Management: Pollution Reduction (Trinidad & Tobago) [2024]

Country: Trinidad and Tobago

Site: Miss Ayana (tourism boat)

Target: Local community and residents; schools and students; staff; civil society.


Short Description

Waste Management - Pollution Reduction” highlights a proactive approach taken by the crew of Miss Ayana in Trinidad and Tobago to address coastal pollution associated with tourism boats.

Initiative overview: the crew members of Miss Ayana conducted a coastal cleanup and waste separation activity at No-Mans-Land, Tobago. This area is frequented by tour boats, making it crucial to prevent waste from entering the ocean. The activity aimed to ensure that boat operators properly manage their waste to protect the marine environment.

Community engagement: during the cleanup, the crew educated other boat operators on the importance of proper waste separation and management practices. This outreach was essential to encourage responsible behavior and ensure the use of bins provided by the Tobago Recycling Resources Initiative.

Environmental impact: the initiative contributed to a reduction in solid waste generation from tourism boat activities. By emphasizing the importance of using designated recycling bins, the crew helped mitigate pollution and promote sustainable practices among boat operators. This project not only improved waste management in a popular coastal area but also fostered greater environmental awareness and responsibility among the local boating community.