In June 2026, the Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea (PROMAR) Project visited Fatima College, located near the Maraval River Watershed of Northwest Trinidad, to raise awareness about marine pollution and the impacts of plastic waste on the marine environment. The session, held on June 2, 2026, formed part of PROMAR's ongoing school outreach efforts, designed to educate students and encourage them to become more environmentally responsible through interactive and engaging learning experiences.

 

The visit gave students the opportunity to explore the growing issue of marine litter within the context of their own watershed, highlighting how pollution originating inland, including along rivers such as the Maraval River, can ultimately make its way into the marine environment. By connecting the local landscape to the broader issue of ocean pollution, the session helped students understand the direct link between everyday waste habits and the health of Trinidad and Tobago's coastlines and marine ecosystems.

 

The interactive presentations covered a range of topics, including marine pollution, the different types of plastics, the impacts of plastic waste on marine ecosystems and wildlife, and the principles of a circular economy. Students learned practical ways to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics and adopt more sustainable habits in their daily lives, from rethinking everyday packaging choices to considering reusable alternatives. The session incorporated PowerPoint presentations, educational videos, and a lively Kahoot! quiz, which encouraged active participation and reinforced key messages in a fun, competitive format. Students were highly engaged throughout the activities, participating enthusiastically in discussions and knowledge-testing exercises, and demonstrating a strong interest in learning more about how they could take action.

 

To further support learning beyond the classroom, PROMAR-branded tokens were distributed to students as a reminder of the day's key messages, while teachers received information packages containing educational resources to support continued learning and discussion in the classroom long after the outreach session ended.

 

At the end of the session, the PROMAR team launched an exciting new initiative: the Video Competition, titled "Be the Change." This competition invites students to creatively explore the issue of marine pollution through short videos that highlight its impacts, propose innovative solutions, and demonstrate individual actions that can help protect the marine environment. By encouraging students to develop and share their own environmental messaging, the competition aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, empowering participants to become active environmental advocates within their school and wider community.

 

Through initiatives like this, PROMAR continues to build environmental awareness among young people across Trinidad and Tobago, equipping the next generation with the knowledge, tools, and motivation needed to help prevent marine litter and protect the region's coastal and marine ecosystems for years to come.