PROMAR Guyana successfully hosted its Fun Day and Youth Exhibition for World Environment Day under the theme "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future." at the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, on 20 June 2026. Organized under PROMAR Project Output IV: Awareness of Stakeholders on Marine Litter Prevention is Enhanced and Contributes to Behavioral Change, the event was delivered in collaboration with Policy Forum Guyana (PFG), Friedlandar, SES, Expressit and SEACOR Marine, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting environmental awareness and encouraging positive behavioral change among young people.

 

Centered on the relationship between plastic production, plastic pollution, marine litter and climate change, the event moved beyond traditional presentations, adopting an experiential learning approach through competitions, games and exhibitions. This gave participants the opportunity to actively engage with environmental concepts, encouraging critical thinking, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving while reinforcing key marine conservation messages.

 

The Speed Painting Competition, "Paint the Sea, Keep it Free", challenged participants to creatively communicate environmental issues through art. Divided into junior and senior categories, participants explored the impacts of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems while expressing possible solutions through original artwork, demonstrating that art can be a powerful tool for environmental advocacy and public awareness.

 

The Environmental Trivia Competition tested participants' knowledge of marine litter, biodiversity, climate change, waste management and environmental conservation through table rounds, hot-seat questions and rapid-fire challenges, strengthening teamwork, communication and critical thinking skills while reinforcing sustainable practices.

 

Teams then took on the Eco Quest Scavenger Hunt, "The Race Against Plastic Pollution and Climate Change", navigating ten clue stations throughout the Botanical Gardens. Each clue highlighted topics related to plastic pollution, marine litter, biodiversity, recycling and climate change, encouraging participants to work collaboratively and apply environmental knowledge while racing against other teams.

 

A highlight of the event was the Environmental Murder Mystery, facilitated by Policy Forum Guyana, which offered an immersive learning experience centered on marine turtle conservation. Participants worked together to solve a fictional environmental crime, gathering evidence and analyzing clues to determine the cause of a turtle's death. The storyline explored two of the greatest threats facing sea turtles today, plastic pollution and poaching, demonstrating how discarded plastic bags, balloons and other marine litter are frequently mistaken for jellyfish and other prey, often with fatal consequences, while also highlighting the continued threat of illegal harvesting of turtles and turtle eggs.

 

More than 234 participants engaged with the event, gaining a stronger understanding of plastic pollution, marine litter and climate change, while exploring responsible waste management and alternatives to single-use plastics. The interactive activities encouraged teamwork, creativity and environmental stewardship, strengthening collaboration between CYEN, PROMAR and environmental partners across Guyana.

 

PROMAR Guyana extends sincere appreciation to all partners, sponsors, volunteers and participants whose contributions made the event a success. Together, these collaborative efforts continue to inspire positive behavioral change and environmental stewardship among Guyana's youth, supporting the wider goals of marine litter prevention and climate action across the Caribbean.