GHFS Showcases Caribbean Leadership in Marine Pollution Prevention at V.ECOP Days 2025 

On June 9, 2025, the Green Heritage Foundation Suriname (GHFS) proudly participated in the Virtual Early Career Ocean Professional (V.ECOP) Days—an international event dedicated to highlighting the contributions of emerging ocean professionals in science and sustainability. This year’s theme, “ECOPs Shaping the Ocean’s Future,” aligned with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and supported the 3rd UN Ocean Conference held in Nice, France. 

GHFS joined the fourth action panel of the event, focusing on “Preventing and Significantly Reducing Marine Pollution of All Kinds, Particularly from Land-Based Activities.” During this session, GHFS presented the methodology and early results of its ongoing PROMAR waste characterisation study, which examines the sources and composition of marine litter in the region. 

The panel also explored solutions to marine pollution, including waste prevention strategies, capacity building, and regional collaboration. GHFS used this opportunity to highlight the unique challenges faced by Caribbean nations—specifically the limited technical and financial resources available to address marine pollution. The organisation strongly advocated for a greater Caribbean presence in global marine policy dialogues and stressed the value of peer learning and collaboration across regions to strengthen marine litter reduction efforts. 

Participation in the V.ECOP Days provided GHFS with an influential platform to share Suriname’s experience, contribute to global knowledge on marine sustainability, and call for inclusive and adaptable approaches to managing marine pollution in small island and coastal states.