Trapping Trash Before It Hits the Ocean – Guyana’s PROMAR Project Takes Action 

In a bold step to tackle plastic pollution at its source, the Guyana-PROMAR project has deployed three innovative litter traps along the East Coast of Demerara, and they are already making a big difference. 

Installed at Triumph, Mon Repos/Good Hope, and Annandale/Lusignan Pump Stations, these homemade-looking yet highly effective traps intercept floating plastic waste in canals before it can flow into the Atlantic Ocean. Built using locally sourced materials like bamboo, 40mm poly rope, and No.11 shrimp net, the traps are simple but powerful tools in the fight against marine litter. 

Since their installation, these traps have prevented over 10 metric tonnes of plastic waste every month from reaching the ocean. The debris is collected twice monthly, sorted, weighed, and analysed to better understand the sources and types of waste polluting Guyana’s waterways. This data is essential for long-term strategies to reduce plastic pollution at its root. 

For local residents, the traps have become more than just equipment in the water. They’re a visible sign of progress. Many community members stop to watch the clean-up process, ask questions, and express their support. 

“This isn’t just about collecting data forever, it’s about taking action now,” said Seon Hamer, Coordinator of Output 1. “We’re proving that simple solutions, built locally and maintained regularly, can make a real difference in the fight against ocean plastic.” 

The success of these litter traps shows how small-scale, community-backed initiatives can create significant environmental impact—one trap, one tonne, one plastic bottle at a time.