PROMAR Educational Activities in Galibi- Suriname
Galibi Community Unites for Beach Cleanup and Environmental Education
On May 1–2, 2025, Galibi, Suriname’s only coastal Indigenous community and an important sea turtle nesting area, hosted a successful beach cleanup and educational outreach program. Organized by the Green Heritage Fund Suriname (GHFS) in collaboration with the Foundation for Sustainable Nature Management in Alusiaka (STIDUNAL), the event addressed the urgent issue of plastic pollution while fostering environmental awareness among the community’s youth.
Protecting a Vital Ecosystem
Marine debris, primarily from upstream communities along the Marowijne River in Suriname and French Guiana, poses a serious risk to nesting sea turtles and public safety. In response, at least 14 volunteers, including local youth and GHFS staff, joined forces to remove 44 bags (120 liters each) of waste along the beaches. The cleanup not only improved the natural beauty of the Galibi Nature Reserve but also reduced hazards for residents and visitors.
Educating the Next Generation
On May 2, GHFS conducted interactive educational sessions for at least 19 children aged 4–16. The activities combined fun with learning and aimed to inspire environmental stewardship:
Storytelling Session: Illustrated the harmful journey of a single plastic bag in nature.
Oil Spill Simulation: Showed children the challenges of cleaning up oil pollution.
Creative Recycling: Transformed discarded PET bottles into colorful jellyfish crafts.
Crab Relay Race: A hands-on game simulating the dangers animals face in polluted habitats.
Empowering Environmental Stewards
These activities instilled pride in Galibi’s unique ecosystem and encouraged children to take responsibility for protecting it. The event successfully blended direct action with long-term community engagement, showing how collaborative efforts can address both pollution reduction and environmental education.