Guyana PROMAR Participates in the Coastal Zone Canada 2025 Conference
Professor Temitope Oyedotun, National Lead for the PROMAR Project in Guyana.
Guyana Showcases Marine Litter Solutions at Coastal Zone Canada 2025 Conference
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada – June 2025
The PROMAR project's local partner in Guyana, the University of Guyana was present at the prestigious Coastal Zone Canada 2025 Conference, presenting the innovative work of the PROMAR Project – Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea. Held at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), the conference brought together researchers, policymakers, and civil society leaders under the theme “Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Relationships.”
On June 11, 2025, Professor Temitope Oyedotun, National Lead for the PROMAR Project in Guyana, delivered a compelling presentation titled “Addressing the Plastic Pollution in Guyana’s Coastal Environment: A PROMAR Project.” The presentation was featured in Session 7: Local Voices and Leadership in Stewardship, which focused on grassroots approaches to marine and coastal conservation.
Professor Oyedotun highlighted the pressing issue of marine litter in Guyana, noting the country’s ranking as sixth in the world for mismanaged plastic waste per capita. The PROMAR Project’s response to this challenge is rooted in a four-pronged strategy:
Litter Capture and Interception – including the innovative deployment of Riverboom systems to collect debris from waterways.
Circular Economy Pilots – introducing sustainable business models and practices to reduce plastic dependency.
Policy and Institutional Strengthening – enhancing frameworks that govern waste management and environmental protection.
Education and Awareness – empowering communities, especially youth, through outreach and engagement.
The presentation sparked lively discussions among the 30 participants, with strong interest expressed in topics such as the technical deployment of Riverboom systems, youth involvement through citizen science, and the replication potential of circular economy models across the Caribbean.
The PROMAR Project’s presence at the conference not only highlighted Guyana’s environmental leadership but also reinforced the importance of regional cooperation, local innovation, and data-driven action in the fight against plastic pollution. As coastal nations continue to grapple with the growing threat of marine litter, Guyana’s efforts serve as a model of resilience, partnership, and sustainable stewardship.