Protecting Paradise: Green VI and Beyond the Reef Unite for Wreck Week 2025 

Green VI and Beyond the Reef played a vital role in this year’s Wreck Week — a cherished annual event in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) that celebrates the territory’s rich maritime heritage while promoting the protection of its stunning marine environment. This dynamic week of activities was not only about honoring the past, but also shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for the islands. 

As part of the week’s programming, three impactful beach cleanups were held across the territory. These events brought together a diverse mix of local school children, residents, and visiting tourists, all rallying around a shared purpose: preventing plastic pollution from entering BVI waters. 

Each cleanup began with an engaging educational session on the dangers of marine litter and its long-term impacts on ocean ecosystems. Participants were also introduced to the PROMAR (Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea) Project, a regional initiative that supports coordinated action and awareness to reduce marine plastic pollution. 

The results were impressive: a total of 1,118.25 pounds of trash was removed from BVI beaches — an overwhelming 1,000 pounds of which was plastic. These numbers highlight both the urgency of the issue and the power of collective action. 

Through efforts like Wreck Week, and the unwavering support of environmental champions like Green VI and Beyond the Reef, the BVI continues to take meaningful steps toward preserving its natural beauty and marine biodiversity for generations to come.