Youth in Action Cleaning up the Coastal Zone in St. Kitts

The Integrating Water, Land and Ecosystems Management in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (GEF-IWEco) Project   is actively working with the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) in St. Kitts and Nevis to build upon and enhance the coastal clean-up efforts

As part of Youth in Service Day 2021, held on Saturday 13th February in St. Kitts and Nevis, the Caribbean Youth Environment Network in St. Kitts and Nevis (CYEN in SKN) partnered with the Department of Youth Empowerment to lead beach clean ups on ten (10) beaches all over the island of St. Kitts.  This was the largest coordinated beach clean-up effort even in St. Kitts and Nevis.  Over 172 volunteers rallied together to clean up more than 930 kg of trash from the coastal zone.

Detailed data as to the types of trash collected are currently being compiled and will be stored in a central database so that these efforts can be properly tracked and monitored over time.  CYEN in SKN aims to build on this experience and continue to grow its network of youths and community groups inspired to action in our coastal zone. Other groups and agencies involved in this island-wide clean up included The Ripple Institute SKN, St. Kitts and Nevis Chess Federation, Psychological Learning Centre, St. Kitts and Nevis Turtle Monitoring Network, Department of Environment, Department of Youth Empowerment Youth Volunteer Corps, Department of Marine Resources, Reef Guardians, Anjolique Dance Company, Ministry of Tourism, CSEAO, Sustainable Destination Council and the Ross University Scuba Club!

CYEN in SKN aims to mobilize the youth in St. Kitts and Nevis by equipping them with the proper tools and training to become active guardians of the coastal areas in their communities through environmental monitoring and clean-up activities.  These activities are spearheaded by the group under the Clean Seas Program ( www.cleanseas.org ). 

The Integrating Water, Land and Ecosystems Management in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (GEF-IWEco) Project is a multi-focal, regional project that builds upon the work of previous initiatives, to address water, land and biodiversity resource management as well as climate change in ten participating countries.

IWEco is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UN Environment (UNEP) is the lead Implementing Agency for national and regional sub-projects. The UN Development Programme also implements some activities aimed at supporting community-based livelihood opportunities through the GEF-Small Grants Programme.