IMA and NGC Partner to Educate Future Wetland Stewards
As part of the Carli Bay Mangrove Rehabilitation Project, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) and the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) have teamed up to build public awareness and local capacity for wetland conservation.
In October 2023, a formal partnership was established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), laying the foundation for mangrove restoration in the Carli Bay area, located along the Central Gulf of Paria. One of the cornerstones of this initiative has been public education particularly among young people in communities bordering the Couva/Carli wetland.
To this end, the IMA conducted a series of interactive school outreach sessions, reaching over 300 students between the ages of 9 and 15. Presentations on the ecological importance of mangroves were delivered at six schools:
Prize giving ceremony at Couva Anglican Primary
- Couva South Primary
- Couva Anglican Primary
- Exchange RC Primary
- Exchange Presbyterian Primary
- Couva East Secondary
- Couva West Secondary
These engaging sessions featured multimedia presentations and live discussions with IMA educators, helping students explore how mangroves support biodiversity, protect coastlines, and contribute to community livelihoods.
To further encourage youth involvement, the IMA launched a Mangrove Art and Craft Competition for primary schools and a Video Competition for secondary schools. These creative challenges gave students the opportunity to showcase what they had learned and reflect on the role of mangroves in their communities through art, storytelling, and media. The competitions also served to reinforce key environmental messages while inspiring a sense of pride and stewardship.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with thoughtful, high-quality submissions received from across participating schools. Prizes were awarded during school visits, with IMA staff returning to present winners with certificates and gifts captured in a series of heartwarming photographs that reflect the genuine excitement of the students.
Through education, creativity, and community partnership, this outreach initiative is planting more than mangrove seedlings; it is planting seeds of awareness and responsibility in the minds of the next generation.
Holy Faith Convent Couva
Couva Anglican Primary
IMA officers engaging students of Couva West Secondary on the importance of mangrove ecosystems.
IMA officers engaging students of Couva West Secondary on the importance of mangrove ecosystems.
Couva Exchange Presbyterian Primary
Prize giving ceremony at Couva Anglican Primary
Alister Narinesingh address students of the Couva South Government Primary School