ICC 2025: Together We Cleared Over 3,700 Pounds of Garbage at Foreshore Lookout
On Saturday 20th September, the Foreshore Lookout along the Audrey Jeffers Highway, Port of Spain, came alive with action as leaders, partners and volunteers, united for the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2025.
The Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development (MPEAD), through PROMAR, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), the Environmental Policy & Planning Division (EPPD), and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), in collaboration with the Caribbean Network for Integrated Rural Development (CNIRD) and partners, came together for this global movement to protect our oceans.
Senator Dr. The Honourable Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, and Dr. Ava Maxam, Director of the Institute of Marine Affairs, lent their support—demonstrating the importance of national leadership in building a cleaner, healthier coastline.
(Centre) His Excellency Seijoong Kwon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; 2nd from right His Excellency Victor Hugo Morales Meléndez, Ambassador of Mexico to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; 1st from left – Dr. Ava Maxam, IMA Director; 2nd from left – Mr. Hayden Romano, Managing Director of the EMA; (Right ) son of the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Photo Credit: Daniel Suite, IMA
This year’s results showed just how much collective action can achieve. In 2024, at Hart’s Cut, 80 volunteers collected over 500 pounds of garbage. In 2025, with a larger team of 234 volunteers, we removed an impressive 3,702.5 pounds of garbage from the Foreshore.
Here’s how it worked: volunteers were grouped into teams of four—one dedicated to recording every single item collected, while the other three carefully removed trash from the coastline. This data-driven approach ensures that every bottle, straw, and piece of plastic collected contributes to national and global research on marine litter.
The ICC continues to be a beacon of hope—uniting communities, inspiring collective responsibility, and proving that every action matters. Together, we are making a real difference in the fight against plastic pollution.
2nd from right – Dr. Ava Maxam, IMA Director flanked by ICC 2025 volunteers
Photo Credit: Daniel Suite, IMA
Let’s continue to #SeatheChange!
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