May 2023

Saint Lucia is working towards the phase-out of ozone depleting substances (ODS), in particular, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2030, in line with the targets set under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. CYEN was invited to the Official Launch of Saint Lucia’s Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP Stage II), and the 2 CYEN representatives (Marissa Auguste and Gracy Alcide) won prizes by coming out in the top 3 of the quiz at the end of the event, focusing on the Phase Out.

Meeting of the CYEN Executive with Ms Sherryann Prowell of Integrated Health Outreach Inc (IHO) to discuss a project on “Collaborative Social Accountability for Improved Governance in Protecting Biodiversity Hotspots” to learn more about it and determine in what capacity that CYEN can support.

Discussing the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) project on “Photo-journaling Tree Planting and Organic Farming Training in Fond St Jacques” and learning more about CANARI itself during an informal meeting between Ms Boodram of CANARI, and the local project coordinating team.

The South East Coast Project (SECP) aims to enhance sustainable economic development along the South East Coast of Saint Lucia by maintaining healthy ecosystems, encouraging sustainable livelihoods, and securing global environmental benefits. CYEN embarked on a partnership with the SECP coordinating team to conduct tours along the south east coast where members will visit ecologically significant sites, learn more about the environment, and engage in fun, engaging activities which highlight the significance of the ecology and economy of Saint Lucia. Dates:● 28-Aug-22● 9-Oct-22● 6-May-23

Brief Description: The Massy Recycling trailer is usually located by the Cul-De-Sac branch of Massy, however every few months the trailer is moved for a day to be more accessible to the public in other parts of the island. The CYEN Saint Lucia Chapter volunteers assist the Massy team in collecting and recording the collection of recyclables, when the recycling trailer is moved to different locations. This recycling initiative is also conducted alongside the Chemico team, which collected recyclables specific to the Chemico brand. Dates:● 5-Mar-22● 2-Jul-22● 12-Nov-22● 18-Mar-23 (Global Recycling Day)

The National Climate Action Forum (CAF) seeks to review and strengthen coordination mechanisms, including the new Climate Action Team of the Saint Lucia Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, to enhance the visibility and impact of CSOs and highlight their role as implementers, advocates and watchdogs as part of national climate initiatives alongside government and the private sector. CYEN SLU President, Jevanic Henry, delivered a presentation on youth and CYEN involvement in climate action.

The International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is an annual cleanup which is coordinated by CYEN in Saint Lucia. Various groups are engaged to conduct coastal clean ups in various parts of the island for the putposes of removing harmful waste from the environment, and gathering data which is shared with the global community for analysis of the amount and types of waste in coastal environments. Dates:● 24-Sept-22● 1-Oct-22

The Department of Sustainable Development organised a Plastic-free July Debate on the topic “Beach and coastal cleanups are ineffective in the fight to address plastic pollution”. The Island Innovation Ambassadors were on the proposing side of the debate while CYEN was on the opposing side. CYEN won this live televised debate. Link to live stream on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaintLuciaGovernment/videos/776323860079134

CYEN, in collaboration with the Iyanola Project, coordinated a trip to Grande Anse Beach, which is a turtle nesting site. This was organised for CYEN members and the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College Environmental Club, as a World Biodiversity Day Activity. The trip was educational as participants heard presentations by the Department of Fisheries, the Des Barras Turtle Watch Group (Grande Anse Sea Turtle And Nature Defenders), and other educators on the ecological significance of the site. The entire coastline at the beach contained a high level of sargassum seaweed, and the participants spent the day clearing corridors in the seaweed to assist turtles that come up onto the sand for nesting.