The Sandals Foundation Celebrates Marine Awareness Month

April 25, 2024 - Sandals Foundation - Sandals Select

In an effort to promote marine awareness during the month of April, the Sandals Foundation reached out to over 2,000 local students and Sandals Resorts guests to share the importance of the preservation of marine life and expose some of the unique aquatic ecosystems in the Caribbean. Through visits to local schools across the islands of Antigua, the Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, as well as voluntourism experiences integrated into Sandals Resorts’ Reunion Week, the Sandals Foundation continues to spearhead its mission of bettering the region through community, education and environmental outreach.

Observing April as Marine Awareness Month, the Foundation implemented a month-long education campaign to bring to light the importance of coral reefs and marine life to students and community members. Through its partnership with the Releaf Environmental Awareness Program (REAP), the Foundation contributed to educational posters about coral reefs that were handed out to 70 schools and organized outreach activities across the islands including tours of the Boscobel and Whitehouse marine sanctuaries in Jamaica; the Soufriere Marine Park in Saint Lucia; the Bonefish Pond wetlands in the Bahamas; and hands-on lessons covering the significance of reef balls in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

During Sandals Resorts’ Reunion Week, a week for Sandals Select Rewards members to take part in exclusive events at their favorite Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean, marine-oriented Reading Road Trips were organized for guests to visit primary and secondary schools. On Earth Day, students at nine schools participated in a variety of activities including quiz competitions, interactive games, and presentations centered on the benefits of coral reefs and the threats they face.

The Foundation plans on continuing to spread marine education and awareness beyond Marine Awareness Month. It continues to develop environmental stewardship in Caribbean communities and schools through lessons, fieldtrips such as Ride to Save the Wetlands, and its partnership with REAP, which includes establishing environmental clubs in schools. It has also engaged in managing marine sanctuaries, promoting awareness of the invasive lionfish species, and investing in turtle and conch conservation.

To learn more about the Sandals Foundation, visit online at www.sandalsfoundation.org.