ST JAMES, Jamaica — A group of enthusiastic students from Flanker Primary School gathered at the edge of Jobson Bay Eco Beach Park in Trelawny on Saturday for a mangrove planting exercise in celebration of World Wetlands Day.

This initiative is part of an ongoing environmental programme at the school, spearheaded by Sandals Resorts in the Montego Bay region, and aimed at raising environmental awareness among the students while helping to restore local ecosystems.

Under the watchful eyes of volunteers from Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean and the operators of Jobson Bay Eco Beach Park, the activity sought to teach the children the vital role of mangrove forests. They learnt how these ecosystems protect coastlines from erosion, provide habitats for wildlife and support marine biodiversity.

Before the planting began, Mikhail Jobson, executive director of the Sea the Change Foundation, and Haniff Richards, Sandals Montego Bay’s environment, health and safety manager, explained the different types of mangroves and their crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. They also highlighted how mangroves combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide.

With childlike enthusiasm and anticipation, the students planted over 35 young mangrove saplings in the soft, muddy soil along the bay. They were guided by their “big brother and sister” mentors from Sandals Resorts, alongside volunteers from the Kiwanis Club of Trelawny and Jamaica Inn.

“For the children, this hands-on experience went beyond just planting trees — it was an opportunity to connect with nature and understand how their actions can help preserve the environment for future generations,” said Richards.

Flanker Primary teacher Markada Williams echoed his sentiments, emphasising that activities like this not only contribute to the restoration of vital coastal ecosystems but also foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship among young participants.

“By engaging in these exercises, we want our students to not only learn about environmental challenges but also actively participate in the solutions,” she said.

To reinforce the message of environmental protection, the students also participated in a beach clean-up exercise and discussed the various items they found, deepening their understanding of the impact of pollution on marine life.

Flanker Primary Student, Dajalee Barrett (right) and Rochelle Hyman, a volunteer from Sandals Royal Caribbean pause to show us this majestic mangrove sapling. Contributed Photo.

Mikhail Jobson (2nd left), executive director of the Sea the Change Foundation points at something inside the mangroves. Looking on are (l-r) Markada Williams from Flanker Primary; Toni-Ann Stewart-Alexander, president of the Kiwanis Club of Coastal Trelawny; Haniff Richards, EHS manager at Sandals Montego Bay and Ovan Coombs, watersports manager at Jamaica Inn. Contributed Photo.