Four classes (years 5 and 6) will receive full class scholarships to attend a 3-day/2-night Marine Ecology Course in Little Cayman

Little Cayman, Cayman Islands;21^st August 2025 – The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is excited to announce the launch of the Eco-Warrior Challenge 2025, an engaging nationwide competition for government primary school classes (years 5 and 6) to showcase their passion for a healthy environment. This year, students are challenged to think about sustainability for an island nation and create a sustainable island to submit as their application to win a fully funded class scholarship to attend the 3-day/2-night Marine Ecology Course (MEC) at CCMI in Little Cayman.

Launched in 2009, the MEC is an important foundational learning experience that emphasises ocean literacy in students. Since its inception, thousands of students have attended the MEC at CCMI, from primary through secondary levels. In addition to being immersed in tropical marine ecology, participants also learn about history and terrestrial ecology of Little Cayman.

This year, students were encouraged to work together and submit a project to show their interest in and passion for the ocean. CCMI has introduced a specific topic for students to focus on for their project, highlighting an important environmental theme in the news locally and globally. The students will tackle the concept of sustainability and how to balance human needs with those of the natural world. As a class, students can work together on their class project to submit for consideration – and the chance to win the fully funded educational experience at CCMI’s field station on Little Cayman.

In 2025, the challenge is inspired by the World Ocean Day theme, “Sustaining What Sustains Us,” and the challenge is to design their own sustainable island. Each participating class will imagine and design their own 100% sustainable island, including thinking of a name for the island, creating a flag/motto/symbol, and drawing or building the island while indicating key sustainable features. Classes will also be asked to provide explanatory notes that describe how each feature supports environmental protection and sustainability.

 “We’re asking students to imagine a world they would like to live in through the lens of sustainability,” said Chandré Delpeche, Education Assistant. “It’s a fun, hands-on way to inspire the next generation of ocean advocates and problem-solvers.”

Programme Prizes: Fully Funded Marine Ecology Course at CCMI

Thanks to the generous support of BODA Charitable Star Trust, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Dart, CG BritCay, and KPMG, CCMI is proud to offer four fully funded 3-day Marine Ecology Courses in November and December 2025 – a record number of class scholarships for this programme in a single year! These field courses take place at the Little Cayman Research Centre, where students will snorkel coral reefs, explore mangrove ecosystems, and participate in interactive marine science workshops, all led by CCMI’s team of expert educators and scientists. 

A record number of corporate entities found the Eco-Warrior Challenge to be a programme that easily aligned with ESG and community investment giving mandates in key areas of youth development, education, and environmental initiatives. From the focus on sustainability to the impact on students in an experiential programme at CCMI, sponsors felt the Eco-Warrior Challenge offered a unique and important opportunity for Caymanian students.

“CCMI’s Eco-Warrior Challenge is a valuable opportunity for students to imagine and create a sustainable future for the Cayman Islands through hands-on experiences. At the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, we believe that investing in our young people is one of the most impactful ways we can protect and preserve our islands for generations to come. We are proud to partner with CCMI on this challenge to help encourage appreciation and pride in our islands’ natural heritage,” said Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism.

Dart is now in the second year of supporting these class scholarships, feeling they offer important opportunities for Caymanian students to engage in local environmental topics and problem-solving activities:

“At Dart, we believe that education is the foundation of a sustainable future. The Eco-Warrior Challenge provides hands-on learning and sparks interest in STEM subjects and careers and is a powerful example of how experiential learning can inspire future environmental stewards. We are proud to play a role in helping to shape the next generation of Caymanians who understand, value and will, ultimately, protect our environment for years to come.”

As a new supporter of the Eco-Warrior Challenge, CG BritCay Marketing Manager Kenisha Morgan-Taylor shares how this aligns with their community investments:

“As part of our commitment to the Cayman Islands and our guiding pillars of Health, Education, Environment & Sustainability, CG BritCay is proud to support CCMI’s Eco-Warrior Challenge for 2025. We believe that empowering young Caymanians with environmental knowledge and leadership skills not only strengthens our community but also protects the future of the islands we call home. This initiative aligns with our people-first approach and our dedication to fostering meaningful impact through CG Community.”

Teachers, parents, principals, and other education professionals are encouraged to get their government school classes and children involved in applying for one of these opportunities. Applications are due to CCMI by Friday, 3rd October 2025, with the judging taking place the following week. Winners will be announced by 17th October, and the courses in Little Cayman will run in November and December, in conjunction with November’s Caribbean Tourism Month. For full details and application, please visit: https://reefresearch.org/our-work/education/school-trips/ 

Why It Matters

With ocean health increasingly threatened by pollution, climate change, and habitat loss, CCMI believes that youth engagement is critical to long-term conservation. Ms. Delpeche believes that through the Eco-Warrior Challenge, students not only gain scientific knowledge but also learn to care deeply about their natural surroundings.

“If we want future generations to protect what sustains us, they first need to experience its wonder. That’s exactly what this challenge and the MEC course provides.”

For more information about the Eco-Warrior Challenge or the Marine Ecology Course, visit www.reefresearch.org or contact [email protected].

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ABOUT CCMI

CCMI is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998 to protect the future of coral reefs, envisioning a world with vibrant oceans and healthy coral reef ecosystems. We seek to be the Caribbean’s premier marine research institute by delivering cutting edge research, transforming conservation strategy and developing education programmes of excellence – discovering and promoting real solutions to declining ocean health. Our plan is to invigorate key species and understand key ocean processes that drive reef resilience. We support early career scientists who are INNOVATING ways to improve coral reef health. We are TRANSFORMING conservation strategy and work to inspire the CHANGE that is needed to achieve our mission. CCMI are PIONEERS in the region working to reverse the declines of coral reefs. 

CCMI is a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (ID# 22-3609293). CCMI is also a UK charity (#1104009) and Cayman Islands nonprofit (NP-03) with satellite offices in both the United Kingdom and on Grand Cayman. To deliver our mission, we also have a range of outstanding international partnerships and collaborators, all with a clear, simplistic goal to protect oceans for the future.

CCMI has a 2025 Candid. (formerly Guidestar) Platinum Seal of Transparency