The IHO Nature Rangers are mobilising youth and community groups across Antigua and Barbuda to participate in International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026, with a focus on removing marine and land-based litter and strengthening youth action to protect the country’s coastal and marine environments.
The initiative will be led by the IHO Nature Rangers and Volunteer Litter Prevention Wardens, a subset of the IHO Nature Rangers with other youth groups and community partners invited to join the cleanup effort. Young people from communities including Parham, Seatons, Glanvilles and surrounding areas are encouraged to take part in protecting the coastal spaces that are critical to Antigua and Barbuda’s environment, communities and blue economy.
On a recent visit to coastal areas within the North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA), the project team observed debris entering and accumulating along the coastline from both land and sea. This highlights the importance of continued action to reduce litter at its source, remove waste from vulnerable coastal areas, and encourage greater responsibility for the health of our marine spaces.
Britney McDonald, Project Manager for the IHO Nature Rangers, noted “On a recent visit, we saw firsthand the amount of debris reaching our coastal spaces from both land and sea. These areas are incredibly important to our communities and to the blue economy. Our coastlines support fisheries, tourism, recreation, biodiversity and livelihoods, so protecting them requires all of us to take action. This cleanup is an opportunity for our young people, volunteers and communities to lead by example and demonstrate that environmental stewardship is something we can all participate in.”
Observed on September 19th, 2026, International Coastal Cleanup Day provides an opportunity for communities around the world to come together to remove litter from coastlines and waterways. For the IHO Nature Rangers, the activity forms part of ongoing efforts to build environmental awareness, develop youth leadership and encourage practical conservation action across NEMMA communities. IHO Nature Rangers have previously supported cleanups in Parham, Seatons and Glanvilles through the project.
The Volunteer Litter Prevention Wardens will play an important role alongside the broader IHO Nature Rangers, supporting cleanup activities and promoting responsible waste disposal and litter prevention within their communities.
How to join the Cleanup:
The public is invited to join the IHO Nature Rangers, Volunteer Litter Prevention Wardens and participating youth groups as they take action for International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026.
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Spencer’s Bay
Registration: https://qrco.de/bgzlSv
Participants are encouraged to come out, get involved and help keep Antigua and Barbuda’s coastal spaces clean, healthy and resilient. Every piece of litter removed is one less piece threatening our marine environment. Every volunteer who participates contributes to a stronger culture of environmental stewardship.
This activity is part of the “Strengthening Conservation Actions in the North East Management Area, Antigua and Barbuda” project, which is led by the IHO-Nature Rangers and is funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and the World Bank with the implementing support of the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute and partner Integrated Health Outreach and EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network.
For media inquiries or more information on the project, contact, Project Manager, Britney McDonald, britmcdonald@outlook.com, (268) 785-5169.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: IHO Nature Rangers Continues Clean-up Efforts with International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026.