Ocean Sustainability for Inner City Communities

This goal of this initiative was to provide education about pressing ocean matters to adults from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). Despite the prevailing notion that environmental education primarily targets younger demographics, my experiences working with the DTES community had highlighted the pressing need for initiatives that extend educational opportunities to adults as well. In crafting this initiative, my goal was to not only to address immediate environmental concerns but also to empower individuals with the skills and awareness necessary for long-term, sustainable practices. By focusing on adults in the Downtown Eastside, this project seeks to create a ripple effect, promoting positive environmental behaviors within the community and, by extension, contributing to the broader efforts in combating plastic pollution and climate change.

The initial phase of this project involved an educational lecture on the detrimental effects of ocean pollution, where participants gained insights into the broader implications of everyday actions. To further empower them to make sustainable choices, each participant received a carefully curated sustainability kit. This kit included a reusable thermal water bottle, reusable food containers, compact silverware, and a sturdy reusable bag. By providing these items, the project aimed to instill environmentally conscious practices, encouraging participants to significantly diminish their reliance on single-use plastic packaging.

The second phase was an experiential learning component, which included a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium. Often, individuals from marginalized communities with limited financial resources face barriers to accessing educational spaces, resulting in a lack of awareness about environmental and biodiversity issues. The visit to the aquarium served as an opportunity to promote accessibility and inclusivity in these spaces, while fostering an appreciation for and connectedness to the ocean among participants.

This project has been created in commemoration of the lives of all the victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, including two Ocean Bridge ambassadors, Danielle Moore and Micah Messent. We aspire to carry on their legacy and commitment to making the world a better place by creating long-lasting impacts with a firm commitment to driving positive change for the environment and our ocean. We will never forget the light that Danielle and Micah brought to the world and will continue to keep them in our hearts. To learn more about these two amazing people, please visit: Honouring Danielle and Micah  – Ocean Wise. This work is partially funded by the Commemoration Fund for Victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Tragedy.