The Sandals Foundation, in partnership with the GEF Small Grants Program, has supported the impactful Johnson’s Point Community Coastal Stewardship Project in Antigua and Barbuda, led by the local non-profit Adoptacoastline. This initiative has empowered community members to engage in vital coastal stewardship efforts to preserve the beauty and resilience of their shores.

Over 9 months, January – September 2024, 18 Adoptacoastline Youth Stewards were joined by 103 volunteers at 7 community beach clean ups and tree planting events to transform the coastal ecosystem.

Together they removed over 1770 kilograms of trash, 2 derelict vehicles, 1 derelict boat and 2 trucks of large debris. They also planted over 100 indigenous trees, including 41 coconut palm trees along with sea grape, almond, ginep, tamarind, moringa and neem trees.

Johnsons Point resident & Adoptacoastline volunteer, Lila Namu shared: “I have known this beach for over 30 years, it was really terrible, you couldn’t bring your children to sit here, you were between all the garbage, it was horrible! Right now, it is so beautiful.”

Georgia Scarlett, environmental projects coordinator at the Sandals Foundation said: “Sandals Foundation is pleased to have had a successful partnership with Adoptacoastline. The team at all times met and exceeded key deliverables. The work Adoptacoastline does further continues our work of environmental sustainability through active community engagement and creating stewards for a better tomorrow."

Adoptacoastline youth stewards made and installed 3 beach tyre bins which they emptied on a bi-weekly basis. They also took part in 3 circle economy workshops to upcycle plastic into keyrings, fishing rope into bracelets and organic shore finds into ocean artworks. Each youth steward also participated in a snorkel workshop with Veta Wade of Fish ‘n’ Fins and learnt to swim in a 2 month swimming program with Island Rower and Free Diver, Christal Clashing of Splashing with Clashing.

Joshuanette Francis, Johnsons Point Resident and Founder, Good Humans 268 noted a behaviour change: “We have seen a change in behaviour with individuals actually using the bins that have been placed on the beach.”

Jainiece Thomas, Adoptacoastline Youth Steward at Johnson’s Point shared her experience: “I found the beach clean ups incredibly rewarding. Not only did they deepen my appreciation for the beach, but they also emphasized the importance of protecting marine life. These clean ups aimed to create a healthier living environment for the animals that call the sea home. After each clean up, we were fortunate enough to enjoy a refreshing swim in the water before heading back to our respective homes.”

Adoptacoastline’s Johnson’s Point Community Coastal Project shows what is possible when community comes together to take positive action. Kat Byles, Director, Adoptacoastline said: “Being part of my local community to restore this beautiful beach, remove truckloads of trash, replant coconut palms and other indigenous trees was deeply enriching. It has forged community bonds and relationships that will continue for a long time to come. Thank you to Sandals Foundation, GEF Small Grants Program and everyone who took part.”

Adoptacoastline was founded in 2009 by environmental artist Jennifer Meranto to inspire local community with an emphasis on youth to become the caretakers, water keepers, and stewards of the earth and waters, and to optimize their own health by embracing natural, organic lifestyles.