Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Government has agreed to continue funding the annual International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC), with an annual subvention of $121,000 to be administered through the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development.
Planning Minister, Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, said the support underscores Government's commitment to protecting T&T's coastal and marine environment and maintaining the country's leadership in sustainable coastal management.
"The Caribbean Network for Integrated Rural Development, which introduced the International Coastal Cleanup to Trinidad and Tobago, said it will continue to coordinate the initiative alongside a National Planning Committee, comprising representatives from Government agencies, the private sector and NGOs."
According to the Ministry, Government funding supports nationwide clean-up activities, including logistics, volunteer equipment, transportation, training, public education and data management.
In 2025, more than 4,400 volunteers participated in clean-up exercises at 62 sites across the country, removing just under 22,000 kilogrammes of marine debris from approximately 100 kilometres of coastline.
Dr. Swaratsingh said the initiative, scheduled for September 12th along the Foreshore at the Audrey Jeffers Highway, not only removes litter, but also generates critical data used to guide environmental policy.
He added that continued funding reflects Government's commitment to reducing marine litter, protecting sensitive coastal ecosystems and strengthening climate resilience.
Government has agreed to continue funding the annual International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC), with an annual subvention of $121,000 to be administered through the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development.
Planning Minister, Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, said the support underscores Government's commitment to protecting T&T's coastal and marine environment and maintaining the country's leadership in sustainable coastal management.
"The Caribbean Network for Integrated Rural Development, which introduced the International Coastal Cleanup to Trinidad and Tobago, said it will continue to coordinate the initiative alongside a National Planning Committee, comprising representatives from Government agencies, the private sector and NGOs."
According to the Ministry, Government funding supports nationwide clean-up activities, including logistics, volunteer equipment, transportation, training, public education and data management.
In 2025, more than 4,400 volunteers participated in clean-up exercises at 62 sites across the country, removing just under 22,000 kilogrammes of marine debris from approximately 100 kilometres of coastline.
Dr. Swaratsingh said the initiative, scheduled for September 12th along the Foreshore at the Audrey Jeffers Highway, not only removes litter, but also generates critical data used to guide environmental policy.
He added that continued funding reflects Government's commitment to reducing marine litter, protecting sensitive coastal ecosystems and strengthening climate resilience.
