400 STRONG TO SAVE OUR SEAS - Heroes Foundation

400 STRONG TO SAVE OUR SEAS: HEROES YOUTH CLEAN UP MANZANILLA BEACH WITH KFC AND ICC

2^nd November 2023 – Port-of-Spain: In an inspiring display of unity and environmental stewardship, 400 local and migrant youth volunteers and supporters joined forces at Manzanilla Beach this past weekend for the KFC Heroes Youth Coastal Cleanup. The event culminated this season’s cleanup efforts led by International Coastal Cleanup Trinidad and Tobago (ICCTT) and the Caribbean Network for Integrated Rural Development (CNIRD). With unwavering determination, the young environmental champions removed an astounding 3,500 pounds of plastic, metal, glass, and miscellaneous debris from over 2 kilometres of coastline.

In an era where environmental challenges loom large, KFC, Heroes, and ICCTT recognise the vital role that youth play in preserving our planet. They believe in empowering young leaders to be the change needed in the world and instilling in them a sense of responsibility and hope.

Brian Lara with young cricket fans at the SAVE launch with the Heroes Foundation

KFC Volunteers at the KFC Heroes Youth Coastal Cleanup

“At KFC, we believe in empowering youth to take action and make a difference. The KFC Heroes Youth Coastal Cleanup is a testament to the power of collective action in safeguarding our environment,” says Roger Rambharose, Vice President KFC. ” KFC, as a proud partner of the Heroes Foundation, is committed to nurturing the next generation of environmental champions. By actively participating in initiatives like this, young people not only clean up our beaches but also contribute to building a sustainable future.”

Lawrence Arjoon, CEO of the Heroes Foundation, underscores the importance of educating younger generations to shape positive behaviours and empowering them to influence positive behaviour change in their schools and communities.

“Our mission goes beyond cleaning up our beaches,”

Arjoon explains.

“We’re here to educate and inspire young people, instilling in them the values of environmental stewardship and showing them how their behaviours, actions, and voices can have a powerful impact. Through activities like the KFC Heroes Youth Coastal Cleanup, we help young people understand the impact of their choices and the importance of sustainable living. They also see that they are not alone in the fight for environmental sustainability and can build networks for support. It’s about creating a ripple effect that will resonate in their schools, communities, and beyond.”

Hard at work – Brian Lara and Heroes Foundation CEO at the SAVE launch

Heroes Foundation CEO, Lawrence Arjoon, at the KFC Heroes Youth Coastal Cleanup

For the past 18 years, the Heroes Foundation has been at the forefront of youth beach cleanups in Trinidad and Tobago as part of the ICCTT National Planning Committee. Driven by a profound understanding of the grave threat posed by ocean pollution and the pivotal role that youth can play in changing the current trajectory, these initiatives have not only contributed to the removal of pollutants from our coastlines but also serve as a crucial source of data on the types of debris that pollute waters internationally.

Marissa Mohamed, ICC Regional Coordinator, emphasises the importance of including youth in the international movement to protect our seas.

“Our planet faces a global crisis, and youth involvement is non-negotiable. The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. The engagement by Heroes, not just for the cleanup, but through the continued education in schools and communities, is essential to drive meaningful change,” Mohamed states. “We are grateful for the partnership with KFC and Heroes, as it highlights the urgency of our mission – a mission that transcends borders, languages, and backgrounds.”

This hands-on action enables young people to take a leadership role in environmental conservation, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) – Life Below Water, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. It specifically emphasises the need to address marine pollution, particularly that which originates from land-based activities.

In a world where environmental concerns are mounting, the KFC Heroes Youth Coastal Cleanup exemplifies the power of unity, education, and action by youth. By empowering young people and fostering an international movement, we take significant strides towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.