2025 Eco-Warrior Challenge open to Cayman Islands government schools to win a 3-day course to CCMI

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is excited to announce the launch of the Eco-Warrior Challenge 2025, an engaging nationwide competition for government primary school classes (years 5 and 6) to showcase their passion for a healthy environment. This year, students are challenged to think about sustainability for an island nation and create a sustainable island to submit as their application to win a fully funded class scholarship to attend the 3-day/2-night Marine Ecology Course (MEC) at CCMI in Little Cayman.

Launched in 2009, the MEC is an important foundational learning experience that emphasises ocean literacy in students. Since its inception, thousands of students have attended the MEC at CCMI, from primary through secondary levels. In addition to being immersed in tropical marine ecology, participants also learn about history and terrestrial ecology of Little Cayman.

This year, students were encouraged to work together and submit a project to show their interest in and passion for the ocean. CCMI has introduced a specific topic for students to focus on for their project, highlighting an important environmental theme in the news locally and globally. The students will tackle the concept of sustainability and how to balance human needs with those of the natural world. As a class, students can work together on their class project to submit for consideration – and the chance to win the fully funded educational experience at CCMI’s field station on Little Cayman.

In 2025, the challenge is inspired by the World Ocean Day theme, “Sustaining What Sustains Us,” and the challenge is to design their own sustainable island. Each participating class will imagine and design their own 100% sustainable island, including thinking of a name for the island, creating a flag/motto/symbol, and drawing or building the island while indicating key sustainable features. Classes will also be asked to provide explanatory notes that describe how each feature supports environmental protection and sustainability.

 “We’re asking students to imagine a world they would like to live in through the lens of sustainability,” said Chandré Delpeche, Education Assistant. “It’s a fun, hands-on way to inspire the next generation of ocean advocates and problem-solvers.”

Programme Prizes: Fully Funded Marine Ecology Course at CCMI

Thanks to the generous support of BODA Charitable Star Trust, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Dart, CG BritCay, and KPMG, CCMI is proud to offer four fully funded 3-day Marine Ecology Courses in November and December 2025 – a record number of class scholarships for this programme in a single year! These field courses take place at the Little Cayman Research Centre, where students will snorkel coral reefs, explore mangrove ecosystems, and participate in interactive marine science workshops, all led by CCMI’s team of expert educators and scientists.

A record number of corporate entities found the Eco-Warrior Challenge to be a programme that easily aligned with ESG and community investment giving mandates in key areas of youth development, education, and environmental initiatives. From the focus on sustainability to the impact on students in an experiential programme at CCMI, sponsors felt the Eco-Warrior Challenge offered a unique and important opportunity for Caymanian students.

"CCMI's Eco-Warrior Challenge is a valuable opportunity for students to imagine and create a sustainable future for the Cayman Islands through hands-on experiences. At the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, we believe that investing in our young people is one of the most impactful ways we can protect and preserve our islands for generations to come. We are proud to partner with CCMI on this challenge to help encourage appreciation and pride in our islands' natural heritage," said Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism.

Dart is now in the second year of supporting these class scholarships, feeling they offer important opportunities for Caymanian students to engage in local environmental topics and problem-solving activities:

“At Dart, we believe that education is the foundation of a sustainable future. The Eco-Warrior Challenge provides hands-on learning and sparks interest in STEM subjects and careers and is a powerful example of how experiential learning can inspire future environmental stewards. We are proud to play a role in helping to shape the next generation of Caymanians who understand, value and will, ultimately, protect our environment for years to come.”

As a new supporter of the Eco-Warrior Challenge, CG BritCay Marketing Manager Kenisha Morgan-Taylor shares how this aligns with their community investments:

“As part of our commitment to the Cayman Islands and our guiding pillars of Health, Education, Environment & Sustainability, CG BritCay is proud to support CCMI’s Eco-Warrior Challenge for 2025. We believe that empowering young Caymanians with environmental knowledge and leadership skills not only strengthens our community but also protects the future of the islands we call home. This initiative aligns with our people-first approach and our dedication to fostering meaningful impact through CG Community.”

Teachers, parents, principals, and other education professionals are encouraged to get their government school classes and children involved in applying for one of these opportunities. Applications are due to CCMI by Friday, 3rd October 2025, with the judging taking place the following week. Winners will be announced by 17th October, and the courses in Little Cayman will run in November and December, in conjunction with November’s Caribbean Tourism Month. For full details and application, please visit: https://reefresearch.org/our-work/education/school-trips/