Turtles Take Center Stage in Cayman Islands for the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign
- James Clark
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Cayman Islands took a unique approach to the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastic Campaign. During their week of action, they focused on community pledges to reduce pollution and, significantly, on turtle conservation, an issue incredibly close to the territory's heart.
The Cayman Islands Commonwealth Games Association cleverly used the King's Baton Relay to draw attention to the Cayman Turtle Centre. This world-renowned centre has pioneered techniques for breeding endangered green sea turtles, releasing over 36,000 since it opened. During the Baton's visit, conservationists highlighted the existential danger plastic pollution poses to turtles. Turtles are beloved globally, but in the Cayman Islands, they're especially cherished, even appearing on their money and flag. The islands were even named 'Las Tortugas' by early European explorers.
A key initiative promoted was the "Three Plastics a Day" pledge: a simple habit of picking up three pieces of plastic daily. This can make a huge difference if everyone participates. They ask tourists and schools visiting the centre to sign up for it.
Alongside these pledges, the Commonwealth Games Association organised a plastic clean-up event with local groups like Girl Guiding Cayman Islands, Cayman Islands Red Cross, schools, and individuals. This multi-faceted approach shows the Cayman Islands' deep commitment to protecting its marine environment and beloved turtles.
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN.
The Royal Commonwealth Society’s Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign will prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways.
The campaign will combine education and local action to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste, highlight alternatives, and reduce pollution across the Commonwealth.
For the action component of the campaign, the Royal Commonwealth Society has partnered with Commonwealth Sport to deliver the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign as a core component of The King’s Baton Relay. This newly envisioned King’s Baton Relay will focus on sustainability and environmentalism and was launched by His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day 2025, beginning a 500-day journey to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026.
Journeying through every Commonwealth nation and territory, this partnership will bring together young people, athletes, conservation groups, and the local community for a week of activities, including a plastic clean-up.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
