The Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), through its Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ) division, marked World Ocean Day 2023 on June 8 with a tour of the UWI Port Royal Marine Lab and Biodiversity Centre for three Early Childhood Education institutions. The initiative was organised and led by National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), in collaboration with the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), and UN Offices: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Students of United Early Childhood Development Centre, Merrion Basic and Higholborn Street Basic schools were treated to a guided interactive tour of the Biodiversity Centre and introduced to marine animals living in the Palisadoes-Port Royal area. The immersive encounter at UWI Port Royal Marine Lab and Biodiversity Centre saw students and accompanying teachers closely interacting and being introduced to basic concepts of the natural sciences and also learning about the care and appreciation of the marine environment.

Photo caption: Chauntelle Parkins, scientific officer, Port Royal Marine Lab and Biodiversity Centre, guides students of the Higholborn Street Basic School on a tour of the centre on World Ocean Day, June 8, (Photo credit: The Gleaner Company)

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