Seacology is proud to announce the launch of Play for the Mangroves in Jamaica! Following successful initiatives in the Dominican Republic and the Philippines, Jamaica becomes the third country to join this growing movement at the intersection of environmental protection and youth development.

We believe that young people can be powerful agents of environmental change. Play for the Mangroves gives kids sports equipment and training, in exchange for active participation in conservation activities such as mangrove planting, cleanups, and coastal biodiversity monitoring.

The program’s debut in Jamaica is made possible through a partnership with the Breds Treasure Beach Foundation, a respected community organization known for its work in education, sports, and sustainable development. The initiative will take place in the Parish of St. Elizabeth, a region rich in natural resources and home to passionate youth eager to make a difference. The local program is led by Trysion Walters, a youth coach, marine warden and manager of the Galleon Fish Sanctuary, a protected coastal area originally established in 2011 at 625 acres and recently expanded to 1,150 acres. 

Play for the Mangroves Jamaica will focus on soccer and netball, the most popular sports there. The first activities are already underway, with local youth taking part in beach cleanups and mangrove education days, and receiving in exchange for equipment and training.

“As a marine warden,” says Walters, “I’ve seen firsthand the threats our coasts face. This program gives young people the tools and motivation to become protectors of the same ecosystems they grow up around while staying active and connected through sports.”

Since its founding as part of Seacology’s Dominican Republic Mangrove Initiative, Play for the Mangroves has seen inspiring success. In the DR, the program has engaged thousands of youth in coastal towns, planted thousands of mangrove seedlings, and developed a loyal network of volunteers and community partners. A similar pilot in the Philippines is now in progress, showing that this model can be adapted to diverse social and ecological contexts.

“This program fits perfectly into our mission at Breds,” said Jason Henzell, director of the Breds Treasure Beach Foundation. “We believe in empowering youth, preserving our natural resources, and building resilient communities. Partnering with Seacology is a natural step forward.”

The Jamaica launch represents another milestone in Play for the Mangroves’ vision of combining grassroots sports with tangible climate action. The program’s long-term goal is to create a global network of young coastal guardians who are proud to defend their mangroves and marine ecosystems.

“We’re building more than teams, we’re building a generation of young environmental stewards,” said Ismael Díaz, program coordinator of Play for the Mangroves in the Dominican Republic. “To see our model resonate from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia is incredibly energizing. Jamaica brings new energy, new stories, and a strong community to this growing movement.”

Follow @playforthemangroves on Instagram for updates on the program in all three countries!