As the danger of accelerated climate change due to global warming become more evident with the increased erosion of Jamaica’s coasts, the Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (C-CAM) turned its attention to those who will be impacted most—the youth.

The future generation is increasingly becoming a powerful force for solutions, and so on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the Portland Bight Discovery Centre welcomed young change-makers from across Clarendon for the second Annual Youth Forum under the theme ‘Sea the Change: Coastal Protection in the Digital Age’.

This year’s forum placed digital innovation at the heart of climate resilience, encouraging participants to explore how social media, citizen science, mobile technology, and digital storytelling could be used to protect Jamaica’s fragile coastal ecosystems. The event marked a bold step in reshaping traditional approaches to environmental advocacy by embracing the creativity and tech-savviness of the next generation.

“Youth are not just future leaders, they are leading right now,” asserted Shajuane Davis, public education officer at C-CAM.

“With access to digital tools and a deep passion for their communities, these young people are uniquely positioned to drive awareness, action, and advocacy for our environment,” he continued.

 Among the schools in attendance at the forum were Old Harbour High School, Mitchell Town Primary & Infant School and Vere Technical High School. Vere Technical High School copped the prizes for best Jingle Competition, while Kelsie-Paige Graham, an 11-year-old student at Mitchell Town, performed an electrifying dub piece entitled, Climate Change.

Throughout the day, attendees participated in hands-on workshops, digital content creation sessions, environmental games, and a Career Day exposition featuring agencies such as the National Fisheries Authority, National Environment and Planning Agency, and the Forestry Department. The forum aimed to connect the youth with career pathways in sustainability while empowering them to amplify environmental messages using the technology they interact with daily.

Ingrid Parchment, executive director of C-CAM, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative.

“I am pleased that C-CAM is providing a space for our youth who are eager to be engaged in being the voice for change in conservation in the digital age. We look forward to the next steps and feel that we have a bright future with these young leaders,” she stated.

The forum formed part of C-CAM’s broader mission to integrate community voices — especially youth— into the stewardship of the Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA), Jamaica’s largest and most diverse protected region. With rising sea levels, increasing waste, and habitat degradation, the perspectives and participation of young people are vital to developing long-term, sustainable solutions.

Sponsors and partners, including Mark Superstore and Vere Pharmacy, commended the event for giving youth a platform to lead and for its role in shifting from passive participation to active leadership in conservation.

“C-CAM has been at the forefront of environmental management and conservation and this workshop has been central in engaging participants on the critical issues of climate control. Only through education and awareness can we truly act positively as a country to coastal change,” stated Anthony McKenzie, director, Environmental Management & Conservation Division, NEPA.

As Jamaica continues to respond to the pressing realities of climate change, C-CAM’s 2nd Annual Youth Forum stood as a timely reminder that with the right tools and opportunities, young people can “sea the change” — and be the change.