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Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) hosted an Environmental Journalism Photography Workshop for youth at Delaporte Beach under the theme “Ecosystem Restoration”.

Twenty eco-conscious students between the ages of 11-25 participated in a group discussion about threats to our local environment and used their knowledge to capture environmentally conscious images on the beach. The Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) event empowered students as they learned through discussions with environmental experts, how best to communicate authentically in the age of social media. Participants also learned techniques to communicate through storytelling, shedding light on local environmental issues in unique and creative ways. 

BREEF Education & Outreach Officer, Jasmond Collie gave an interactive presentation on threats to our marine environment using the acronym, ‘CHOPIT’ which stands for climate change, habitat loss, overfishing, pollution, invasive species and trade. Collie said that understanding these issues is crucial for a strong foundation in environmental education.

“Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is vital because the environment cannot speak for itself — it needs passionate youth voices to tell its story. Understanding the threats is the first step in translating knowledge into impactful media that can drive change, inspire action, and protect our natural world for generations to come.”

At the end of the event students had captured various images depicting the impacts of climate change, loss of biodiversity and marine pollution. Many of the participants expressed how they felt the workshop helped them in their understanding of the environment and the power of photography.

“I loved being outdoors, getting my feet wet and taking photos all over the beach. I enjoyed all of the activities and seeing the wildlife.” – Deandre Fernander, age 13, D.W. Davis Jr. High School

“The workshop was very entertaining and purposeful. I definitely learned more than what I came with and I got to learn more about BREEF and CHOPIT.” – Shanicia Moxey, age 16, C.R. Walker Sr. High School 

“I liked the experience and getting direct feedback. I enjoyed learning how to take photos and making friends too” – Kayonn-Marie Saunders, age 14, Windsor School “It was a bit more eye-opening than I expected, it helped me to understand more about environmental reporting and motivated me to learn more and participate in the YRE Competition.” – Jaylyn Coakley, age 17, Aquinas College

The workshop activities inspired students to raise their voices about issues that we are facing in The Bahamas as a result of climate change. BREEF Communications Officer & YRE National Operator, Crystal Darling-Sargent says that these workshops are important for the students of today,

“Understanding climate change is essential for our Bahamian youth. We must ensure that they know about these issues and how best to raise awareness, mitigate and adapt. Through the YRE Programme, they are empowered to do this.” 

The workshop also helped students to organize their ideas for entries in the YRE National Competition which kicked off in September 2024. The deadline for YRE National Competition entries is April 7, 2025. 

BREEF runs the Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) programme in The Bahamas. The global programme aims to empower students aged 11-25 to take a stand on environmental issues they feel strongly about and give them a platform to call attention to these issues through writing, photography, video and podcasting. There are more than 350,000 young reporters in 47 countries across the world. BREEF will host YRE Podcasting, Writing and Video workshops in the upcoming months.