In commemoration of World Oceans Day, students from our Dominican-American University (UNICDA) participated in a meaningful coastal cleanup campaign, organized in collaboration with the Vida Azul Foundation. The activity, which took place at a local beach, successfully collected over 2,800 pounds of waste, including plastics, foam, and other solid debris that severely impact the health of marine ecosystems.

This year’s theme, “Awaken New Depths: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” invites reflection on the deep connection between the oceans and life on Earth. This initiative not only represented a concrete action in favor of the environment but also served as an opportunity to educate and raise awareness among participants about the urgency of protecting our seas.

The organizers emphasized that while these cleanups are valuable, real change begins by preventing pollution at its source. “It’s not just about cleaning up, but about not polluting in the first place. Caring for our oceans is a shared responsibility that starts with our everyday choices,” they stated.

The university thus reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and to shaping responsible citizens who are aware of the impact their actions have on the planet.