BREEF’s Young Reporters for the Environment Workshops Inspire Passionate YoungVoices for Conservation

Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) recently hosted a dynamic series of Environmental Journalism Workshops for youth as part of its Students for Environmental Action (SEA) Programme, under the theme “Food Security and Climate Change.” Through this six-week initiative, BREEF continues to empower the next generation of environmental stewards by equipping students with essential skills in marine conservation, water safety, and environmental storytelling. Participants received training in CPR and Emergency First Response, developed water confidence through snorkeling, and engaged in hands-on outdoor learning experiences that foster a deeper connection to The Bahamas’ marine ecosystems.

This semester, SEA students also explored the Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) programme, where 45 eco-conscious students aged 11–18 participated in immersive workshops focused on writing, photography, and video storytelling. These sessions were designed to help students communicate environmental issues in creative and impactful ways, while building critical thinking and media literacy skills.

The YRE workshops brought students together with environmental and media professionals who shared their expertise and inspired participants to tell authentic stories in today’s digital landscape.

Photo 1: Nathan McPhee giving a demonstration on photo settings to get the best outdoor shot.

Photo 2: Author Samantha Black presenting during the creative writing workshop.

One highlight of the series was the outdoor photography workshop, where students combined field experience with technical skill-building. During a snorkeling session at Saunders Beach, participants explored the underwater environment firsthand. Onshore, photographer Nathan McPhee, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Konu Studios, guided students in using underwater cameras, smartphones, and manual camera settings to capture compelling environmental imagery.

Mr. McPhee emphasized the importance of mentorship in the creative sector, noting,

“I'm passionate about youth development, specifically in the creative sector, and I believe that young aspiring creatives in The Bahamas should feel the support and mentorship presence of young professionals who are actively in the field.”

Photo 3: DW Davis students during the outdoor photography and snorkeling session.

Students also participated in a research and interview workshop at Bluefields Farm, where they learned about hydroponic farming and sustainable food production. The experience provided a real-world connection to the workshop theme, allowing students to practice interviewing and storytelling while exploring innovative solutions to food security challenges.

Reflecting on the experience, Richardson Escarment, Grade 9 student at D.W. Davis Junior High School, shared:

“My experience in the BREEF SEA programme has been both exciting and educational. Visiting Bluefields Farm opened my eyes to how sustainable farming can help small island nations like The Bahamas grow their own food and protect the environment for the future.”

Photo 4: Students exploring Bluefields farm.

The creative writing workshop, led by author Samantha Black, encouraged students to harness their creativity to report on environmental issues. Students were challenged to develop their own news stories based on the theme of a “missing” protected marine species, combining imagination with investigative storytelling.

Ms. Black encouraged participants to think critically about their audience, stating:

“When real people share their voices, stories feel more real and easier to connect with. A good news writer thinks about the past, the present, and the future. I always tell young writers to imagine they are the reader or listener and ask themselves: Would I want to read this? Would I click on this story?”

All activities were designed to support students in developing submissions for the Young Reporters for the Environment National Competition, where participants aged 11–25 can submit entries in photography, writing, video, or podcast formats under the theme “Food Security and Climate Change.” National winners will go on to represent The Bahamas in the international YRE competition.

Through programmes like SEA and YRE, BREEF continues to inspire young people to become informed storytellers, environmental advocates, and future leaders, using their voices to highlight the importance of protecting our natural resources.

Photo 5: Students practice photo angles with cameras in YRE outdoor photography activity.

Photo 6: Heather Brockbank, BREEF Education Officer gives a safety briefing before the snorkel. 

Encouraging young people to speak up about environmental issues is essential, according to BREEF Executive Director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert. She noted that the youth are the future and will play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable future for the country. “The Young Reporters for the Environment programme challenges young people to look at the ocean and the land around them, identify threats and solutions,  and think about effective ways of communicating about what’s going on in the world around us to drive positive change,” she said.

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 the media of writing, photography, or video. There are more than 350,000 young reporters in 47 countries across the world. The deadline for the 2026 Young Reporters for the Environment competition is 13th April. 

The YRE workshops and SEA Programme were made possible through the support of the Moore Bahamas Foundation, Builders Initiative and Primat Foundation. To learn more about BREEF’s Young Reporters for the Environment Programme and its work in promoting the conservation of the Bahamian marine environment, please visit www.breef.org or email breef@breef.org.