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In celebration of the International Day of Education 2025, the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, in collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Jamaica and other key stakeholders, hosted the event “A Glowing Legacy: Bioluminescence and Education for a Peaceful Coexistence. This event underscored the crucial role of education in fostering environmental awareness, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable development. UNESCO provided financial support for this event as part of its commitment to building long-term partnerships and supporting initiatives that promote science education, environmental conservation, and community engagement.

Held at the Institute of Jamaica in Kingston from January 22-26, 2025, the initiative brought together over 600 students and 145 educators, scientists, policymakers, and cultural practitioners. Through film screenings, an interactive exhibition, and hands-on artistic workshops, the event highlighted the captivating bioluminescent ecosystem of Oyster Bay, Trelawny—one of the most remarkable natural wonders of the Caribbean. Bioluminescence, the natural emission of light by living organisms, is a rare and mesmerizing phenomenon caused by biochemical reactions within marine life, such as dinoflagellates, jellyfish, and deep-sea creatures.

In Oyster Bay, Trelawny, the glow is generated by Pyrodinium bahamense, a species of microscopic plankton that emits light when disturbed. This natural display is an ecological wonder and an indicator of the delicate balance within marine ecosystems. However, scientists warn that changes in water quality, pollution, and climate shifts threaten the long-term sustainability of such ecosystems, underscoring the need for conservation efforts. Along these lines, the event served to bridge science, education, and the arts. Attendees, for instance, were able to explore enlarged microscopic images of the plankton responsible for the bay’s ethereal glow.

Also, artistic interpretations reinforced the interconnectedness of nature and human creativity. The exhibition not only celebrated this fragile marine ecosystem but also emphasized the importance of its conservation through interdisciplinary learning. A key highlight was a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring scientists, policymakers, and regional experts who addressed sustainable tourism, ocean conservation, and the role of education in empowering communities. The importance of gender equality and women in science was also emphasized, recognizing women's critical role in advancing scientific discovery and ecological stewardship.

Additionally, the event spotlighted indigenous knowledge as a pillar in reconnecting communities with nature, advocating for a holistic approach to environmental education and sustainability. In his opening remarks, Alibek Otambekov, Program Specialist for Natural Sciences at the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, emphasized the critical role of science and education in environmental conservation, highlighting how the bioluminescent ecosystem of Oyster Bay represents both a scientific treasure and a call to action for sustainable management. He underscored the interconnectedness of disciplines as key drivers for biodiversity protection. 

Moreover, he emphasized gender equality in science and the integration of indigenous knowledge into conservation for a more inclusive future. The event ended with an artistic workshop where participants painted and modeled dinoflagellates, turning science into creative expressions of marine biodiversity. This hands-on experience underscored the power of engaging education. UNESCO and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to using education as a catalyst for sustainable development. The glowing waters of Oyster Bay remind us to protect our natural heritage for future generations.