Inaugural EcoFest 2026 Welcomes More Than 450 Attendees and Unites Over 40 Local Organisations

Youth-led environmental festival inspires practical action under the theme “Our Islands, Our Climate, Our Future”

Interact Central Cayman Islands is proud has announced the success of its inaugural EcoFest, held on Saturday, 8 August 2026, at the Camana Bay Arts and Recreation Centre.

Centred around the theme “Our Islands, Our Climate, Our Future,” the event brought together more than 40 local environmental organisations, community groups, sustainable businesses and vendors. Over 450 members of the community attended the festival, demonstrating a strong shared interest in protecting the Cayman Islands and creating a more sustainable future.

EcoFest began as an idea developed by student leader and Interact Central Cayman Islands President Zara Majid during the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals Interschool Challenge. Her vision was to create a Cayman climate and environmental festival that would move the conversation beyond passive concern and towards active, hands-on community involvement.

That idea grew into a major community event designed to raise environmental awareness, promote practical sustainability and give residents meaningful ways to become involved.

“EcoFest was created to show people that environmental action does not have to feel distant or overwhelming,” said Majid. “There are organisations, businesses and young people right here in Cayman already developing solutions and creating opportunities to get involved. We wanted to bring them together in one place so that members of the community could learn, connect and leave feeling empowered to take action.”

The need for greater environmental engagement is clear. Findings from the Cayman Islands Climate Change Risk Assessment indicated that 80% of respondents wanted more information and expressed concern about climate change and the environment, while 64% felt unprepared to take action.

“On a small island like Cayman it’s easy for us to brush the effects of climate change aside since they haven’t gotten to the point of being unbearable. As seen in the survey, many people don’t know what to do, which is why the small, actionable steps shared at EcoFest are so valuable.” - Sivaanaa Dcunha, Interact PI Director.

EcoFest sought to help close that gap by making environmental education accessible, engaging and practical. Attendees moved among interactive booths, spoke directly with local experts and youth leaders, discovered sustainable products and services, participated in activities, enjoyed food and entertainment, and entered a free raffle featuring more than 45 donated prizes. Most importantly, visitors were able to leave with practical ideas and next steps for contributing to a more sustainable Cayman Islands.

The event reflected the importance of collaboration and the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. EcoFest could not have been delivered by one club or one individual. Its success required businesses, environmental organisations, government partners, Rotary members, parents, volunteers and young people to contribute funding, expertise, equipment, publicity, activities and countless hours of service.

Interact Central Cayman Islands extends its sincere gratitude to the event’s generous sponsors:

• Platinum Sponsor: Dart

• Gold Sponsors: Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC), the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, and the Cayman Turtle Centre

• Silver Sponsor: GreenTech Solar

Special thanks are also extended to every organisation that participated, sponsored the event or contributed one of the more than 45 prizes included in the free community raffle.

While Majid spearheaded the organisation of EcoFest, she acknowledged that the event was also a team effort. The contributions of the entire Interact team were essential, with special recognition given to Public Image Director Sivaanaa D’Cunha and newly appointed member Moshika Manikandan, both of whom played integral roles in bringing the event to life.

Interact Central Cayman Islands also thanks Rotary Central Cayman Islands, its sponsoring Rotary club, for its continued guidance and support, as well as every parent, volunteer, exhibitor and community partner who assisted with planning, promotion, setup, event-day operations and breakdown.

“Most of all, we thank every person who came through the doors,” Majid added. “Whether you helped with setup or breakdown, hosted a booth, volunteered your time or simply came to enjoy and learn from the event, your support means more than you know. Without you, EcoFest 2026 would not have been such a resounding success.”

Following the strong response to its inaugural event, Interact Central Cayman Islands looks forward to building upon EcoFest’s impact and welcoming the community back for EcoFest 2027.