To mark World Environment Day (Friday 5th June) and World Ocean Day (Monday 8th June) 2026, SAERI combined both days and teamed up with local partners to host a community event celebrating our connection to the environment and sea around us.
Our natural environment and oceans are deeply connected, sustaining life on Earth and supporting the wellbeing of communities across the globe. From the land beneath our feet to the seas that surround us, healthy ecosystems regulate our climate, provide food and resources, support biodiversity, and underpin local livelihoods and cultures. Yet these vital environments face growing pressures from climate change, pollution, habitat loss, and the unsustainable use of natural resources. World Environment Day and World Ocean Day provide an opportunity to come together to celebrate the natural world, recognise the benefits it provides, and reflect on the actions we can all take to protect it. Even the smallest changes in our daily habits can collectively make a big difference.
Dr Taahir Mohamed from SALL dissecting a Rockcod
The event brought together SAERI, various Falkland Islands Government (FIG) Departments, Falklands Conservation, the Falkland Islands Fishing Companies Association (FIFCA), Salmon-Free Falklands, South Atlantic Detection Dogs, The government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands and Shallow Marine Surveys Group (SMSG).
Each stall brought something unique to the day, with engaging displays and hands-on activities for all ages to enjoy.
SAERI’s Head of Business & Finance, Elaine Boyd and our Spatial Analyst / Project Manager, Evan Langridg teamed up with FIG’s Head of Agriculture, Matt Davies and had an informative stall around the Land Recovery Programme projects, with a little experiment showing the effects of water run-off and the comparisons between bare peat and well vegetated peat, highlighting the importance of habitat restoration.
Sclerochronology Scientist Taahir Mohamed represented South Atlantic Laboratories at the World Ocean and Environment Day, hosting a stall showing some fish-aging work being done using otolith bones from fish. Taahir also demonstrated dissections Rock cod specimens, from which some kids went home with parts of fish as souvenirs, much to the dismay of their parents!
The Falkland Islands Fishing Companies Association (FIFCA), attended by Jenny Cockwell, gave visitors an insight into the Loligo fishery with a video showing the fishery in action. The video followed this world class product’s incredible journey from ocean to plate. Nearby, the Falkland Islands Maritime Authority (FIMA) highlighted the important role of shipping in protecting the marine environment, explaining how the maritime industry follows regulations set by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). The convention directs ship design, operations and how applicable regulations are enforced.
Representatives from Salmon Free Falklands included Pete & Fran Biggs, Thies Matzen and Kicki Ericson who shared information about the Islands' unique inshore waters and discussed with visitors why salmon farming poses such a huge risk to the health of Falklands coastal waters and wildlife. Reflecting on the event, they said, "It was a great opportunity to share this with so many interested people, to chat with other interest groups, and to see how much everyone values and treasures our environment."
South Atlantic Detection Dogs was a popular attraction with Director Naomi, and airport biosecurity dog K9 Poppy meeting visitors throughout the afternoon. There were displays showing all the South Atlantic Detection Dogs team, alongside posters with some interesting dog facts that make dogs a great tool for conservation, including the fact that the part of a dog’s brain dedicated to smell is 40% bigger than a human’s! There also were some of the work kits on display, such as dog booties and muzzles. “Poppy thoroughly enjoyed the day and had lots of cuddles with her adoring fans”.
María Wenrong García Gorostol, Fisheries Observer, Frederick Ongoro, Fisheries Observer, Emilie Le Luherne, Fisheries Scientist - Toothfish, came along to represent the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) Fisheries Department. They showcased Falkland Islands fisheries and their protection alongside the Lilibet crew. A short presentation highlighted the work of Observers and the Lilibet and FishOps teams at sea. Displays including a model of the Lilibet, squid beaks, fish otoliths, and interactive puzzles featuring the main target species of each fishery were enjoyed by the public.
The FIG Biosecurity department demonstrated the importance of protecting the islands from invasive species and the crucial role that biosecurity plays in safeguarding the local biodiversity. Dani Biagorri and Christy -Jo Scipio-Odean had on display a range of intercepted species stopped at the border, along with the Falklands own native camel cricket.
Deborah Barlow, Climate Change Officer, Erica Berntsen, Biodiversity Protection Advisor, Ana Claudia Oliveira de Almeida, Assistant Environmental Officer, from FIG’s Environment Department, together showcased the glass recycling system and the tins and cans recycling process, explaining how each stream is collected and processed whilst also promoting the recent Community Planting Day. Visitors had the opportunity to take home and plant some native plants, encouraging habitat restoration across the community. Keeping the public engaged the team brought along a guessing game where the aim was to identify different species and determine if they were native or non-native in the Falkland Islands.
From the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) supporting the event at the stall were Laura Willis - the Chief Executive Officer, John Clorley - Director of Policy and Strategy, Simon Browning - Director of Operations, Bernice Hewitt - Operations Manager, Jamie Oliver - Tourism Manager. Their aim was to highlight the important work to protect the marine and terrestrial environment. Visitors learned about the importance of ensuring the conservation and protection of the fragile ecosystems and biodiversity, and how collaboration with science partners to deliver world-class research, to provide data for decision making, helps to sustain and protect the Territory's unique biodiversity, which has global importance and significance.
Falklands Conservation’s stall was represented by Chief Executive officer Ester Bertram alongside colleagues Ajosh Vijayan, Pamela Q Jelbes and Gonzalo Benitez. Ajosh delivered an insightful demonstration on the collection of greenhouse gas (GHG) samples from different chamber sites, including diddle-dee, white grass and bare peat ecosystems, and explained the principles and applications of continuous carbon monitoring using the eddy covariance flux tower. The team also spoke to visitors about conservation projects across the Islands, sold merchandise to support their work, and provided colouring books and activities for younger attendees. They described the event as "a wonderful afternoon" and were delighted by the enthusiasm and engagement shown by the community.
The Shallow Marine Surveys Group (SMSG) with Dr Paul Brewin, Dr Paul Brickle, Steve Brown and PhD Student Amy Guest returned with the crowd favourites incredible display of fascinating small shallow marine creatures found right here in Falklands waters. A great reminder of the ocean’s rich and often hidden biodiversity. Amy also presented posters of her PhD ‘Sub-tidal Ecology and Biogeography of the Falkland Islands’.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all participating organisations! Thanks to the FIDF for letting us use the hall, as well as The Falkland Islands Company, Malvina House Hotel, Stanley Services, The Waterfront Boutique Hotel and Roses Café for keeping everyone fuelled with delicious, donated refreshments. And, of course, thank you to the wonderful Falklands community for turning out and celebrating with us. We hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did!
