The Matara Zonal Education Office, in partnership with southern coastal conservation trusts, inaugurated the Junior Marine Stewards campaign across divisional schools today, September 23, 2026.

Held along the Meddawatta and Polhena coastal stretches, more than 300 school students participated in micro-plastic waste separation audits and helped erect protective fencing around vulnerable sea turtle nesting sites. Educational officers emphasized that direct, hands-on conservation tasks instill environmental responsibility and inspire children to champion coastal ecosystem health within their local fishing and urban communities.