We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Transforming Marine Wastes into Art: A Case Study of Participatory Environmental Advocacy and Blue Economy Promotion Along Lagos Coastlines
Summary
A Nigerian college project turned nearly 487 kg of ocean trash collected from Lagos beaches into art, using creative projects to teach coastal communities about marine pollution and the "Blue Economy" (using ocean resources sustainably). This matters because plastic waste that isn't cleaned up often breaks down into microplastics that can end up in seafood and drinking water, and the study found most community members knew very little about these issues—but were highly supportive of art-based efforts to raise awareness and spark cleanup action.
Marine pollution along Nigeria's coastline is arguably one of the most critical environmental challenges in West Africa, threatening biodiversity, coastal livelihoods and the development of the nation's Blue Economy. Nigerian artists and art institutions have been largely absent from environmental advocacy work, despite the country's 853 kilometres of Atlantic seaboard and its rich tradition of visual culture. This case study chronicles the first phase of a TETFund-sponsored ongoing project titled "Transforming Marine Wastes into Art" implemented by Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, using participatory art practice, community engagement and upcycled marine debris as integrated tools for environmental advocacy and promotion of the Blue Economy. This case study documents the rationale of the project, design, early experience of implementation and community outcomes, based on field activities carried out in three coastal sites (Wave Beach (Elegushi), Gberufun Island (Badagry) and Ilaje Waterfront (Bariga)) between February and April 2026, and baseline survey data collected from 500 respondents. Results gathered demonstrate tangible progress in community engagement, stakeholder partnerships, and waste plastic collection, with nearly 487 kg of marine debris collected across three locations. The survey results also indicate a significant gap in awareness among members of the coastal community regarding the Blue Economy: only 10% of respondents rated themselves as very familiar with the concept. They also reaffirm strong community support for art-based advocacy approaches (76% agreement) and high latent pro-environmental behavioural intentions. The case study provides the need for transferable lessons for art educators, environmental practitioners, community development workers and policymakers seeking replicable models for integrating creative practice into marine conservation and sustainable development initiatives in Nigerian and African coastal contexts.