During November 2023, the training course “Greenwashing = Brainwashing” took place in Sint Maarten. The course, aimed at sustainable practices and combating misleading greenwashing strategies, attracted participants from Croatia, Spain and Sint Maarten, representing the NGOs Udruga Zaželi, BACKSLASH and the host, the Caribbean Foundation for Education and Culture.

The training course provided a platform for intensive discussions and workshops, helping participants to distinguish genuine sustainability efforts from deceptive practices. It emphasised critical thinking and practical approaches essential for driving genuine sustainability initiatives.

Participants visited the University of Sint Maarten, a key highlight of the week. Interesting discussions with the President of the University shed light on its commitment to education for sustainability. The President shared his thoughts on the institution’s curriculum and highlighted its emphasis on addressing pressing environmental issues.

They also had the opportunity to visit the island’s only organic farm. This visit was very interesting for the participants as it opened their eyes to the reality of organic plantations, but also provided an opportunity to discuss and reflect on consumer markets and the need for imports and exports on an island like Sint Maarten.