Sands Announces 2021 Drop by Drop Project Grant Recipients

Launched in 2020, the Drop by Drop Project, from Sands ECO360 and our long-time partner Clean the World,, has supported an initial cohort group of three organizations dedicated to protecting one of our most precious resources: Water. Seven Clean Seas is a Singaporean social enterprise that designed a floating river plastic collection system to prevent plastic ocean pollution at the source, unveiling it to more than 7,000 people during a virtual event. Get Outdoors Nevada  operate a program to equip educators to teach their students about wetlands, watersheds and water conservation. Finally, the University of Saint Joseph Macao is currently studying the ecosystem service benefits provided by mangrove forests to the highly urbanized territory of Macao Special Administrative Regions (SAR).

Even as the 2020 grant recipients continue their vital work, we can now announce that two organizations have been selected as Drop by Drop Project recipients for 2021: University of Saint Joseph Macao will continue their vital research with continued support from Sands, while Conservation International is a brand new program participant.

University of Saint Joseph Macao: Wetland ecosystems as a nature-based solution to climate change
Returning Drop by Drop Project participant University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macao will continue their work on studying the carbon capture and flood mitigation power of mangroves, focusing in 2021 on the potential of wetland ecosystems as a nature-based solution for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Macao. “We’re making great strides in our research,” said Professor Karen Tagulao, principal investigator at the Institute of Science and Environment at USJ. “The continued funding from Sands Cares and the Drop by Drop Project will help us better understand how mangroves can be instrumental as a nature-based solution for climate change.” The academic, research- and study-based portion of the project will be complemented by community-based activities in order to raise awareness on the importance of wetlands for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Conservation International Singapore: Marine conservation virtual learning series

Conservation International Singapore works to build a comprehensive environmental education program for youth of all ages, from primary school students to post-graduates. “Singapore’s next generation, and youth all around the world, must be geared up for the battle against the climate crisis. This fight requires collective, global action, and everyone has the power to make a difference,” said Sze Zen Wong, Partnerships Manager of Conservation International Singapore. With their Drop by Drop funding, the organization will develop, produce and launch a series of virtual learning resources on marine conservation to build awareness of the importance of safeguarding the planet’s ocean and of the link between doing so and protecting the wellbeing of people around the world. “Our innovative approach using compelling storytelling focused on marine conservation will support educators and students, inspiring a sense of pride in our marine ecosystems and empowering them to protect the ocean.”

Look to our Sands social media pages and Sands Confidential for more updates on the Drop by Drop Project participants as they progress through their important work.