Live Here Love Here's Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds campaign has returned for a sixth year, with a month-long programme of events encouraging people across Northern Ireland to connect with the region's coastline, rivers and waterways. Sponsored by Belfast Harbour and supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the initiative combines outdoor recreation with environmental awareness, highlighting the benefits of blue spaces for physical health, mental wellbeing and stronger communities.
Running throughout August, the programme includes wakeboarding with Meteor Waterski Club in Lisburn on 15 August, Nia Beach Dance sessions at Helen's Bay, an introduction to paddleboarding at Greencastle Beach on 23 August and Coastal Kidz's Rockpool School at Portballintrae on 26 August.
Families can also take part in the Sand, Stone & Sea Build a Lighthouse Challenge at Tyrella Beach on 23 August, using natural beach materials to create model lighthouses while learning about coastal heritage and maritime safety.
Alongside promoting outdoor activity, the campaign aims to raise awareness of marine pollution and encourage greater stewardship of Northern Ireland's waterways. The message comes as Live Here Love Here's Marine Litter Report 2025 found 26,442 pieces of litter across 12 surveyed beaches, with 85% of recorded waste made from plastic.
Community Engagement Manager Lynda Surgenor said connecting people with nature was key to protecting it. "Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds aims to empower more people to connect with the benefits of nature in hopes that it inspires them to want to look after it, and ultimately improve it."
Belfast Harbour's Communications Engagement Manager, Jenni Barkley, said the campaign continued to demonstrate how people could enjoy Northern Ireland's waterways while helping safeguard them for future generations.
Live Here Love Here is also inviting community groups, schools, charities, businesses and local authorities to organise their own events as part of this year's programme. More than half of the Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds events are free to attend, while proceeds from paid activities will support Live Here Love Here's environmental and community engagement work.
