The National Development Foundation of Dominica (NDFD) will once again lead the national observance of Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28, 2026, reaffirming its position as Dominica’s official coordinating body for the global environmental movement.

Observed annually on the last Saturday in March, Earth Hour began as a symbolic lights-off event to demonstrate commitment to climate action. Over time, it has evolved into one of the world’s largest grassroots environmental movements, encouraging individuals, institutions, and communities to dedicate one hour to meaningful actions that benefit the planet.

Since assuming leadership of Earth Hour activities locally in 2021, NDFD has transformed the observance in Dominica from a symbolic gesture into a platform for tangible impact. Through coordinated community clean-ups, youth sensitization campaigns, educational outreach, and strategic partnerships with civil society organizations, the Foundation has consistently promoted environmental responsibility and sustainable practices across the island. These efforts have strengthened public awareness and deepened national participation in environmental stewardship. Hence, we have dubbed ourselves the green champions in Dominica. Even outside of the Earth Hour activities, NDFD has always been synonymous with sustainability. We have green loans at special rates and significantly invested in one of our flagship events called the Green Innovation Summit. The summit is a multi-day competition and training event in Dominica designed to assist aspiring green entrepreneurs in developing environmentally friendly business ideas, enhancing their business management skills, and pitching sustainable solutions for a chance to win cash and in-kind prizes.

For 2026, the global campaign will be executed under the theme:

“60 Minutes for the Planet”

This theme emphasizes that meaningful change can begin with a single, intentional hour. Whether through planting trees, reducing waste, conserving energy, educating others, or

restoring community spaces, every action contributes to building resilience and protecting Dominica’s natural environment.

In partnership with the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC), NDFD will implement a structured, three-tier school engagement initiative designed to mobilize students at every educational level.

Secondary Schools and Dominica State College will participate in the “Be REEL on Earth Hour” social media competition. Students will create 30–90 second videos documenting how they dedicate 60 minutes to positive environmental action. Submissions will be shared on NDFD’ s social media platforms, with the top three entries determined by public engagement receiving cash prizes of €60, $60 USD, and $60 EC respectively.

Primary Schools will compete in a spoken word and poetry contest titled “Voices for the Earth.” This initiative encourages creative expression while reinforcing environmental education and responsibility among young learners. Entries will be evaluated based on both public engagement and panel assessment.

Preschools will participate in a slogan recital initiative by completing the phrase “Earth Hour is…” in short video submissions. The winning entry will be selected as Dominica’s official Earth Hour slogan for 2027, ensuring that even the nation’s youngest students play a role in shaping the campaign’s future identity.

All schools finishing in the top 3 of each tier will receive hampers from corporate sponsors.

Recognizing that March 28 falls on a Saturday, schools will be permitted to conduct their activities during the week leading up to Earth Hour, ensuring broad participation despite the weekend observance.

In addition to the student competitions, NDFD staff, partner organizations, and volunteers will undertake a major initiative: the launch of a Life Park at the NDFD-sponsored Wotten Waven Primary School. This project will involve tree planting, clean-up, and beautification efforts aimed at transforming a the school’s space into a sustainable green area for students. The Life Park is envisioned as a long-term environmental legacy project that will continue to develop annually, serving as a living example of stewardship and community collaboration.

As a national development institution committed to sustainable growth and resilience, NDFD views environmental protection as integral to Dominica’s future. Earth Hour 2026 provides an opportunity to mobilize youth, strengthen partnerships, and inspire practical environmental action.

NDFD encourages all citizens, organizations, and community groups to participate by dedicating 60 minutes to positive environmental activities during the week of Earth Hour. We do encourage individuals and businesses to participate in whatever creative way works best for them, as well as donating to the awarding of additional prizes and hampers to the schools.

For further information regarding participation guidelines and timelines, follow NDFD’ s official social media platforms or contact the Foundation directly.