The marine area educative of occidental Indian Ocean (AMEO) project, in collaboration with Mohéli National Park (MNP), implements environmental education activities aimed at raising primary school children’ awareness of coral reef conservation. The programme involves 110 children aged 9 to 12, distributed across four classes in three schools, with one educational session per class each week.
Educational trips at sea, including snorkelling activities (fins, mask and snorkel), are organised under the supervision of the project facilitators and with the support of MNP ecoguards. These activities enable children and their teachers to discover reef biodiversity, observe marine organisms in their natural environment, and understand how this ecosystem functions, while adopting environmentally respectful behaviours.
This initiative has also made it possible to establish four educational marine areas, within which educational excursions are organised twice a month.
Classroom, beach and sea activities help strengthen children’ knowledge of the ecosystem services provided by coral reefs and the threats they face.
Through this participatory approach, children become true ambassadors for coral reefs in Mohéli. Every year, on 31 October, they celebrate Coral Reef Day at MNP in order to promote their protection and conservation.
* Images blurred to maintain the children’s privacy
