Follow us on:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Archive -Seychelles

School children learn more about role of mangroves through planting activity |22 July 2017

A group of schoolchildren from wildlife clubs of the Bel Ombre primary school, along with their teachers, staff from the National Heritage Foundation and the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, yesterday gathered at the Roche Caiman lagoon to plant mangrove saplings.

The planting activity was organised by the ministry in partnership with the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) project. It is to commemorate the International Mangrove Day which is celebrated on July 26.

The aim is to increase the mangrove population in this area as this plant plays a vital role in protecting the shorelines from waves, winds and floods; helping to prevent erosion by stabilising the soil and filter water pollutants. The strong roots of mangroves also act as barrier to rubbish being washed down to the ocean.

It is worth noting that it is not the first time such activity takes place.

The principal secretary for energy and climate change, Wills Agricole, was among those taking part in the planting.

“This is a project the Ministry of Environment is implementing in order for us to protect our coastlines not only from the effects of climate change but also to protect communities from such effect such as flooding. Today we are planting about 500 mangrove saplings. It is an activity we consider important because we want to promote the importance of those mangroves,” said Dr Elvina Henriette, consultant from the ministry.

She remarked the planting activity is a form of environment awareness for the children.

She said the protection is needed not only for the benefit of us humans but for providing habitat for fish, crabs, birds etc …

“It is also important for us to understand the socio-economic importance of mangroves as well. For instance for fisheries, eco-tourism by providing all types of opportunities. Mangroves are also important for education and research,” she added.

Dr Henriette highlighted the importance of people’s understanding of mangroves so they can help in protecting the mangroves in various aspects such as helping to replant them and not to litter them.

The planting activity also comprised people cleaning all rubbish caught in the mangrove roots. She therefore urged the Roche Caiman inhabitants to refrain from littering the mangrove bushes.

Before starting to plant the saplings, Dr Henriette briefed the children on the right way to go about it.

 

 

 

 

» Back to Archive