Imagine coral fragments, reef stars, diving gear, and passionate scientists fuelled by the curiosity of young people for our oceans.
This was the inspiring mix during a recent visit from the Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers team to Vijay International School on Praslin Island, where the Year 3 students stepped into the role of young ocean champions.
As part of the school’s initiative to educate students about the oceans, it welcomed the Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers team to introduce the students to one of Seychelles’ most precious natural ecosystems – coral reefs.
The activity began in the classroom, where students learned about coral reefs, the threats they face, and the Reef Rescuers’ efforts to restore damaged reefs at Cousin Island Special Reserve.
The kids also explored practical ways to help protect these delicate ecosystems. One of the key takeaways was the importance of being responsible when visiting the beach or exploring the reef, highlighting the need for everyone to act responsibly in our marine environments.
The lesson didn’t stop at the classroom; it moved to the beach at Raffles Seychelles Resort, where the Reef Rescuers introduced coral restoration using reef stars. The hexagonal sand-coated steel structures are used in coral reef restoration. Coral fragments are attached to the frames and deployed into the ocean, where they grow. Scientists link multiple Reef Stars together to form an interlocking, web-like mesh across the substrate.
The students eagerly rolled up their sleeves and helped the team attach previously collected coral fragments to two reef stars.
The completed reef stars were deployed in the bay in front of Raffles, adding to the web of approximately 200 reef stars already here.
Why Ocean Education Matters
Seychelles’ coral reefs are fundamental to the country’s environmental and economic well-being. However, these precious ecosystems are facing increasing threats from rising sea temperatures and coral bleaching.
For Nature Seychelles, restoring coral reefs is just one piece of the puzzle. To support resilient reefs, we need an informed and engaged public. Therefore, equally crucial is sharing knowledge with schools, communities, and the broader public to inspire collective action for nature.
Children play a crucial role in this effort. Studies have shown that early experiences with nature cultivate a lifelong sense of environmental awareness and responsibility. Young people who grasp how ecosystems function are more likely to make eco-friendly choices, influence their families and communities, and potentially become the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and decision-makers.
By engaging young people and giving them opportunities to take part in real conservation efforts, Nature Seychelles aims to nurture a generation that values the ocean not just for its beauty but also for the essential services it offers.
The excitement displayed by the Year 3 students at Vijay International School was a wonderful reminder of how naturally curious children are about the environment. They truly impressed the Reef Rescuers team with their insightful questions, existing knowledge about ocean conservation, and eagerness to get involved.
You don’t need to be a marine biologist to help protect coral reefs. You can contribute by avoiding touching or standing on coral reefs while swimming, snorkelling, or diving, practicing safe boating and anchoring, keeping beaches clean, reducing single-use plastics and ocean pollution, respecting marine life, learning more about the ocean and sharing that knowledge with others, and supporting conservation organizations while participating in community environmental activities whenever possible.