Africa-Press – Seychelles. Environment education holiday camp inspires young eco-warriors
Young eco-warriors took a break from screens and classrooms this holiday to explore Seychelles’ natural world through the ministry’s environment education holiday camp.
During the school term, children spend much of their time immersed in academic theory, confined within classrooms and following tight syllabuses that leave little space for outdoor exploration. After school hours, many turn to televisions or mobile phones, limiting their interaction with the natural world even further. To bridge this gap, the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE) continues to provide children with opportunities to reconnect with nature through its Environment Education Holiday Camp.
The camp, held during the school holidays, offers young participants an enriching experience full of exploration, learning, and discovery. This year’s programme focused on coastal ecosystems, equipping students with knowledge and hands-on activities that highlight the importance of protecting Seychelles’ fragile environment.
Although adverse weather conditions prevented an outdoor mangrove activity on the first day, the group instead engaged in a fascinating learning session about sharks. Far from the usual portrayal of sharks as fearsome ocean monsters, students discovered their critical role in maintaining balance in marine ecosystems and gained an appreciation for the different shark species found in Seychelles’ waters.
On the second day, the children turned their attention to coastal rehabilitation. With the support of staff from the Climate Change department, they learned about the importance of planting coastal vegetation to combat erosion. At Anse Royale, they took part in a hands-on activity by planting a variety of coastal plants, seeing firsthand how nature-based solutions help protect vulnerable beaches.
The third day brought an exciting opportunity to explore the mangroves at Port Launay, where the Ephelia Resort’s environment team guided the young eco-warriors through the different species of mangroves. After observing these vital ecosystems in their natural habitat, the children enthusiastically rolled up their sleeves and planted mangroves themselves, contributing to the rehabilitation of the area. Despite getting wet and muddy, the experience was one of the highlights of the camp.
Another engaging session was river monitoring in Bel Ombre, coordinated by Gaea. Students learned scientific methods of assessing river health, including the use of clarity tubes to test water quality, measuring water velocity, and conducting mini-assessments of species found within the river ecosystem. The activity combined fun and discovery, sparking curiosity about freshwater ecosystems.
Speaking about the programme, Jeannette Larue, director general for Public Education and Community Outreach at MACCE, emphasised the long-term vision.
“Our holiday programme aims at building the capacity of children from a very young age, sensitising them to our natural world so that they grow into young environmental ambassadors who will help protect our planet in the future.”
She also highlighted the strong interest in the camp. “The demand for our Environment Education Holiday Camps is very high, but due to limited human and financial resources, we are unable to accommodate all requests.”
Despite these challenges, the holiday camp continues to play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of Seychellois environmental stewards. Through hands-on activities and experiential learning, children not only gain knowledge but also develop a deeper sense of connection to nature – an investment that promises lasting benefits for Seychelles and the planet.
“By inspiring children today, we are nurturing the guardians of tomorrow – ensuring Seychelles’ natural heritage remains protected for generations to come,” stated Ms Larue.
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