Seychelles Natural History Museum Club: April holiday adventures
Once again, the Seychelles Natural History Museum Club kids embarked on an enriching journey during the April holidays. These children, aged 7 to 16 and from various schools across Mahé, gathered for a programme carefully crafted by the museum. This initiative aims to expose children to the wonders of the natural world, instilling in them a sense of environmental stewardship and fostering a deeper understanding of conservation efforts.
Among their various adventures, some notable ones stand out. The kids kicked off with an enlightening experience guided by Hillary Albert, the sustainability coordinator at Constance Ephelia Resort, and other dedicated staff members. Here, the children learned about the management of mangroves, including the different species of mangroves and their role in the coastal ecosystem. With hands-on experience planting mangrove saplings at Ephelia Resort, they gained valuable insights into the vital role these coastal habitats play in preserving Seychelles’ unique biodiversity.
In celebration of Earth Day 2024, the club kids teamed up with Parley Seychelles for a special beach clean-up at Ex-Casuarina Beach. With gloves and bags in hand, they carefully combed the sandy shores, picking up plastic waste that posed a threat to marine life and ecosystems. As they worked tirelessly under the sun, the children experienced first-hand how harmful plastic pollution can be to our oceans and the creatures that call them home. This experience strengthened their dedication to protecting the environment for future generations.
Continuing their journey of discovery, the kids delved into an intriguing activity focused on identifying seaweed, in partnership with SeyCCAT’s Macroalgal Resources Project. Led by project coordinator Mariette Dine, the exploration took place at Reef Estate beach, Au Cap. From gathering and sorting seaweeds to exploring the detailed research conducted at UniSey’s wet lab, the children were fascinated by the rich diversity and importance of these marine organisms. Motivated by their newfound understanding, the kids crafted art pieces that highlighted the beauty and significance of Seychelles’ seaweed ecosystems.
The adventure continued with a fascinating river exploration with Gaea Seychelles, a research and citizen science-based organisation established in 2018. Led by Dr Elvina Henriette and facilitated by project staff including Mersiah Rose and Benny Moncherie, the children ventured to Grand Anse River. This activity, conducted under the JRS Biodiversity Foundation river project, allowed them to delve into the benefits of rivers and freshwater ecosystems. Guided by Gaea Seychelles experts, the kids gained insights into environmental concerns and learned how to assess river health through citizen science. They were introduced to various techniques, including the use of bio indicators for evaluating water quality, providing them with valuable knowledge and skills for environmental stewardship.
The children delved into Ocean Labs’ innovative efforts through an engaging session led by Daniel Hugelmann. They learned about recycling PET plastic, commonly found in beverage bottles, food containers, and packaging materials, gaining a deeper understanding of its environmental impact. Through this discussion, the kids gained a deeper understanding of the importance of recycling in mitigating environmental impact. Furthermore, the session highlighted the role of 3D printing in recycling specific plastics, offering creative solutions for repurposing and reusing materials. The children also got to observe first-hand how 3D printing prototypes are employed in various applications, including the creation of monitoring buoys for data collection in different environments. This practical experience not only broadened their understanding but also sparked their curiosity to explore inventive methods for environmental conservation and sustainability.
On the final day of our holiday activities, the kids embarked on a hike along the Anse Major nature trail. Despite the scorching April heat, they braved the elements as they do every year, eager to immerse in the wonders of nature. Along the trail, our young adventurers had the opportunity to learn about the diverse flora and fauna native to the Seychelles, from the lush mountain vegetation to the vibrant array of plant life. As they trekked through the trail, the kids forged bonds with their teammates, sharing laughter and creating lasting memories.
As they bid farewell to this chapter, the Seychelles Natural History Museum Club extends a heartfelt thank you to all our partners and Children Special Fund (CSF) for their invaluable support in making this programme possible. The club looks forward to future adventures in the August holidays, continuing to foster the conservation mindset and the spirit of learning among young environmentalists. Despite the closure of the museum, their commitment to environmental education remains unwavering, demonstrating resilience and determination to inspire future generations.
Article contributed by Tarah Padayachy – Seychelles National Herbarium,
National Museums Photos: Nicole Barreau and Allana Michel – Seychelles Natural History Museum, National Museums
