About Shoals Rodrigues:

Shoals Rodrigues is a not-for-profit association established in 2001and run by a small team of enthusiastic Rodriguan staff. It is the only marine conservation organization on the remote Indian Ocean island of Rodrigues. We passionately believe in protecting our island’s marine biodiversity and improving the sustainability of the local fisheries through marine education, scientific research and supporting the local community. We have experience of delivering inclusive, active marine learning for the youth on Rodrigues but the demand far outweighs our current capacity.

Project summary:

We are seeking funds to begin a new education programme: the “Rodrigues Reef Rescuers”. The new education programme will engage children from across Rodrigues and create ocean ambassadors. To launch Rodrigues Reef Rescuers, we need to enhance our facilities and purchase new equipment.

The value of children for the future of our oceans:

Teaching the children of Rodrigues about the fascinating sea life surrounding our island will create a feeling of responsibility towards our ocean. Children will bring home their enthusiasm and share their new knowledge with their families, creating a positive impact on the sustainable stewardship of our marine resources. This young generation needs to understand what is happening now, as they will be the ones to take care of our ocean in the future.

Project Need

The isolation of Rodrigues contributes to its unique marine assemblages and it is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. The volcanic island is encompassed by an extensive reef, teeming with exotic fish, octopus and rare self-seeding corals. The wide shallow lagoon, which surrounds the island, covers approximately 240 square kilometers, more than twice the land area of the island itself. But with the passing years pollution and overfishing have caused problems. The local government has come forward with environmental laws to reduce the amount of plastic and to promote sustainable use of our marine resources. But there is a need to educate the young generation about the marine environment and create more awareness about this fragile ecosystem and the need to protect it.

Communities on small islands such as Rodrigues are highly dependent on the marine environment for food, employment, and leisure and their lives are totally connected with the ocean. A good understanding of the biological, ecological and oceanographic systems that operates in the marine environment is vitally important if these communities are to continue to live sustainably into the future. The project will be aimed at creating a young population of ocean leaders willing to take action to save their legacy; the ocean.

The Project – Rodrigues Reef Rescue

Rodrigues Reef Rescuers will build on the foundations of our hugely successful “Club Mer” programme,

 which Shoals Rodrigues launched in 2001. Our Club Mer programme has attracted over 4500 members since it began. Rodrigues Reef Rescue will enable us to increase our capacity to teach the new generation about the lagoon and reefs which encircle Rodrigues. By raising awareness of these environments, children will gain a greater appreciation of the delicate balance of ecology and the importance of the conservation and sustainable use of the seas surrounding this remote island. Children will learn about the ocean through practical science classes (both lab and field practices).

Activities will be organized to encourage this young generation to devote themselves to a cause rather than only looking for money. As we need people really devoted to the cause. Learning to swim, snorkel and dive is an integral part of the learning process. Swimming activities will enhance knowledge retention and encourage participation and engagement in classroom learning. It will also help the participants to know what are at risk if there is not enough people devoted to the protection, conservation and promotion of our marine environment. Rodrigues being a small island aware of the importance of their lagoon has set-up Marine Protected Areas and Marine Reserves. This project will involve awareness on existing MPAs and Marine Reserves and what would be their inputs.

Project Activities

• Appoint a Rodrigues Reef Rescue Education Officer and Science Officer to deliver the education programme.
• Purchase new desks and chairs for students, 40 sets of snorkeling equipment and 10 sets of SCUBA diving equipment to help us deliver science lessons.
• Engage all 17 Primary Schools and 6 Secondary Schools across the island.
• Develop new curriculum to provide engaging and fun learning about the marine environment for children aged 5-13 years.
• Develop new curriculum and practical learning to deliver to teenagers and young adults aged 14-21 years.
• Include learning about habitats, biodiversity and the way human activities are damaging the marine environment and the global consequences of this.
• Engage children in learning about sustainable fishing practices, and exploring the alternatives.
• Integrate the swimming programme for all ages and snorkeling/diving for 14-21-year old.
• Enhance facilities to the standard required for accreditation and work with an external coordinator to achieve accreditation status, which will open up the project to new potential local funding sources.
• Engage young adults in clean-ups, restoration activities (on land and at sea) and sensitization campaigns
• Engage and educate young adults in Marine Protected Areas and Marine Reserves

Benefits of the Project

• The project supports the school curriculum.
• The interactive learning re-engages children who are switched off in the classroom
• Children are inspired by the natural world, and motivated to help protect marine wildlife.
• Children are inspired to share their learning with their families and local communities
• The project encourages values and skills such as responsible citizenship, confidence, positive outlook, leadership and literacy