Sixteen D’Arros Eksploraters from secondary schools around Seychelles have spent two weeks living on D’Arros Island and learning about the unique and relatively pristine ecosystems of D’Arros and St Joseph Atoll. 

The first D’Arros Experience was hosted by the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) Lekol Zil Sesel (SOSF Island School Seychelles) and the SOSF D’Arros Research Centre. 

Seychelles has a long history of positive environmental practices and careful management has led to the successful rehabilitation of crucial ecological systems such as the world heritage site – Aldabra Atoll. In an effort to contribute to this legacy, the SOSF hoped that exposing young adults to an abundant and incredibly beautiful environmental system would inspire in them a sense of environmental custodianship and make them active ambassadors for the marine world that they are so intricately connected to and dependent upon.   

“The foundation regards environmental education as an invaluable investment in our planet’s future. Programmes like the D’Arros Experience that provide us with a unique opportunity to give young people direct exposure to the natural world outside of the classroom are one of the most valuable tools that we have as conservationists,” says SOSF chief executive Michael Scholl. 

During their time on the island, two groups of Eksploraters took part in a number of project-based, location-based and experiential activities that gave them important insights into the functioning of each unique part of the D’Arros/St Joseph system, including the atoll lagoon, mangrove channels, tropical broad-leaf forests, nesting turtle habitats and abundant coral reefs. 
Twelve-year-old Leanne Appoo’s interaction with a shark had a very positive impact on her impression of these misunderstood animals.

“Abbie and I were snorkeling and a blacktip shark swam right past us. It didn’t even notice us. It just swam right past. It was kind of in its own world. From what I have seen, if you don’t bother sharks, they won’t bother you. If I tell people at school they might not believe me, because they only know about sharks from movies and most movies discriminate against sharks, but they are actually really calm animals,” said Leanne.

As part of the programme, the students were helped in writing blogs about their experience. This exercise provided SOSF educators with crucial feedback indicating the success of the project.  
Carol Hoareau, 16, had a profound encounter with a nesting green turtle. “It was the first time I had witnessed such a special event. Every single thing that I had learned about turtles this week came to life right in front of me. Experiencing it for myself was really inspiring. It felt amazing standing so close to such an animal that I had only learned about in the classroom. Hearing it breathe and move through the sand brought this feeling of joy and admiration. My respect for this animal definitely deepened. I knew turtles were important, but seeing one up close on land created this sense of urgency: it is truly my duty as a member of the growing generation to do something for their well-being and protect this species from the threats it faces,” Carol reflected in her blog. 

Sean Pillay, 16, demonstrated similar insights. “Every moment in nature is unique and special in its own way and should not be taken for granted. A single factor such as the tide may completely change the ecology of the environment, presenting new dangers and challenges. Only you will be able to decide what to do with the incredible natural heritage that you have been given,” he wrote. 
The D’Arros Experience is an annual collaboration between the SOSF and the Ministries of Environment and Energy, and Education of Seychelles. 
All of the students’ blogs are available online at http://saveourseas.com/darrosexperience. 

The Island School Seychelles seeks to promote understanding and respect for the marine environment in Seychelles through community education programmes. By putting together a team of enthusiastic educators and scientists who will share their passion for the ocean together with in-water field experiences and opportunities to look deeply into the intricacies of the marine environment, it sets its sights on turning the tide in favour of improved environmental stewardship and a renewed sense of ownership.

In the effort to protect our oceans, the Save Our Seas Foundation funds and supports research, education and conservation projects worldwide focusing primarily on charismatic threatened wildlife and their habitats. From a small, non-profit organisation funding just five projects, in less than 10 years, the SOSF has grown to become a major player in the fight to save the world’s oceans and the wealth of marine life they contain. 

While the SOSF itself is not a research institute, its generous contributions of financial, practical and scientific support have, to date, facilitated more than 160 marine research and conservation projects around the world. 

(The accompanying photographs of the children’s adventure on D’Arros were taken by Michael Scholl from the Save Our Seas Foundation).