24.09.2009 

At a recent consultative meeting at Mont Fleuri, President James Michel made a remark that the young members of wildlife clubs would fight back if permission were given to eat sea turtle meat. 

This was in response to a proposal made by a member of the audience who said that there could, at least, be a period in the year when such an activity can happen.

As the founder of one of the most active wildlife clubs in the country, which has over the years received recognition and awards, both locally and internationally, there was a sense of pride when the remark was made.
  
Soon after that there was a chain of SMS texts between members and leaders of wildlife clubs and other environmental educators, all proud that their hard work was publicly recognised by the head of state, which rarely happens in other countries around the world. 

This shows the confidence and recognition the President has for the hard work of environmental educators and the hope he has in the young members of wildlife and other environmental clubs.

The task of environmental educators in raising awareness on issues such as the protection of sea turtles has not been easy.

As a past wildlife club leader, I have been confronted by parents on the changes in their children, especially when members of the club have stood against them because of such issues as sea turtle consumption.

Fortunately, in most cases, parents understood our mission and recognised the importance of the work we are doing. But these achievements would not have been possible without the support of the government, which has put structures and policies in place to support environmental education in schools.

Today, environmental club leaders are getting an extra monthly allowance for their work, and many environmental education projects including those of the wildlife clubs have been financially supported by the President’s Office. Many NGOs have worked alongside the Ministry of Education to promote education for sustainable development in schools.

I have been fortunate enough to meet many environmental educators from around the globe during overseas missions, and many of them are as enthusiastic and dedicated as we are. But unfortunately, many fail to carry out their work due to lack of political support once they go back to their respective countries.

The ministry’s environmental education structure has been often been praised by many international organisations and other environmental educators worldwide. We have achieved a lot and we also know that there is still a lot to be done.

Research has proved that education alone is not enough in changing the behaviour and attitudes of people, yet it still plays a key role in the sustainable development of a country. 

Today, we see some of our young people who have benefited from these awareness and education programmes in the conservation field, while others as returning conservation graduates are now working alongside us to promote a more sustainable planet.

With the continuous support of the government, other hardworking NGOs and dedicated individuals, we will continue to prepare our young people to become eco-warriors and to fight for ecological justice. It is not an easy task in today’s globalised world, but we are sure that we will make a difference.

Seychelles’ environmental educators are proud that their work has been nationally recognised and we thank the President for his recognition and continuous support.

J. Larue, coordinator for environment education in the Ministry of Education and founder of the Colibri Wildlife Club (winner of Best Wildlife Club Award for over 10 consecutive years).

Forrás: http://www.nation.sc/