BGF#7
Type: Medium
SeyCCAT strategic objective: Developing and implement risk reduction and social resilience plans to adapt to the effects of climate change
Lead Project Partner: Gaea Conservation Network Seychelles
Partners: Bel Ombre Fisherman Association, Praslin Fisherman Association, University Centre for Environment and Education
Gaea Conservation Network Seychelles (Gaea Seychelles) was set up, with the aim of promoting civic engagement and collective actions for environment conservation and management. This is achieved through inspiring and empowering local actors to become change-makers within their community and to strive to make a positive difference. One way of achieving this is though the creation of the Little Explorers Programme which includes creating Little Explorers Club across the Seychelles. These are an educational and awareness – oriented clubs for kids which allow the 4-12 year olds to connect with nature for inspiration and well-being, and to take action for its protection.
In setting up the Little Explorers Club, Gaea Seychelles has recognized that there is a lack of awareness on various issues of fisheries, sustainable development, and climate change impacts,which act as barriers to the development of the blue economy, sustainable fisheries and marine conservation. This means that knowledge needs to be built and there must be opportunities for creating awareness and knowledge sharing in these areas from older, experienced generations to young kids.
Thus, Gaea Seychelles has started the ‘ Little explorers promoting climate action through a transformative learning programme on marine life and fisheries’ project under SeyCCAT Strategic objective 4, focused on developing and implementing risk reduction and social resilience plans to adapt to the effects of climate change. The project is supporting the sensitization of the Little Explorers and other youths on the values of coastal and marine ecosystems, fisheries and the impact of climate change, while developing interests of youths and the general Seychellois public towards the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
The project has six (6) main objectives which include the development of a sustainability plan and communication plan for the Little Explorers Programme, promoting partnership between Gaea Seychelles and the private sector, developing knowledge of kids on marine-related issues through experiential exposures, developing skills of kids on coastal and marine techniques for livelihood, adopting and restoring a key site that serves as linkages between mangroves and fisheries, and enhancing behaviour change of the little explorers through the activities, for future resilience and for finding solutions to reduce vulnerability to climate change.
The project is being carried out in partnership with the Bel-Ombre Fishermen Association, the Praslin Fishermen Association and the University of Seychelles Centre for Environment and Education.
SeyCCAT funds: SCR 999,650
Co-financing: Gaea Conservation Network Seychelles (in-kind):
- Project Coordination
- Provision of transportation and equipment
Duration: 18 months
