Youngsters get feel for the sea
Marine life conservation, the effects of pollution and the war on plastic are hot topics at this year’s Marine Week, on now at the Bayworld oceanarium.
The four-day learning experience, which started on Monday with the theme of “Plastic is drastic”, aims to change perceptions among the youth on the effects of littering.
Grade 6 and grade 7 pupils from schools in Kwazakhele, Gelvandale, Walmer and Motherwell – two schools a day – spent time learning about the various marine animals affected by pollution.
Marine Week co-ordinator Karen Binning said the collaborative event had been running for five years.
“The main aim is to highlight the importance of the marine environment to the pupils and this year the focus is on plastic and pollution and what plastic is doing to our marine environment,” she said.
Other exhibitors include Transnet, the Zwartkops Conservancy, the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and Enactus – an NMU society that provides a platform for students to create community development projects.
“We are hoping that by exposing them [pupils] to the effects of litter, for them to see for themselves what litter does, they will think before they litter and be more aware of what plastic is doing in the environment,” Binning said.
“This week is about creating awareness of marine life.”
Zwartkops Conservancy conservation officer Luthando Gxowa said creating awareness among the children in particular was imperative because most were from the Motherwell area, where pollution in the Swartkops was a plague.
“Plastic is killing our marine life so we want to intensify learning for these kids so they can take what they have learnt back to their communities.”
Khulile primary school grade 6 pupil Bulumko Golozeleni, 12, of Motherwell, said: “I love animals and the best thing about Marine Week is learning about the animals in the oceans and how important they are for our environment.”
Vukani Bantu Primary School grade 6 pupil Akahlulwa Nazo, 11, of Motherwell, said: “I can [now] educate others about how to live with awareness for our environment.”