A FORCE OF NATURE
Romario is only 11 years old but already he’s a veteran when it comes to saving the environment
HE DESCRIBES himself as an ornithophile – someone who loves birds. It sounds like a mouthful for a tween, but for this conservationist it’s just part of the conversations he has about saving the planet. Romario Valentine (11) isn’t yet in his teens but he’s fast becoming a veteran protector of flora and fauna. His latest accomplishment has been to raise more than R20 000 to help protect 28 species of seabird on Marion Island from extinction.
The island’s two million birds are being preyed upon by mice that savagely attack nesting albatross and their helpless chicks, ripping the flesh from their bodies.
Romario, whose book, Protect Our Planet: Take Action with Romario, was published last year, says he was shocked to learn about the mice eating birds alive. “I decided to support The Mouse-Free Marion Project by creating my fundraiser.”
His mom, Delsha Moodley (38), helped set up a BackaBuddy campaign called Romario’s Seabirds Christmas Gift, which raised R20 766,81 in just five weeks – enough to sponsor mice eradication over 20 hectares of the 30 000hectare island.
The Mouse-Free Marion Project was established by BirdLife SA and the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment. When the project is completed in 2025, it will be the largest island on which mice eradication has taken place.
For his hard work, Romario, from Umhlanga in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, was awarded a certificate of appreciation from The Mouse-Free Marion Project.
“Romario is an amazing advocate for the preservation of our planet and a role model for the youth,” says Mark Anderson, chairman of the eradication project.
“Bird conservation is important to me,” Romario says. “I was honoured to be given the opportunity to be a part of this amazing project. I’m also grateful to everyone who donated to my campaign and for my parents for always believing in me – their support has been incredible.”
ROMARIO’S interest in the environment started when he was cast as an orca in a school play. He threw himself into the role and read as much as he could about killer whales.
It was then that he learnt about the devastating effect of pollution on the oceans. He decided to do something about it, starting with beach clean-ups.
Five years later Romario, mom Delsha and dad Clive Valentine (47) have taken part in nearly 300 weekend beach cleanups. His accomplishments include raising funds to buy and plant nearly 500 trees in 20 countries and crowdfunding to protect endangered bird species in South Africa.
“I love birds so much because they’re important pollinators, which is important for the ecosystem – birds such as vultures help keep the environment clean and prevent diseases,” he says.
He’s the youngest ambassador of Ocean Sole, a Kenyan marine conservation organisation, and has ties to dozens of environmental organisations across the world, including the United Nations.
Romario believes that being involved in environmentalism from a young age will help kids become better citizens and leave a legacy for future generations. To others who want to become environmental guardians, his advice is to start small.
“Set small goals to try to live a more sustainable life, connect more with nature and find a spot to clean often. Recycle, reuse and only buy the things you need.
“I believe you’re never too young to help nature or help improve the lives of somebody. If you take care of nature, you take care for yourself.”