YOUNG ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS

In 2006, funded by the BP Conservation Leadership Programme, C3 initiated the Junior Ecoguards project in Moheli.  The Junior Ecoguards were established in July 2006 to stop sea turtle egg poaching among youth. After a particularly bad incident when nine nests were raided for eggs, the young poachers were gathered together by concerned community elders to discuss solutions. They decided to form a group of young leaders, comprised mainly of the ex-poachers, who could use their own experiences to educate their peers. This concept has now evolved into activities which engage entire communities in awareness-raising about endangered turtle conservation.

In 2008, supported by the Captain Planet Foundation, C3 will run a summer camp at Mitsamiouli, Grande Comore to train young Comorians to be environmental leaders in their communities.  The program will teach students about the environment but also actively engage them in activities that reduce environmental threats in their country.  Students will receive training and education in:

• Leadership and communication skills
• Conservation methods
• Endangered marine species of the Comoros
• Swimming and snorkeling to conduct marine field research
• Importance of coastal zone protection – links between forest and ocean
• Environmental awareness raising
• Beach clean-ups

The programme will take place over an intensive one-week period in the field at the village of Mitsamiouli, Grande Comore. The students will participate in training, research and awareness-raising activities.

Right: Junior Ecoguards in action!