Our awareness-raising program in Jambinai strengthens the local community’s environmental awareness through targeted education, hands-on experience, and active on-site involvement. It builds knowledge and skills so that participants—especially net fishermen, boat captains, and schoolchildren—can become active environmental ambassadors in their communities.
The program began as an educational initiative for secondary school students; today, it focuses primarily on net fishermen who work in the lagoon every day, as well as boat captains employed by diving centers.
In our two-day program, we combine theory and practice: we teach the basics of ecology and bring what participants have learned to life through excursions and field activities. Participants learn how climate change, coral loss, and marine pollution specifically affect their livelihoods and what options for action are available. The program also addresses sustainable behaviors in everyday life, such as responsible waste management and sustainable fishing practices. Beach and lagoon cleanups strengthen a sense of community and demonstrate immediate results.
As part of the awareness-raising program, we also take the opportunity to show fishermen, boat captains, and students where marinecultures.org is active and what concrete impact we’re making on the ground; participants visit the Ushirika Cooperative’s sponge farms and the marinecultures.org coral farm.
Up to 60 children can participate in the theory sessions. The students actively participate in the discussions, ask questions, and share their experiences related to the local coastal ecosystem.
