Sea Save Wave Rave @ the Library

VEPA joined other NGO's and passionate people around the world over the weekend by hosting a Sea Save Wave Rave.  Our Wave Rave was an educational morning with the local kids in Neiafu.  

Saturday (25 August) morning I volunteered at the local library to raise awareness about the importance of protecting Vava'u's ocean (oseni).  There were about 30 kids there ranging from 3 to 13 years.  

I did a ten minute presentation on what kind of special animals one might find in the waters of Vava'u and how its important we look after them.  The kids were also taught to put their rubbish in the bin, instead of the ground, as it can wash into the ocean.  Of course the example of a plastic bag being mistaken for a Jellyfish by a turtle was used, which is almost a cliche in Australia but I don't think they had ever seen it before.  I'm hoping thats a sign they learnt something.  At one point some kids were laughing but i'm pretty certain it was at my pathetic attempt at Tongan rather than the presentation.  

Judy, the library volunteer and Friend of VEPA, helped me out by explaining each slide in Tongan, after I had gone over it. 

After the presentation the kids were asked to draw their favourite ocean animal.  No surprise that lots of kids started drawing fish, whales and turtles as thats all they have ever seen in Vava'u (unfortunately for the turtles and fish because they are being served as dinner).   We got some picture books out and showed the kids lots of different kinds of animals.  After this they started drawing everything from crabs to sharks to octopus.  

One child in particular, a boy about 13 years old, was extremely  talented.  He drew a whale, with an amazing level of detail,  swimming in an ocean of  floating plastic bags and jellyfish.  It was sad when Judy told me that he really loves drawing but will probably grow out of it because "it's not encouraged here (in Tonga)".   

At least they have the lovely young ladies at the library that dedicate every Saturday morning to read to the kids and continually tell them their drawings are fakaofofa (beautiful).  

Malo aupito

Elana

http://www.facebook.com/Seasave

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MANGROVES FOR OUR GLOBE

HERE ARE 4 REASONS WHY NOT TO CUT DOWN MANGROVES

REASON 1.

The Mangrove is an important plant to the ocean even though it is in the water on a mud bank. Though do you ever wonder why the mud under the mangrove does not move or cover the ocean floor? It is because of the mangrove roots they dig in to the mud and hold it in place so it won’t move to make the sea murky or cover the ocean floor.

REASON 2.

The Mangrove has another benefit.  It provides a safe place where fish can go to have their babies.  The mangrove roots provide protection for the fish while they grow.  

REASON 3.

 The Mangrove is also a home to small sea creatures e.g. crabs, fish etc. Have you ever seen a mud bank with mangroves without aquatic life (No,  I’ve only seen many with aquatic life).  

REASON 4.

One last thing the leaves of a Mangrove tree taste like salt. It is because when a mangrove tree drinks it separates the salt from the water.  On a hot day the mangrove sweats salt. So if you lick a mangrove leaf it will be salty to you.  Mangroves also use nutrients in the ocean to grow.  So if we cut the mangrove tree down there will be nothing there to soak up the salt and nutrients. 

SO DON’T CUT DOWN THE  MANGROVES

Blog by Ashlee Jones (Friends of VEPA Volunteer)

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August Theme - Coastal Environment

The July theme of Marine Environment was a huge success with Damian doing multiple presentations at the secondary schools in Neaifu and the University of South Pacific.  Based on our evaluation questionnaire for teachers and students they loved it and want VEPA to come back every month to teach the students about different environmental topics.   We look forward to the August presentations on Coastal Environments

We have started on the August Education and Awareness theme, Coastal Environments, by recording a 7 minute radio program to be played on the local FM radio station on Friday and Saturday evenings (about 6:45pm).

Damian and Lise recording the program

Annalise (Vava'u High School student) wrote the program with some guidance from VEPA volunteers.  Subjects such as benthic organisms, coastal clearing, mangroves and sea cucumbers were discussed.  

Thanks very much to Lise for putting this program together we look forward to working on the September theme of Terrestrial Environment. 

Elana