The Marine Environment

Malo e lelei from Vava’u in the beautiful Kingdom of Tonga!!!

Last week was an awesome week for VEPA with myself and Elana heading out to the local high schools for the education program we are running as part of our Media & Education campaign aimed at secondary school students here in Vava’u.  

The July theme is “The Marine Environment” which discusses things such as the oceans, coral reefs and fish and their roles and functions within the biosphere. Additionally we educated them on threats to each of these systems and the consequences of not protecting them. For example we discussed the impacts of overfishing and indiscriminate fishing practices such as netting which is an extremely important topic for the people of Tonga who rely heavily on their reefs and oceans as a food source! 

Presenting at Seineha to the biology form 5 and 6 students 

Another critical topic we delved into is the issue of marine pollution. The children were literally gobsmacked when the consequences of improper waste management were highlighted to them. Not only does it affect the oceans and the organisms which inhabit them but it can also have adverse effects on human health, their food sources and their economy!! Global warming and climate change, in particular the effects of ocean acidification and ocean warming , was another big topic discussed to give the students a bigger picture of what is happening around the world and how it can affect them in their own backyards!!! Overall it was an excellent learning experience for the students and hopefully they got something out of it. They seemed very interested so we are really looking forward to moving onto next months’ theme!!!!

The theme for August is “The Coastal Environment” when things like mangroves, intertidal zones and benthic organisms will be discussed as we start to head away from the oceans and onto land. It’s going to be fun!!! Stay tuned for more updates.

The students at Kalana College enjoyed the presentation

Malo ‘aupito toki sio!!!

Damian (Tamiano)

MY REEF, YOUR REEF, OUR RESPONSIBILITY

MY REEF, YOUR REEF, OUR RESPONSIBILITY

By Annelise Halafihi 

During their holidays sixteen students from Vava'u High School went on a snorkelling trip to Coral gardens to learn about the complexities of coral reefs and the threats they face from human activities.  The students  won the snorkelling trip for coming first in the Vava’u 2012 Environment Week school drama competition.   The prize was generously donated by Hakau Adventures and the fuel sponsored by VEPA.    Many had never been to the reef before and found the experience  inspirational.  One student commented that they  “had to admit, we may know what our reef looks like in magazines, photos and in the television but, we never get to see it with our own eyes”.  

One of the sites visited was ‘Anauku cave, where students swam close to the entrance to experience the colours of the reef, for many it was like nothing they had ever seen before. 

During the trip Damien, a VEPA volunteer, taught the students about different organisms and their symbiotic relationship with the coral, together creating a healthy reef.  He also discussed how the reefs are under threat from human activities, including increased sediment from runoff and rising sea temperatures.   One of the major impacts that the students witnessed were the strips of dead corals caused by dragging anchors.  A scar left from boat anchors cutting through the reef, damaging the coral and eventually killing it. When Damien asked the students ‘who the reef belongs to?’ The students immediately thought of nobles and  the Government. By the end of the trip they realised that the reef belonged to them and they are now determined to do something to protect it.   One student pointed out, “ it is my reef, your reef and it is our responsibility to take care of it!”

Figure 1: Scar in the reef from anchor dragging

Figure 2: Students snorkeling 

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This is an article written by one of the students who went on the snorkelling trip.  Annelise is now a VEPA volunteer and is looking forward to helping out on our projects.  

Flying Pigs of Pangai

The first Flying Pigs of Pangai was a fantastic success with about 145 guests showing up to watch the Taste of Tonga pig racing, participate in human horse racing, share some laughs and have fun.  Taste of Tonga hosted the event with all profits going to VEPA.  We raised over TOP $1,800 which will allow us to fund current and future projects.  These include a pilot project for solid waste management in two villages (a joint project with MECC), environmental education and awareness project and a media campaign.

People brought their own drinks and food or enjoyed some of Taste of Tonga's taro chips or a VEPA sausage.  There was plenty of entertainment on with hermit crab racing, human horse racing, a coconut de-husking competition and of course the feature of the night... the pig racing!

Congratulations to Jeff from Vava'u Adventures for winning the coconut de-husking competition.  The prize was a voucher to Poolside Bar and Restaurant, thank you very much to the boys at Poolside for donating that.

Last but not least a MASSIVE thank you to all the volunteers that helped out.  Patrea, Georgie, Matt, Ashley,  Damo, Mele, Christy, Karen, Sasha and Gabe... the event could not have happened without you.  Thanks so much!

The next race is on the 14th of July..... see you all there.

Malo 'aupito
Elana

Photo 1: 'Horses' lining up at the start of the race

Photo 2: Watching the pig race