Beau Vallon Primary students learn more about sharks

Group photo with the participants of Beau Vallon Primary school

The shark education and awareness campaign continues and last week some students from Beau Vallon primary school learnt about sharks and why it is important to protect them. On Tuesday 23rd  February 2015, the Green Islands Foundation (GIF) and the Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA) carried out some shark related activities during the Extra-Curricular Activity (ECA) time slot after school hours.

This activity which aims to increase awareness and educate the community about sharks is part of a national shark education campaign funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) and the Environment Trust Fund (ETF), implemented by GIF together  with other project partners like Wildlife Clubs of Seychelles, Save our Seas Foundation, Ministry of Education, Seychelles Fishing Authority, and Seychelles National Parks Authority.

GIF staff showing  children the features of a Giant Guitarfish

A group of 32 students ranged from P1 to P6 at Beau Vallon Primary learnt about the physical characteristics of different species of sharks which can be encountered in Seychelles like the Grey Reef, Tiger, Bull and Whale sharks. 

Isabelle Ravinia from SNPA explained the shark tagging project taking place on Curieuse Island, and then demonstrated how they tag juvenile sharks.

SNPA staff talking about shark tagging 

Through different game activities students learnt some fun-facts about sharks, their names, habitat and eating habits. After taking a souvenir photo, the students went home knowing that there is so much more to learn about this ecologically important apex predator in our marine environment.

A group of children in an outdoor activity

Thank you SNPA for organizing and assisting with this activity, and Beau Vallon Primary school for making it possible. 

Children playing Sharks v/s Dolphins