After learning about the marine environment, the 32 fourth-grade students from Saint-Joseph de Cluny School in Fort-de-France gathered on Friday, April 20, at La Française Beach to conduct a survey of their Marine Education Area (AME).
What is a Marine Education Area?
It's a a small coastal marine area managed on a long-term, participatory basis by elementary school students. To this end, a «Children’s Council for the Sea»—composed of students, a teacher, and a scientific advisor—is being established. After conducting an assessment of the area to be protected, the «management council» will work collaboratively to develop an action plan based on three pillars:
• Learn about the ocean
• Experience the Sea
• Convey the essence of the sea
Matilde BRASSY, head of the «Sea and Sustainable Development» division at the Carbet des sciences and AME liaison for La Française
Matilde BRASSY, head of the «Sea and Sustainable Development» division at the Carbet des sciences and AME liaison for La Française, explains that «AME is an educational program designed to raise children's awareness and impart knowledge to them by the science communication, so that they can make this knowledge their own, make informed decisions, and participate in public debates. For theThe Marine Educational Areas of Martinique, We need’Motivated teachers. You have to enjoy working with project-based learning and think outside the box.».
An «Educational Marine Area» designation is now awarded to schools that have committed to such a project and have complied with a charter and set of specifications.
The Française Marine Education Area
The Française Marine Educational Area is located in Fort-de-France Bay and includes a section of the coastline that extends only as far as La Française Beach. While Martinique’s two other Marine Education Areas—those at Anses d’Arlet and Carbet—are each supported by four classes, the Française Marine Education Area has only the fourth-grade class from Saint-Joseph de Cluny School to protect it. A major challenge! Fortunately, “Le Carbet des Sciences,” the lead organization, is there to guide these young environmentalists.
The cleaning crew is ready to get to work
And action!
After learning about the topic in class, it’s time to take action! For the occasion, the mayor of Fort-de-France, proud of the involvement of Fort-de-France’s youth, came to meet with the students. During the morning, the students explored their AME and connected what they had observed in class—using photos and maps—to create a portrait of the landscape. What infrastructure is there, and what human activities take place on the site? Listening, smelling, making the place their own, and becoming aware of their surroundings through their senses. They take measurements, collect data, and help keep the area clean by picking up trash.
One of the participants explains that: ’iWe should try to put the boatsx a little further on because that's where the seagrass beds are. LPropellers can destroyedre seagrass beds—and thus the fish’s habitat». Another woman, a little further on, says: «MHey, I'm here to clean up the beach, pick up trash, and eat my sandwich!»
«We should try to move the boats a little farther away because there are seagrass beds. Propellers can destroy the seagrass beds, and thus the fish's habitat.»
And as for what comes next…
After collecting the data, the students will analyze the results in class. The analysis will help identify the key issues and then define the necessary actions. The students have already realized that action must be taken regarding waste, so they will create an awareness poster that will be displayed on the site to raise public awareness of this issue.
And if the certification is granted, an at-sea assessment must be conducted within two years of receiving it. With the help of scientists, this assessment will provide insight into the condition of the ecosystems.
Mariska Desmarquis
