ARC Introduces Special Programme Targeting Marine & Coastal Protection

Advocating for the Rights of Children (ARC) has partnered with ‘Save Planet Earth’ to launch a special programme targeting marine & coastal protection in the Maldives. The programme kicked off in Dhiffushi Island, an island severely affected by coastal erosion in the Kaafu Atoll. The programme commenced with a coastal afforestation initiative which aimed to mitigate the detrimental effects of coastal erosion on the island.

ARC has collaborated with several conservation & environment organizations to successfully carry out the programme. This includes Moodhu Bulha Dive Centre, Beach Club, Aloha Ufaa, Club Kaafu, SDM Farming and Dhiffushi Island Council. As part of the activities conducted under the programme, students from grades ranging from Lower Kindergarten to Grade 10 were provided with the unique experience to plant a tree of their own on the shoreline.

More than 280 students planted 300 coastal plants on the shoreline that are frequently sighted in the Maldives. Sea Lettuce (Magoo), Beach Cordia (Kaani), Coastal Ironwood (Kuredhi), Portia Tree (Hirundhu) and Beach Heliotrope (Boashi) and the national tree, Coconut Palm were among the trees planted. Following this, school children were also informed about the importance of coastal afforestation and its role in protecting the shoreline from strong winds, coastal surges and many other natural disasters. Moreover, the essential need to preserve seagrass and plant seeds on the shoreline were highlighted, teaching children of its prominence in conserving the coastal ecosystem.

The 3-day programme also saw the execution of ocean awareness activities focused on school children of grades 6 through 10. Students partook in an exciting snorkelling trip and introductory discover dive which taught them the importance of protecting marine life. Furthermore, to create awareness on plastic pollution, a growing environmental concern worldwide the students undertook a nurdle-hunt activity where they scoured for micro-plastics of approximately 5mm.

Before the programme was concluded, students were also given the opportunity to try their hand in water sports activities such as sailing and stand-up paddle boarding. Through this, ARC and its partners hope to foster in young adults a love for the ocean and mold them into change-makers of conservation. To serve this purpose, the programme even briefed school them on ocean-related career prospects in the Maldives as well.