Fostering Leadership Among Cameroon’s Youth for Sustainable Marine Conservation Efforts.
ASCOA proposes an initiative to empower youth (ages 11–17) in Cameroon with the knowledge and skills necessary to become active environmental stewards. The program focuses on interactive educational workshops about the marine environment, sea turtles, and the threats they face, such as plastic pollution. Workshops will be held in six schools, engaging approximately 100–200 participants. Additionally, six field trips will be organized—one for each school—providing 20 students per trip with a first-hand experience of conservation efforts at sea turtle nesting and hatching sites. Activities include participating in beach clean-up events and engaging in sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation (where feasible). Additionally, the program creates leadership opportunities for residents, enabling them to act as mentors and facilitators, further embedding conservation efforts within the community.
This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
– SDG 4: Quality Education: by nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious individuals.
– SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: through responsible waste management and plastic pollution reduction; and
– SDG 14: Life Below Water: emphasizing sea turtle conservation and marine ecosystem protection.
The program aspires to cultivate a generation of proactive environmental advocates, ensuring long-term contributions to sea turtle conservation and sustainable community practices. It also contributes to the global movement for ocean literacy, serving as an inspiring model for other regions and communities, engaging youth in marine conservation, and fostering a shared vision for a sustainable future.
Project Mission Statement: To inspire and empower youth to take meaningful action against marine plastic pollution, contributing to protecting sea turtles, their habitats, and the marine ecosystems they rely on.
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About SEE Turtles:
SEE Turtles connects people with sea turtles in meaningful, personal, and memorable ways. We help the sea turtle community connect, grow, and thrive by supporting community-based conservation efforts.
To know more about SEE Turtles, visit their website: https://www.seeturtles.org/