Earth Observation Information to Basic Schools Pupils, "GMES and Africa" Commemorates World Oceans Day 2021 in Benin

Pupils in Benin were involved in the commemoration of World Oceans Day celebrated all over the world. On Monday, June 7, 2021, the “Institut de Recherches Halieutiques et Océanologiques du Bénin” (IRHOB) had a meeting with students from the Bouba School Complex at Akpakpa, Cotonou, Benin. This was an opportunity for the next generation of leaders to learn more about the oceans, their worth and the need to preserve them.

Pupils from the Bouba School Complex and the GMES and Africa team at IRHOB

“Our existence is dependent on the water, and we derive our means of subsistence from the water; as a result, the preservation of the ocean is more than a requirement for environmental existence", stated Zacharie Sohou, Director of IRHOB. Every year, since 2009, the Institute commemorates World Oceans Day. This year, the Institute together with the GMES and Africa, opted to engage school children who are usually fast learners and are skilled enough to promote the 2021 theme "Oceans: life and livelihoods." It was a platform to educate them about ocean conservation challenges and how Earth observation (EO) aids in the understanding, monitoring, and protection of the world's seas. 

Giving youngsters such opportunities is critical for West Africa's future. Children in this part of the world, particularly those from impoverished areas, lack access to information that might improve their lives, our lives, and that of Agenda 2063 in general. “Children are truly tomorrow's future. And exposing kids to Earth observations and oceans at a young age would have a huge impact on Africa's future” Said Prof. George Wiafe, the Project Manager at the University of Ghana. He further stated that “This year, the GMES and Africa marine consortium in West Africa has decided to extend awareness creation programme to basic, middle, and high school students."

Dr Christian Adje, IRHOB, engaging the children

The first-year middle school pupils (CM1) were shown two oceanographic films on the theme of the year. They were also introduced to Earth observation applications to the marine environment as part of the awareness creation approach used. Following the screenings, the children were allowed to discuss any issues that they had. The experts also took advantage of the opportunity, to warn the students about the dangers of playing at the beach. 

Mrs Rathier Maryse, the founder of the Bouba school complex, is delighted to have supported the initiative and hopes that it will be renewed regularly. According to her, the exchanges will enable the children to explore new scientific frontiers. Anything that entices their interest could bridge the gap between research and their everyday lives. “We need the school to open out to the world and the world to also come to us since we don't always have the resources to go out” Brathier Maryse explained.

Mrs Rathier Maryse, the founder of the Bouba school complex

Sènan Amoussou, a student who watched the documentaries, was enthralled and exclaimed, "The oceans are so lovely. When I'm older, I'm going to go under the sea and into space so I can see everything for myself.” The students pledged to share what they had learnt with other children and to serve as ambassadors for ocean preservation.

Source: La Primeurdu Mercredi 09 Juin 2021.