Educational Marine Areas Australia
ABOUT US
An Educational Marine Area (EMA) is a relatively small coastal area (e.g., beach section), being actively managed in a participatory manner by the pupils from primary and/or secondary school (ideally year 4 to year 10). Accompanied by their teacher cultural custodians, marine experts, stakeholders, community members, the students study the area and its environmental values and decide how to preserve its nature and culture. Through this project students meet requirements of their curriculum while connecting to their local marine environment. They acquire perspectives of marine conservation and management and its actors (e.g. local government, marine park officers, stakeholders, NGOs etc). Thanks to the commitment of schools, local government and accompanying actors, an EMA can be established, enriched and provide the opportunity for children to develop their knowledge and ability to act for the protection of the marine environment.
The EMA concept was developed in French Polynesia. It is promoted at the international level by the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB), the government of French Polynesia.
Our Background
The concept was born in the Marquesas Islands in 2012 after pupils from a school in Vaitahu spoke of their desire to look after a marine area near their school. Following the enthusiasm generated by this first EMA, the concept has now been extended to both mainland France and its territories where over 1000 EMAs have been created.
Setting up an EMA
The goal of an Educational Marine Area (EMA) is to empower students to take ownership of their learning and care for their adopted site. Through their Children’s Sea Council, they make decisions, take action, reflect on their learning, and share their vision and achievements to protect and celebrate their local environment with the community.
What the Student's Say
Current Supporters
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