Developing EMA in Australia
The coastal and marine environment of Australia is deservedly famous for its beauty, providing a broad range of highly valued services for both visitors and locals. Increasing use of the coast by growing resident and tourist populations together with other threats associated with climate change are placing significant pressures on the local marine environment. The establishment of an EMA will provide the opportunity for our children to develop their knowledge and ability to act for the protection of our precious marine environment
EMA Waatu Kaatijin (Ocean Knowledge) 2025
We are honoured to partner with Undalup Association Inc. this year to engage young minds with their local Sea Country through the Educational Marine Areas Waatu Kaatajin program.
Throughout the school year, we willl be working with 172 Year 5 and 6 students and their teachers from Cowaramup Primary School and West Busselton Primary School to foster a strong, collective bond with their local patch of ocean and empower them to care for it.
Through the Children's Sea Council, Kulunga Wongi Gulyarra Waatu kids will come together to share their voices about the ocean, strengthening their connection to the sea. They will:
👂 ni (listen),
👁️ jinnung (look),
🤔 kaatajin (learn), and
👐 use their marra (hands) to care for their Educational Marine Area— Then 🗣️ share their knowledge with the community, raising awareness and inspiring action to Koorda (love) and protect sea country. 🌊💙
🌊🌿 This year, Educational Marine Areas (Aire Marine Educative) has also been recognised as a powerful tool for promoting Ocean Literacy and will be showcased at the United Nations Ocean Conference in June. This milestone marks a significant step in inspiring global environmental stewardship and shaping the next generation of ocean advocates committed to preserving the health of our oceans.
The EMA Waatu Kaatajin 2025 is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State Natural Resource Management Program WA.
Waatu Kaatijin (Ocean Knowledge) at Margaret River 2023
Our first pilot program began in February 2023 and continues today with Year 5 classes from Margaret River Primary School, in collaboration with Nature Conservation Margaret River. Marine experts from various organizations, including the Undalup Association, the University of Western Australia, BirdLife WA, the Great Southern Reef Foundation, the Margaret River Coastal Residents Association, and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions, are actively involved. These experts are helping students manage their Educational Marine Area (EMA) in the Gnarabup/Prevelly region.
This EMA is now established as a vital part of the learning experience for these students, connecting them directly to their local marine environment