An epic environmental adventure

Five lucky South African Grade 12 learners recently flew to Mauritius after winning the Matrics in Antarctica (MIA) competition. This is an initiative supported by the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and several sponsors who understand the need to educate young local learners about conservation.

The competition is open to every single matric learner in South Africa and entries for 2022 opened last year in August where, to enter, the matrics were required to submit an essay on environmental issues. This year, due to Covid restrictions, the five winners had to freeze their plans shortly before departure. A decision was made by the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) to prioritise the safety of scientists and the crew who stay behind for the winter season.

Breaking the unfortunate news to the five winners was no easy task, but the MIA team had one more ace up their sleeve, with the support of British Airways (operated by Comair).

The matriculants were jetted off to Mauritius in February to learn about how warmer climates are affected by environmental issues.

After settling into the Tamassa Resort in Bel Ombre on arrival, the matriculants learned first-hand how the hotel is actively minimising its carbon footprint. Tamassa does this by recycling all bedding, pillows and curtains into clothing, toys and aprons to distribute to the less fortunate.

After a good night’s rest, the crew headed out, on a jam-packed schedule,
to explore how Mauritius is making changes to its legislation and ways of business to protect its fauna, flora and the environment as a whole.

Their first stop was La Vallée de Ferney, home to one of the island’s last endemic forests, where plants and animals are preserved and protected by dedicated professionals. The team of matriculants learned about the pink pigeon and Mauritian kestrel, both of which have faced extinction in the recent past. With dedication and effort, though, Mauritian experts have grown the bird populations there in order to keep these species around for future generations.

At LUX* Grand Gaube, the team learned about bee preservation. An experience dubbed Hug Me Honey showed how bees offset the negative footprint on the island caused by thousands of tourists passing through each year. The learners also got to taste various types of honey and enjoyed a honey pairing dinner at Le Tastevin restaurant.

The winners visited the La Pirogue A Sun Resort, where several sustainable initiatives and eco-friendly practices have been set in place. They learned how to bottle their own water in glass bottles and witnessed an incredible coral farming project. The resort brought in a marine biologist to help everyone understand the situation in the lagoon and how to conserve what coral already exists and, ultimately, determine what’s needed to help it flourish. The trial has proved successful and has led to the first official phase of the project and the creation of a ‘lagoon nursery’.