This was the motto for the 2001 Annual Marine and Coastal Educators Network (MCEN) Workshop that was held from 16-19 January in Mossel Bay. Thirty-eight delegates attended the workshop from areas all along the coast extending north as far as Kosi Bay on the east coast, down to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, west towards Cape Town and then back north to Lamberts Bay on the west-coast of South Africa. As marine education is needed inland as well as along the coast, there were two delegates all the way from Pretoria and Johannesburg. It was indeed a diverse bunch but all working towards the same goal-To care about the sea and what is in it.

 

MCEN as a co-ordinating group of SANCOR, aims to assist marine educators in their activities, facilitate collaboration between educators, help co-ordinate national marine education initiatives and identify future opportunities for marine education in South Africa. "The formation of MCEN is regarded as a great step forward," says John Kieser, co-ordinator of MCEN. "Prior to 1998, marine educators did not formally communicate with each other resulting in a very fragmented approach to marine education" he added.

 

One of the most interesting topics covered during the 3-day workshop was the presentation on the National Strategy for Environmental Education by Mr Mosidi, the Deputy Director of Environmental Education of the DEA&T. A direct quote from his presentation stated, "The White Paper on Environmental Management sees the DEA&T as a lead agent for environmental management in South Africa. It advocates for the promotion of environmental education and empowerment of South Africa's people to increase their awareness of, and concern for environmental issues, and to assist them to develop the knowledge, skills, values and commitment that we need to achieve sustainable development. Equally, the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), 1998 stipulates that community well being and empowerment must be promoted through environmental education, the raising of environmental awareness, the sharing of knowledge and experience and other appropriate means. It is in this light that a strategy framework for Environmental Education has to be formulated." In his closing remarks he invited MCEN to comment on the draft framework and indicated that they would further be consulted during the forthcoming year.

 

Another exciting initiative that was unveiled at the workshop was the concept of a Treasure Chest Project that was proposed by Judy Mann-Lang of the Sea World Education Centre and funded by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF). The aim of the Treasure Chest Project is to provide teachers with resource materials in order to facilitate their teaching about the marine and coastal environment. The focus group is schools that do not have access to marine and coastal educational resources. The project will enter a pilot phase in 2001 during which it will be workshopped and developed according to the needs of teachers.

 

Undoubtedly the highlight of the workshop was the presentation of a Life-Time Award to Margo Branch. Margo's dedication and enthusiasm about the marine environment are an inspiration to all who meet her. She has been involved in the field of marine education and communication for many years. Her involvement has ranged from book production and illustration to working as an educator in the Two Oceans aquarium, from scientific productions to conducting teachers' workshops on marine topics. She truly deserves the recognition and acknowledgement.

 

CONGRATULATIONS MARGO

The main challenge for MCEN in 2001 is to develop and build the strength of the regional forums. Plans for 2001 include a Discovery Tour of KwaZulu-Natal in July and regional teacher workshops.

Funding for this workshop was provided from the Marine Living Resources Fund, SANCOR, the Strategic Fuel Fund and the venue was provided by Mossgas. John Kieser is thanked for all he did to make the workshop a reality.