Marine Edu-Eco Ocean Discovery

This 4-week Marine Edu-Eco QUEST - Ocean Discovery Edu-Eco-Learning Project is an informative, fun yet formalised Marine focused experiential and transformational educational program. This program comprises learning through a Marine and Coastal Eco-Experiential Program along the Garden Route of South Africa participating in a residential, structured and dedicated Marine specific program which is founded on outcome-based learning objectives with innovative approaches to deciphering observable marine animal behaviour and applying sound Marine Conservation strategies, procedures and protocols applicable to Marine and Coastal Ecological, Conservation and Ecosystem Management.

 We focus our attention on the complete Coastal and Marine Ecosystem, the ecology and the various contributors to and various factors affecting Marine Conservation and Marine Research. Our primary aim is to expose our Eco-Learners to Marine Conservation Research and direct Marine Environmental and Terrestrial based projects adjacent to the ocean using formalised Conservation Research Methodologies and a substantial Citizen Science Project Database. We encourage, inspire and provide you with the tools and an interactive and participative environment to gain a deeper insight into the lives of iconic marine animals such as whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, penguins, otters, reef animals, coastal birds and pelagic birds.

Each program is structured and organised with developmental interactive experiential learning from day to day.  This interactive program is managed in such a manner where all participants take away invaluable knowledge and experience which can be measured, quantified and qualified through the acquisition of new and innovative knowledge and acquired interpretive skills.

CORE FOCUS ASPECTS DURING THE PROGRAM

Marine and Coastal Ecology and Ecosystem Functioning-----Whale and Dolphin Knowledge, Research and Behaviour-----Otter Knowledge, Research and Behaviour----Cape Fur Seal Knowledge, Research and Behaviour------Shark and Pelagic Shark Knowledge, Research and Behaviour-----Penguin and Coastal Bird Knowledge, Research and Behaviour-----Marine Animal Rehabilitation - Principles, Protocols and Procedures for Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release-----Wildlife Rehabilitation Techniques, Tools and Methodologies – Marine Animals

In addition to all the above, you will throughout the program be exposed to localized PRACTICAL Marine Conservation Projects, Research initiatives and Citizen Science Projects. These include:-

PRACTICAL MARINE CONSERVATION RESEARCH AND CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECTS

Pelagic Fish Tag and Release Program - Identification, Monitoring and Recording-----Sea Horse Research – Habits, Habitats - Monitoring and Recording-----Elasmobranch Egg Cases - Identification, Monitoring and Recording-----Conchology - Shell Accounts - Identification, Monitoring and Recording-----Tidal Pools Life Assessments – Identification, Monitoring and Recording-----Sea Hares and Hermit Crabs - Monitoring and Recording-----Beach and Marine Debris – Micro Plastics Sieving - Identification, Monitoring and Recording-----Coral and Sponge Accounts - Identification, Monitoring and Recording-----Wader, Shorebird and Pelagic Seabird Monitoring - Identification, Monitoring and Recording

TERRESTRIAL LAND-BASED CONSERVATION RESEARCH AND CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECTS

Bird Ringing – Bi-Monthly Association with our Partner Organisation-----Raptor Ringing - Monthly Association with our Partner Organisation-----Penguin Rehabilitation – Association with our partner organisation

CONSERVATION PROJECT AWARENESS NETWORK ASSOCIATES AND WORKSHOPS

Marine Mammal Stranding Workshops - Basic-----Dissections - Fish, Birds, Mammals-----Marine Environmental Hazards and Plastic Pollutants

NOTE: During your experience you will be exposed to and participate in a number of these Research projects subject to seasonal availability. Our Research and Citizen Science Project base is continually expanding with new research initiatives and projects being added from time to time. Our objective is to contribute data to formalized Conservation Research initiatives, compile photographic accounts with positive identification; and to compile daily 1 – 2 page Fact Sheets of each species encountered.

You will be accommodated where the program is presented at the Alcedonia House-River Club Estate in Plettenberg Bay.

Your Weekends are Yours – Eco-Learners can experience the region with Optional activities for their OWN ACCOUNT

On the final Friday we will do a complete debriefing regarding your experience and present Certificates and Special awards to Eco-Learners. This evening we will have an informal African Braai (Barbecue) dinner function. The final Saturday is used for packing and onward journeys. 

Each component of the program gives you the opportunity to experience the Marine Environment up close and personal daily.

NOTE: From time to time rescheduling in the weekly schedule as outlined above may occur due to the programs dynamic nature.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE AND DAY-TO-DAY BREAKDOWN

We research, workshop and explore various aspects of the Coastal and adjacent terrestrial environment and the lives of animals encountered and use three key principles in behavioural monitoring – Observation, Interpretation and Deduction.

Each day participants will be required to provide feedback to the group as each participant compiles their own account of their marine experience through photographic accounts, written accounts and recorded research data which not only is a living memory of your experience but also a data contribution to formalised conservation research. Each day you will be tasked with individual and group research assignments for presentation.

Throughout your stay with us, you will be exposed to a participative learning and contributory environment. Our core focus is on subjects, issues, workshops, discussions, Conservation Research, Citizen Science Projects, all of which relate to the Marine and Terrestrial Environments. The aspects and subjects highlighted below are all part of the program which you are sure to be exposed to on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

The Programming format is divided into FIVE Key areas –

Theoretical Modules – Comprise Lectures, Presentations, Workshops & Interactive Participant Feedback Sessions.

Practical Modules – Comprises Formal Practical half/full day sessions per program and numerous Informal Practical sessions daily of varying duration. These practical sessions compliment the awareness training specific to the program.

Practical Research Projects and Assignment Presentations are allocated personally and for feedback sessions to the group.

Presentations comprise Peer Reviews, Peer Evaluations and Peer Points Allocations for Projects & Presentations undertaken.

Program Outcomes, Assessments and Evaluations take place individually during the final week of the program.

Full and comprehensive activity profiles are given to participants on arrival so as to budget accordingly for exploring the region and the incredible variety of activities and adventures on offer in the Garden Route region.

One can expect adventures to be mild to wild. From Bungy Jumping, to Skydiving, to Sea Kayaking, to Canoeing in Wilderness sections of various rivers, to Black Water Tubing, to Paragliding, to Swimming with Seals, to Great White Shark encounters, to Walking or Hiking a number of the most scenic routes available on the Garden Route, to Mountain Biking, to Trail Running. You name it we have it. African Edu-Eco Wizard will assist in organizing your extra-mural activities. This list is not comprehensive by any means and can be embroidered on extending all the way from Mossel Bay to Oudsthoorn to Jefferies Bay to Port Elizabeth to Addo Elephant National Park and the Sundays river.

African Edu-Eco Wizard facilitates and manages many of these adventures and only suggests and utilizes reputable adventure operators in the region which conform with the legal requirements to operate such adventures. AEEW also offers a transfer service to and from adventure activity.