Fragile Foundations: Plankton, Microplastics and the Quest to Save Aquatic Biodiversity
Objectives of the project
The project aimed to engage students in ocean literacy, coral reef conservation, and active citizenship through a focus on Mayotte’s lagoon and marine ecosystems.
It helped students better understand coral reef environments, marine biodiversity, pollution, waste degradation, and the impact of household products on living organisms.
The project also aimed to strengthen students’ environmental awareness and scientific knowledge while encouraging community engagement, especially around reducing plastic waste and protecting coral reef ecosystems.
Activities
Students took part in classroom activities, fieldwork, and community-based actions focused on coral reef ecosystems and environmental protection.
They explored marine ecosystems through field observations, an introductory scuba diving session, and a visit to a coral nursery in Kani Bé. These activities allowed them to directly observe coral reef environments and better understand marine conservation.
Students also carried out scientific experiments on pollution, household products, and waste degradation. They tested gravity water filters with their families, producing around 1,600 litres of drinking water and reducing plastic bottle consumption.
The project also included awareness actions with around 60 local shopkeepers to encourage the reduction of single-use plastic bags, as well as knowledge-sharing activities with primary school pupils.
Students participated in the Mayotte International Underwater Image Festival, where their film won third prize in the school category, and in the “Océano pour tous” competition organised by the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco.
Expected outputs
The project produced several educational and communication outputs, including short videos documenting fieldwork, coral reef observations, and environmental awareness actions.
Scientific experiment protocols were developed and used in class, particularly on pollution, waste degradation, and the impact of household products on living organisms. These protocols can be reused in science lessons to support inquiry-based learning.
The project also produced communication materials for awareness activities with primary school pupils and local shopkeepers, focusing on plastic reduction, waste management, and marine ecosystem protection.
Student productions, including videos, written observations, experiment results, presentations, and field notes, were stored in editable digital formats and shared within the school environment for reuse by future cohorts.
Impact
The project directly involved 29 students in field activities, scientific experiments, coral monitoring, underwater exploration, and the production of communication materials.
It indirectly reached around 1,600 students through presentations, exhibitions, school communication, and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Around 60 primary school pupils also took part in outreach workshops led by the project students.
The wider community was involved through families, teachers, local shopkeepers, public authorities, environmental organisations, and school events.
The project strengthened students’ scientific knowledge, environmental awareness, communication skills, and understanding of coral reef protection. It also created lasting resources and practices that can continue to support ocean literacy, sustainable behaviour, and marine environmental education in the school and beyond.
