Seagrass Education Academy: Seagrass Monitoring and Restoration Training to Improve Local Conservation Efforts

The Seagrass Education Academy, a collaboration between CarbonEthics, Youth Empowerment for Seagrass (SOA), the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and the University of Maritim Raja Ali Haji in Kepulauan Riau, aims to inspire future leaders passionate about environmental sustainability, with a focus on the role of seagrass ecosystems in preserving marine biodiversity and restoring climate balance. Following the positive response to the first session of the Seagrass Education Academy, CarbonEthics is moving forward with the second and third sessions.

The second session took place in Bintan, Tanjungpinang, with local university students as the primary audience. Participants explored how seagrass ecosystems contribute to livelihoods, coastal resilience, and community-driven scientific initiatives. The session included lectures and workshops designed to deepen their understanding of seagrass ecosystems, as well as provide practical guidance on citizen science tools and sustainable resource management, empowering students to contribute to local conservation efforts.

The results of the second session of the Seagrass Education Academy show that participants demonstrated an improved understanding of several topics, including seagrass ecosystems and culture, threats and conservation efforts, the ecological benefits of seagrass litter, and monitoring techniques.

In a shift from the second session, the third session took place at Tanjung Siambang Beach, providing a new setting for hands-on learning. Participants explored various restoration methods and their role in maintaining coastal resilience and ecosystem health. Through hands-on experience in restoration and ecosystem monitoring, students were empowered to actively contribute to local conservation efforts. During this session, we assessed the seagrass planting and monitoring activities carried out by the participants, who planted a total of 200 seagrass plants. Each participant observed and recorded seagrass species and cover within a 100-meter area using transects. They were provided with tools such as seagrass quadrat transects, measuring tapes, masks, and snorkels to assist in their tasks.

These trainings help enhance participants' skills and knowledge in seagrass restoration, providing them with valuable insights and practical experience in the field by combining theoretical lessons with hands-on activities to support local conservation efforts. 

Partner with us to empower locals in restoring climate balance through blue carbon education at carbonethics.co/partnership