The total number of students who have participated in the Mangorve Mates program since it began in 2012 is at nearly 2,000.
Pilbara Ports Authority’s Mangrove Mates program was delivered to hundreds of primary school children across the Pilbara in 2019, bringing the total number of students who have participated in the program since it began in 2012 to nearly 2,000.
The Mangrove Mates program promotes environmental awareness to the younger members of the communities in which Pilbara Ports Authority operates.
Last year, 359 students from Port Hedland Primary School, South Hedland Primary School, St Cecilia's Catholic Primary, Baynton West Primary, Tambrey Primary, PEAC and Onslow Primary School were educated about mangroves by Pilbara Ports Authority’s environment team.
Pilbara Ports Authority Environment Advisor Nicole Bale says the Mangrove Mates program plays an important role in raising awareness about Pilbara ecosystems.
“When student particpate in the program, they get a greater understanding of the role mangroves play in soil stabilization, enhancing sedimentation and providing habitat and food for many juvenile and adult marine animals,” Ms Bale said.
Since 2012 Mangrove Mates has been delivered to 1,956 primary school aged students across the Pilbara. The program involves an oral presentation followed by an interactive activity of potting a mangrove seedling.
Each school is presented with a book for their library and all students receive a Mangrove Mates sticker, pencil and activity sheet.
“We believe it is important for the younger generation to learn about the environment they are growing up in, and Pilbara Ports Authority is proud to contribute to this part of their education,” Ms Bale said.