Science en Herbe (Budding Science), aims to improve knowledge of seagrass distribution and dugong foraging ecology in the southwest lagoon of New Caledonia.
This is a community-centered project that promotes citizen science and raises awareness about the conservation status of these emblematic animals and the importance of their habitat.
| Project Name | Science en Herbe |
| Implementing Agency | IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement |
| Project Duration | November 2021 - May 2022 |
| Project Location | Nouméa and southwest lagoon, New Caledonia |
| Total Implementation Cost | USD 70,195 |
| CMS Dugong MOU Contribution | USD 25,000 |
| Project Partners | Aquarium des Lagons Association Opération Cétacés Centre d’Initiation à l’Environnement (CIE) Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems Municipalities of Nouméa and Mont-Dore |
Based on a citizen science approach, the project aims to:
- Enhance the evidence base for local conservation of seagrass and dugongs in the southwest lagoon of New Caledonia.
- Help raise awareness on the value of seagrass ecosystems and the current threats to dugongs, by targeting the younger members of urban communities in Nouméa.
The project will carry out the following activities:
- Community Awareness: A series of community-level meetings to discuss and raise awareness of the status of seagrass and dugong conservation.
- Youth Awareness: A series of awareness raising activities in public and private schools to improve understanding of dugong and seagrass habitats.
- Research: A series of dives to map composition and density of local seagrass meadows, and analysis of seagrass composition and dugong diet data.
- Photography Contest: A community-wide seagrass photography contest and exhibition that also contributes to mapping seagrass distribution in the southwest lagoon through Seagrass Spotter.
