EDUCATIONAL NAUTISM: Initiation to diving with mask and snorkel for children

This Saturday, February 19, the Nature Foundation St Maarten will allow children from 12 years old to discover the marine world and make them aware of the ravages of plastic pollution thanks to an educational introduction to diving.

This first edition of educational snorkeling will revolve around marine life, the waste that pollutes the oceans and their irreversible consequences on underwater fauna and flora. The event is funded by In-No-Plastic, whose goal is to reduce and eliminate marine plastic litter through a variety of social and technical strategies. Among the strategies put forward, there is the awareness of the population to change their consumption habits or to develop techniques for cleaning nano, micro and macroplastics. In-No-Plastic is a three-year project funded by the European Union to the tune of 7,4 million euros under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation program which runs from 2021 to 2023 even if the project itself has already started in October 2020. Nature Foundation St Maarten knows full well that the youth of Saint Martin is the main actor in changing mentalities and behaviors vis-à-vis the preservation and conservation of the maritime environment. Initiation to diving with mask and snorkel is free, all registration must be done in advance by email (see info). Young budding divers can board the Aqua Mania Adventures Santino to two pre-established diving spots to immerse themselves in the waters of Saint Martin and marvel at the sight of corals and multicolored fish. The organizers have also planned fun presentations on the theme of waste and plastic pollution to make young people aware of this recurring phenomenon. Small participants are required to know how to swim and to be in possession of a signed parental authorization. Drinks, snorkel gear and flotation devices will be available on board. Only if the registration is validated, the appointment is given at 13 p.m. at the Aqua Mania Adventures office of the Simpson Bay Resort. _VX