Aleusheya's Youth Ocean Ambassador (YOA) Experience!

S.E.A. Aquarium's Youth Ocean Ambassador (YOA) Programme is for youths in Singapore, allowing teens to explore and tackle environmental issues with innovative solutions. It's amazing that S.E.A.A. organises this to engage more youths in marine conservation, and gives youths the opportunity for hands-on experiences to learn more about conservation work and outreach – it's such a commendable step towards more education on environmental awareness for our local youths!

One of our Kaia Initiative members, Aleusheya, participated in the 2024 iteration of the programme in June. She'll be sharing some of the things she's learned during the programme!

Stepping into the Youth Ocean Ambassadors (YOA) program was like diving into a new ocean of opportunities. From the moment I signed up, I knew I was in for an adventure, but I could never have anticipated just how eye-opening and enjoyable this journey would be. With a blend of educational activities, hands-on experiences, and the chance to meet like-minded peers, this program offered an enriching dive into marine conservation and environmental stewardship. Over the course of several days, I had the chance to explore diverse ecosystems, engage in meaningful projects, and discover a newfound passion for ocean advocacy. The YOA program always has a theme related to marine conservation and education. For example, one of the previous batches has “sustainable seafood” as their theme and the theme of my YOA was mangroves!

Day 1 — In house introductions + mangrove lesson package + sea aquarium tour

The mangrove lesson package I attended was an enlightening experience that deepened my understanding of the importance of mangrove ecosystems and their conservation. It not only provided factual knowledge but also immersed me in hands-on activities and experiential learning, which made the subject come alive. The lesson package covered the ecological significance of mangroves, their role in coastal protection and biodiversity conservation. Understanding the threats facing mangroves, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change, inspired a sense of responsibility and urgency to protect these critical ecosystems. The lesson package sparked ideas for how I can promote awareness and advocate for mangrove conservation in my community and beyond, whether through educational outreach, volunteering, or supporting conservation initiatives.

We then participated in our first group activity which consisted of the construction of a mind map to consolidate all the knowledge we had just learnt. My group, group 4, consisted of 5 other like-minded, passionate and extremely friendly individuals that I am greatly thankful I got to know through this program for not only did I walk away from this with new experiences and knowledge, but my heart full with newfound friendships.

While our mind map seems far more fun and lively than it is educational, rest assured our presentation of it was much more informative!

The tour of the Singapore Sea Aquarium, which included access to back-of-house areas, was an extraordinary and insightful experience that was beyond fascinating and not only enhanced my appreciation for marine life but also provided valuable insights into the efforts involved in caring for aquatic ecosystems. Exploring the back-of-house areas exposed me to the dedicated work of aquarium staff and conservationists. Learning about their efforts in breeding endangered species, conducting research, and implementing sustainable practices underscored the importance of marine conservation. It was evident how the aquarium prioritises the well-being of its residents, ensuring they thrive in a controlled environment that mimics their natural habitat. As a diver and someone with a profound love for the ocean, the sea aquarium tour which included an overhead view of the open water enclosure, was an extremely unique experience that I’ll forever remember.

Day 2 – Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Visiting the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve was an exhilarating experience despite the unexpected thunderstorm. Thankfully, before the weather took a turn for the worse, we had already managed to spot a baby crocodile, alongside encounters with snakes and monitor lizards. The reserve's tranquil mangrove swamps and waterways provided a glimpse into the rich biodiversity thriving within Singapore's urban landscape. Witnessing these creatures in their natural habitat underscored the importance of wetland ecosystems as vital sanctuaries for wildlife, showcasing nature's resilience and beauty even amidst unpredictable weather. Getting caught in the rain at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve turned our visit into a spontaneous adventure. As the skies opened up, we quickly grabbed our umbrellas and sought shelter amidst the wetlands. Huddled together under our umbrellas and raincoats, we navigated the trails, occasionally pausing to admire the rain-soaked foliage and the serene beauty of the wetlands. Despite the unexpected weather, the beauty of the experience remained, especially since this was my first time visiting Sungei Buloh.

Day 3 — Coney Island beach clean up

Participating in the Coney Island beach clean-up was a fulfilling and eye-opening experience. Armed with gloves and trash bags, our group set out to make a positive impact on the coastal ecosystem. The beach, though picturesque, revealed a different story upon closer inspection—stray plastics, discarded bottles, and other debris littered the sands and tangled in the coastal vegetation. Working together, we combed through the beach, meticulously picking up litter. It was heartening to see everyone's dedication to restoring the beach's natural beauty and preserving habitat for marine life. Throughout the clean-up, conversations sparked about sustainable practices and the importance of reducing single-use plastics. By the end of the day, our efforts yielded visible results—a cleaner shoreline and a renewed sense of environmental responsibility among all participants. Partnering with Punggol Coast Nature Kakis and Temasek Polytechnic for the beach clean-up at Coney Island was a collaborative effort that not only focused on environmental stewardship but also provided opportunities to observe marine life up close. As we combed through the shoreline, our efforts to clear debris were interspersed with exciting discoveries of sea creatures like crabs scuttling among the rocks and sea cucumbers nestled in the sand. These encounters with marine biodiversity underscored the importance of preserving coastal habitats and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Working alongside passionate volunteers and students from Temasek Polytechnic, we exchanged knowledge about marine conservation and sustainable practices. It was inspiring to see how our collective actions could contribute to protecting these natural spaces for future generations and fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of land and sea. The experience not only strengthened our bonds as environmental advocates but also left us with a sense of pride in making a tangible difference in the preservation of our coastal environments.

Day 4 — Urban park tours + debate activity

Splitting into three groups for our environmental initiative, I had the opportunity to join the team that explored the trails of Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Nestled amidst the urban hustle and bustle of Singapore, this park offers a tranquil escape into nature, with winding paths, serene waterways, and abundant greenery.

As we traversed the trails, we were surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature—birdsong, rustling leaves, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife. The park's well-maintained pathways led us through different ecosystems, from lush gardens to serene ponds teeming with aquatic life. Along the way, we paused to admire the diverse flora and fauna, from vibrant blooms to the graceful movements of dragonflies and butterflies.

The experience was not just about enjoying the natural surroundings but also about reconnecting with nature and appreciating the importance of urban green spaces. It provided a moment of respite from our daily routines, allowing us to unwind and recharge in the midst of nature's beauty. Walking through Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park served as a reminder of the value of preserving and enhancing green areas within cities, promoting biodiversity, and providing recreational opportunities for residents.

We then continued our environmental journey with a visit to the National Library. What stood out most was the specially curated kids section, designed in collaboration with the Singapore Sea Aquarium, which provided a vibrant and educational environment for young visitors.

Split into our groups, we gathered in the space to share our findings and insights from our respective excursions. Each group presented their discoveries of flora and fauna observed during our explorations, reflecting on the biodiversity and environmental significance of the locations we visited. It was a moment of collective learning and exchange, where we discussed the importance of conservation and sustainable practices in preserving natural habitats.

The presentations sparked lively discussions among us, as we discussed the challenges faced by urban ecosystems like those in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and the strategies to promote biodiversity within such environments.

Our next activity was a debate on whether the mangroves of Coney Island should be removed for urbanisation. We were made to play the role of various stakeholders and our group represented the ecotourism sector advocating for the preservation of these valuable ecosystems. As we gathered our thoughts and arguments,we highlighted how the mangroves serve as a crucial habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species, and emphasised their role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. Preserving these natural habitats, we argued, would not only support local wildlife but also provide educational opportunities for visitors interested in eco-friendly tourism experiences.

Moreover, we underscored the economic benefits of ecotourism, emphasising how preserving Coney Island's mangroves could boost tourism revenues through guided tours, nature walks, and birdwatching activities. It was a unique exercise that deepened our understanding of the complex balance between conservation and urbanisation in shaping our urban landscapes.

Day 5 – design thinking workshop

Since I was unable to attend on that day due to my academic commitments, I asked some of my groupmates to share one key takeaway from the workshop they attended.

Ira – Through the design thinking workshop we gained insights about the importance of biophilic design along with its different aspects (water, plants, lighting), which we then attempted to integrate into the design of our boardwalk model. We also learnt how to consider different perspectives (i.e. accessibility) and were able to be creative to come up with unique ideas and solutions!

Yvette – Biophilic design is more than just about plants; it also encompasses other aspects of nature, such as natural lighting, water features, and the use of natural materials, all of which contribute to creating a harmonious and restorative environment.

Keane – We learned how to incorporate parts of nature into our designs and what we can do to benefit both us and the nature around us through our design, including how to enhance biodiversity, improve mental well-being, and promote sustainable practices in our built environments. This approach not only creates aesthetically pleasing spaces but also fosters a deeper connection between people and their surroundings, encouraging a more harmonious coexistence with the natural world.

Yi Shyan – We had a talk by a nus professor and his students regarding their projects and stuff they do which I think was quite eye opening! We then split into our groups to create a miniature broadwalk using recycled materials. For our group we decided to integrate features of mangroves (such as the root inspired stilts at the bottom of the broadwalk for structural integrity). Overall I found the workshop interesting and engaging due to the hands on elements!

Ishani — Through the mangrove boardwalk design workshop, we learnt that the importance of biophilic design involves all aspects of the mangroves - air, water and land. We also learnt to think of how we can incorporate aspects that make it accessible to people of all ages.

Last day – final project presentations

On the last official day of the YOA program, the various groups came together in the ocean dome of the sea aquarium to present our final project. The task we were given was to incorporate mangroves and its essence into different aspects of society, for instance, schools, community centres, campsites, and more. Our group was assigned to design a community centre and we included infrastructural similarities to that of mangroves and their roots, and designed facilities such as an outdoor gym, a watchtower overlooking the mangrove forest, a childrens’ playground, and more. Moreover, we took inspiration from currently existing CCs and came up with activities that our imaginative CC would offer such as art and craft workshops for children, nature photography workshops, clean-ups, and more, all of them relating back to the themes of mangroves and environmental conservation. All the other groups had such inventive and fascinating creations for their various tasks that I began to hope that one day their ideas would turn into a reality!

As part of the program, we also got the privilege of attending and presenting our final projects at the Singapore Horseshoe Crab conference.

All in all, the Youth Ocean Ambassadors program turned out to be an amazing adventure that I’m so glad I jumped into! Even though I initially worried about not knowing any of the other participants, I ended up making some fantastic friends that I hope to remain in contact with. Every day was a new and exciting chapter—whether it was learning about mangrove conservation, exploring the wonders of the Sea Aquarium,braving the rain at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, or cleaning up the beach at Coney Island, every activity was a testament to the program’s commitment to fostering environmental stewardship. Designing a community centre inspired by mangroves and seeing everyone’s imaginative ideas come to life was the perfect way to wrap up our journey. Plus, presenting our work at the Singapore Horseshoe Crab Conference was an unforgettable experience!

This program not only broadened my understanding of marine conservation but also filled my heart with joy from the friendships I made and the experiences I had. I’m leaving with a renewed sense of excitement about protecting our oceans and a big smile from all the fun we had along the way. I leave this program with a renewed sense of responsibility towards our oceans and a heart full of gratitude for the memories and connections that will continue to inspire my environmental journey.

Would I recommend this to youths passionate about marine conservation? Without a doubt! I’m sure you’ll have an experience as mine was, don’t let anything stop you from doing what you're passionate about!

-Aleusheya, 18