Mariana here! Okay so basically I’ve mentioned mostly everything I’ve done and learnt at the port and SPA included, not all of course because there’s just too much to talk about and explain. So instead, let’s move more towards why I’m at the port in the first place, SPA to be more precise.
The port is a place which works on water, nobody expects to see any boats flying through the air or running on tires on the main road. Melissa and I were sent here to learn about what Seychelles Port Authority was and their role in the blue economy. But was that really what happened? Yes I will admit that I’ve learnt so much from these people and got the opportunity to experience things that many haven’t but are we the only ones who have learnt? SPA is very much aware about the blue economy concept and try their best to keep all the work they do environmentally friendly. But that’s just some, many times people have asked us what we do at the blue economy or what our role at the port is. What I have realised so far is that we were not here to just learn but to teach those who didn’t know much about what the blue economy focuses on doing and its roles. I can’t deny the confusion I felt when I found out I was being sent to the port, SPA to be more precise, but as time passed I became more familiar with the port I realised that we would have figure out ways to make changes on our own. I know two young girls trying to make a change in a port like this sounds impossible but the right voice with the right person would make a difference. Seeing two girls walking around with a fresh mind of saving and looking after the ocean makes a bigger difference in someone’s mind than you think, shedding some light on the situation, influences more people to do the same. Yes I know the sea water around the port isn’t the cleanest but is it really that bad? I used to think no one did anything about it but as I learnt and explored more about the port I also learnt about the rules and regulations they had about it. Oil spill or dumping of other harmful substances even though rather familiar, no matter how small, was unacceptable. If vessels were caught the people responsible would face some problems with the authority in charge of the problem. I never knew the port had people specifically for these kinds of jobs and found it very satisfying to know that they didn’t take the matter lightly. As boats use a lot of coastal space and more boats are being manufactured almost every other day we need to push more on protecting our seas and that’s (in my perspective) what the blue economy does. Not just trying to protect the ocean but find ways to explore and develop the oceans resources for better and proper use, doing operations that cause minimal environmental impact in the sea all while using it for economic growth at the same time. Yeah it’s hard I’ll admit, it’s a big world and it’s a wide ocean, surely a small group of people can’t save it all on their own right? We need more helpers, more people to care about the very waters we swim in. Remember one person can make a difference. You have an idea that would help? Don’t stay quiet, every thought counts. Once again I’m Mariana and this was my thoughts and views about my amazing two weeks at the port!
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AuthorThe interns of the Prosperity & Environment: Promoting sustainable development opportunities for youth in the Blue Economy sector. Archives
January 2018
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