Jan Juc SLSC Nippers Environmental Education sessions
4 January 2024
Mel and Jess from our Environmental Education Team delivered sessions to approximately 150 Nippers from Jan Juc SLSC this Summer. Around half of these Nippers were locals and half from out of town, making it such a valuable opportunity for intergenerational engagement with the next generations of visitors and local carers for our coast.
Participants learnt about the important biodiversity and cultural heritage values of our delicate coastal dunes, how they are formed and importantly what they can do to help conserve them. Given the challenge to build the most indestructible sand dune castles, the Nippers could quickly see the big impact walking off track through the dune coupled with weather can quickly impact these fragile habitats.
Discussions were also had about connecting with and being stewards of our coast. This included helping reduce litter by Taking 3 for the Sea, reducing energy use and air pollution by “switching off” for the sea, and importantly sharing their newfound learnings with others.
Key takeaway messages included:
- Sticking to the tracks to protect the dunes and stay safe
- Respecting the cultural heritage and environmental values of our precious coast
- Taking 3 for the Sea (to reduce litter on our coast
- Switching off for the sea (to reduce air pollution and climate change)
- Being stewards for our coast and spreading the word!
"On behalf of the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club, we would like to say thank you to you, Jess and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority for running our Nippers Environmental Education program today. The content was awesome. The way you delivered it was so engaging! We loved the practical way of demonstrating dune health, what holds dunes together and how they can be damaged. Really appreciate your time and expertise in such a busy time of year and we hope we can work together next year."
Shaun Cummings, Jan Juc SLSC Nippers Committee