Teens off to Madagascar on science trip

Twelve students from Priory School, Lewes, will need to raise £2000 each to fund a science expedition to the island in August 2017, which will see them get involved with conservation projects.

The 15-16 year olds will fly to Madagascar and visit a national park where they will see lemurs before going to remote fishing village Andavadoaka where they will assist Blue Ventures’ scientists. The charity aims to protect marine biodiversity in ways that benefit coastal people.

Madagascar - off the coast of Southeast Africa is home to a unique diversity of animals and plants - over 90 per cent of its wildlife cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. But this is being threatened by a rapidly growing human population and climate change.

Joel Gayford, 15, wants to go to the island to get involved with conservation: “We will be working along the scientists that conserve mangrove forest, that will include snorkelling and checking on the species as well planting new mangroves.”

While Dan Bush is looking forward to learning about sustainable octopus fisheries. “They have a section of the bay in Andavadoaka where they sustainably fish octopus and it has shown a bigger profit than fishing everywhere.”

The students will also share their experience of living in Sussex by bringing with them presentations made by local primary schools, but also embrace the local culture by spending time with a Malagasy family. For most of the teens it will be their first big trip away from home and their parents are excited too. “My son wants to do marine conservation biology, so this is a trip of a lifetime for him. I’m really happy that he’s going and it will give the children a good world view,” said Lynn Gayford.

Now attention is turning to fundraising and The group is starting to brainstorm ways to raise cash and look for grants.

If you would like to make a donation to help the group go on a educational trip of a lifetime contact expedition leader Dr John Parry at jmparry@btinternet.com.