Uniting Humans and Oceans through an Inspiring Tale
Taking a deep dive into the world’s oceans, readers can embark on a new adventure with Captain Fanplastic and the Black Mermaid. Authored by Ruben Hazelzet, this captivating book builds a connection between humanity’s inherent bond with the ocean and the urgent issue of marine litter. As a social change expert and leader of the Captain Fanplastic program, Hazelzet steers this literary journey with experiential education, inspiring children to tackle marine pollution.
The distressing consequences of marine litter, including its detrimental effects on marine life and ecosystems, are brought to the forefront in Captain Fanplastic & the Black Mermaid, helping readers understand their vital role in protecting the oceans. The book effectively engages readers of all ages in conserving our planet’s most precious resource, emphasizing that “the ocean starts here.”
Marine litter poses a significant threat to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans. With over 11 million metric tonnes of plastic entering our oceans each year, addressing this environmental crisis is of utmost importance. The book also highlights various Global Goals for 2030, particularly emphasizing SDG 11.
A Powerful Partnership for Ocean Conservation
Collaborating with Zandile Ndhlovu, a PADI Freediving Instructor and founder of the Black Mermaid Foundation, Captain Fanplastic’s mission is taken to new heights. Ndhlovu is enthusiastic about the partnership, expressing, “Partnerships and collaboration are the way of the future. We are all part of the collective heart working to protect our oceans.”
The Black Mermaid Foundation is dedicated to promoting ocean access and environmental conservation, specifically among underrepresented communities. By teaming up with Captain Fanplastic, this dynamic duo aims to broaden dreams and horizons through compelling stories that encourage courage and inspire change.
To further enrich the educational experience, Captain Fanplastic intends to create underwater virtual reality videos with Zandile Ndhlovu. This groundbreaking approach will bring the ocean’s marvels closer to those without immediate access, expanding their immersive classroom program.
Recognition, Launch, and the Journey Ahead
Captain Fanplastic’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. Recently, the program was declared a winner in the World Economic Forum’s Uplink Great Blue Wall Challenge, acknowledging its commitment to addressing marine litter and promoting ocean health. Additionally, the United Ocean Decade of Actions commended the organization for its exemplary work throughout African Indian Ocean islands.
Mark your calendars for the official book launch event at the Two Oceans Aquarium on 29 September! The event will be filled with fascinating talks, interactive storytelling sessions, and involvement from local organizations, young learners, and the general public, signifying an exciting chapter in the endeavor to inspire change and cultivate a deep connection between humanity, the oceans, and nature as a whole.
Captain Fanplastic & the Black Mermaid will soon be available for purchase online and is poised to join the ranks of similarly captivating and educational books. Become a part of the movement towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for our oceans and embrace your role as an advocate for change.
The award-winning environmental literacy program, Captain Fanplastic, has devoted itself to raising awareness about marine litter and empowering individuals to take action since its inception in 2018. The program focuses on behavior change through experiential education, gamification, and activities involving waste innovation, active clean-ups, and recycling within communities and nature.
Founded by Zandile Ndhlovu, the Black Mermaid Foundation is committed to enhancing ocean access and environmental conservation, particularly within underrepresented communities. By connecting people to the oceans and nurturing a sense of responsibility towards their protection, the foundation aims to expand opportunities and dreams.
In summary, Captain Fanplastic & the Black Mermaid is an uplifting story that emphasizes the pressing need for ocean conservation and transcends boundaries to foster human connections. This extraordinary partnership between Ruben Hazelzet and Zandile Ndhlovu holds the potential to make a significant impact on empowering the next generation to take action and embrace their role as guardians of our planet’s oceans.
