The Immersive Journey with I Am Water: Pioneers of Ocean Conservation

4 mins read
ocean conservation environmental education Cape Town

I Am Water is a non-profit organization that aims to preserve the oceans’ integrity through education and captivating underwater explorations. Their strategy is to promote proximity to the ocean, raise awareness, and advocate for conservation. The organization offers Ocean Guardians Workshops, River Guardians Workshops, and School Speaking Series that focus on personal and professional growth and inspiring peers. I Am Water’s coaching community, consisting of marine scientists, lifeguards, and conservation advocates, undergoes regular training to promote personal and professional growth, fostering leadership and inspiring peers.

Plunge into the Deep: The Genesis of I Am Water

I Am Water is a non-profit organization committed to preserving oceans’ integrity through education and captivating underwater explorations. Their methodology is threefold: promoting proximity to the ocean, raising awareness, and advocating for conservation. Their seminal initiatives encompass Ocean Guardians Workshops, River Guardians Workshops, and School Speaking Series, promoting personal and professional growth and inspiring peers.

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Plunge into the Deep: The Genesis of I Am Water

Rising like a beacon from the backdrop of Earth’s expansive oceans is I Am Water, a non-profit entity that took its first breath in 2010. With a profound commitment to preserving our oceans’ integrity, the organization has positioned itself as a trailblazer in a global crusade of ocean-conscious citizens. Their strategy? Enlightening people through education and captivating underwater explorations.

I Am Water operates based on a vital premise: the creation of emotional and physical bonds with water bodies. They assert that this relationship is vital since it helps nurture an appreciation of the essential correlation between human health and vibrant oceans. This understanding isn’t just basic; it’s also persuasive, catalyzing the actions needed to safeguard our sprawling water bodies.

A focal point for I Am Water is disadvantaged coastal communities. It might come as a shock, but a considerable number of young individuals in these communities, despite their proximity to the sea, are ignorant of the marvels concealed beneath the waves. I Am Water strives to rewrite this story, giving these young minds a firsthand experience of the underwater world.

Instrumental Initiatives: The Three-Pronged Approach

I Am Water’s methodology is threefold: promoting proximity to the ocean, raising awareness and advocating for conservation. Their seminal initiatives encompass the Ocean Guardians Workshops, River Guardians Workshops, and School Speaking Series.

The Ocean Guardians Workshop, their most prominent program, caters to grade seven learners from underprivileged communities in Western Cape. These workshops, which accommodate up to 36 students and span over two school days, facilitate an exhilarating journey of oceanic exploration. From yoga-inspired activities to enlightening sessions on marine biomes, and excursions to the intertidal zones with marine experts, these workshops serve as a dynamic medley of experiences intended to deepen the participants’ bond with the ocean.

The cornerstone of these workshops is the snorkel station. Participants get a firsthand view of marine life in all its modest glory, ranging from kelp forests to a diverse array of fish species. The aim is twofold: to impart knowledge and to foster a deep-rooted appreciation for the ocean.

Advocacy and Awareness: The River Guardians and School Speaking Series

In tandem, the River Guardians Workshops highlight the connection between the health of the rivers and the oceans. Through environmental education, river ecosystem exploration, and clean-up activities, participants are introduced to the impacts of human actions on these ecosystems.

The School Speaking Series is a forum where students interact with presentations that are aligned with the South African curriculum. The focus is on the connections between humans and oceans and potential conservation solutions, facilitated by I Am Water’s Coaching Community.

The Driving Force: I Am Water’s Coaching Community

A vital contributor to I Am Water’s success is its coaching community, comprising marine scientists, lifeguards, and conservation advocates. Many of them come from the very communities they serve. This team undergoes regular training in various skills, promoting personal and professional growth. The program inspires coaches to develop skills within the ocean conservation sector, fostering leadership and inspiring peers.

I Am Water’s mission is both ambitious and essential: crafting a world where humans and oceans thrive collectively. Through their broad and impactful programs, they are not only educating the next generation about ocean conservation but also empowering them to become active protectors of our marine ecosystems.

Those interested can delve deeper into I Am Water’s world through their website, iamwaterfoundation.org, or their Facebook page, I Am Water Ocean Conservation. They can also be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 081 892 7385.

The Final Word: The Vision of I Am Water

In conclusion, I Am Water encapsulates the mutual relationship between us and our seas vividly. It’s an endeavor that warrants our attention and backing because it reminds us of a fundamental truth: We are not mere inhabitants of Earth; we are an integral part of it. Our well-being and survival are entwined with our oceans’ health and longevity. I Am Water is more than just an organization; it is a mirror reflecting our inherent identity: We are, indeed, water.

What is I Am Water and what is their mission?

I Am Water is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the oceans’ integrity through education and captivating underwater explorations. Their mission is to promote proximity to the ocean, raise awareness, and advocate for conservation.

What are the Ocean Guardians Workshops and who do they cater to?

The Ocean Guardians Workshops are I Am Water’s prominent program, catering to grade seven learners from underprivileged communities in Western Cape. These workshops facilitate an exhilarating journey of oceanic exploration, from yoga-inspired activities to enlightening sessions on marine biomes, and excursions to the intertidal zones with marine experts.

What is the River Guardians Workshop and what does it focus on?

The River Guardians Workshop highlights the connection between the health of the rivers and the oceans. Participants are introduced to the impacts of human actions on these ecosystems through environmental education, river ecosystem exploration, and clean-up activities.

What is the School Speaking Series and what is its focus?

The School Speaking Series is a forum where students interact with presentations that are aligned with the South African curriculum. The focus is on the connections between humans and oceans and potential conservation solutions, facilitated by I Am Water’s Coaching Community.

Who makes up I Am Water’s coaching community and what is their role?

I Am Water’s coaching community comprises marine scientists, lifeguards, and conservation advocates. They undergo regular training in various skills, promoting personal and professional growth, fostering leadership, and inspiring peers.

How can one get in touch with I Am Water and learn more about their programs?

Those interested can delve deeper into I Am Water’s world through their website, iamwaterfoundation.org, or their Facebook page, I Am Water Ocean Conservation. They can also be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 081 892 7385.

Emma Botha is a Cape Town-based journalist who chronicles the city’s shifting social-justice landscape for the Mail & Guardian, tracing stories from Parliament floor to Khayelitsha kitchen tables. Born and raised on the slopes of Devil’s Peak, she still hikes Lion’s Head before deadline days to remind herself why the mountain and the Mother City will always be her compass.

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