Anton de Kom University students & Marvellous Mangroves

Marvellous Mangroves in Coronie, Suriname.
By Martin Keeley
Education Director, Mangrove Action Project

In early May, two dozen students from Anton de Kom, University of Suriname spent three days of intense activity learning all about Marvellous Mangroves in the town of Coronie on the coast of Suriname.

Led by MAP’s Education Director, Martin Keeley, the workshop was co-sponsored by MAP, WWF and SORTS, and used the Marvellous Mangroves in Suriname teachers resource guide as a basis for its information and activities. The MM guide was first introduced to teachers and students in Coronie 2016 and since that time has been part of an extensive program given in the communities of Nickerie, Commenwije, Coronie and Galibi. Representatives from organisations ranging from eco-tour guides from the United Tour Guides of Suriname (UTGS) to government Game Wardens and trainee teachers plus several schools have since taken the program.

The students from Anton de Kom University represented four different disciplines – Economics, Environmental Science, Mining and Agriculture/Forestry – the first time this kind of inter-disciplinary ecological training has taken place in Suriname. Ms. Joan Telgt of the Mangrove Forum, Surinam, who helped to organise the group says the inter-disciplinary exposure is essential for students to fully understand ecological systems and the way they function. She is planning similar programs in the future.

“This was an exciting group of students,” says Martin Keeley. “They showed both curiosity and a true desire to learn and understand the functions of mangrove ecosystems and their related biodiversity. Theirs was an intellectual approach which was stimulated by the different disciplines involved,” he added. “I would like to see much more of this inter-relationship approach to both learning and education at a university level. We function on many different levels as individuals and it makes more sense that we are aware of and understand each of these levels at the same time.”

The Marvellous Mangroves workshop covered a variety of topic areas through a series of science-based, hands-on explorations and activities.  These included the properties of water, birds, their feathers and functions, the structure of mangroves which enables them to adapt to various levels of salinity. 

Also covered were mangrove ecosystem biodiversity, water quality testing and the microscopic study and analysis of detritus and mangrove water samples not to mention dead jellyfish found in a ponded area.



There was even a visit and fascinating presentation from local honey keeper Roy Paal.

The field trip on the third day explored mangrove ecosystems on the coast near Coronie and included reviewing the ecological changes to mangrove habitat caused by diking. 

Water quality testing was led by MAP’s restoration specialist Dominic Wodehouse who supervised a variety of techniques ranging from soil salinity testing to pH content and water temperatures. Students, most of whom were in their early 20s, also toured the Mangrove Education Centre in Coronie where much of what they had learned was reinforced with everything from active models to a mangrove diorama, colourful posters and information booklets.

A review of student comments showed positive responses. From an Environmental Science student: “With the information gained, I will try to contribute to the protection and rehabilitation of mangrove forests. The theory, presentation and the interaction was great. The compliments to Mr. Martin.”

A Forestry students commented. “I was interested in going to the field and experience the “real life” situation. It was different than just sitting in a classroom and listen to the teacher. The theory was explained very well and it triggered my interest.”

An Agro Processing student said: “The different types of mangrove and their functions were interesting. The information will be applied by implementing it in the field. Keep doing the good work.”

Commented one Forestry student: “It was very interesting to get to know the three mangrove type which occur in Suriname. I will carry the information out and plan to do further research to improve the mangrove situation.”

Said an Agro Processing student: “The most interesting part was the information which was carried out by different activities (food web, migration, biodiversity etc.). I can apply this information to my study and by sharing it with others.”

Most of the students felt they would have liked a longer workshop that went into more detail as well as a full day field trip with additional activities. All of them agreed that they had learned much about the mangroves.

Following the workshop the students participated in the multi-lingual, on-line activity website which reiterates mangrove workshop learning through a series of skill testing questions and explorations.