Djibouti workshop, a photo immersion 3/4

The TRSC continues its series of photo reports illustrating various aspects of the educational workshop organised from 17 to 25 April in Djibouti in partnership with the University of Djibouti and in close collaboration with the local authorities.

Episode 3: In the water! To conclude the on-campus sessions on coral reef biology, local and global threats to coral reefs, conservation methods and professional opportunities related to environmental protection, it was high time for the workshop participants to go into the field.

The TRSC and UD team took some of students on a day trip to Moucha Island, off the coast of Djibouti in the Gulf of Tadjoura. The aim was to discover the coral reef environment up close and to raise awareness of its protection through a unique experience for each of them: for the first time in their lives, equipped with fins, mask and snorkel, the young girls and boys walk into the water from the beach and were introduced to the ultimate pleasure of looking underwater and discovering what is hidden there.

This memorable experience took place under the supervision of Coast Guard escorts, who were transformed into swimming instructors for the occasion. The success of the event was also ensured by the generous support of the AquaClub dive club, which provided boat transportation to Moucha, snorkeling equipment and a room for introductory coral taxonomy and fish identification.