Grade 7 learner and eco-leader Romario Valentine has done it again! Over the festive season, Romario renewed his place in the fight for Marion Island and successfully raised thousands to preserve the seabirds’ home in what is a huge moment for bird conservation history:
Durban, South Africa (25 January 2024)— Grade 7 learner and local eco-leader Romario Valentine is helping to make history in the world of bird conservation thanks to his unwavering commitment to Marion Island’s restoration!
Over the festive period, Romario renewed his place in the fight for Marion Island through a festive fundraiser dubbed “Romario’s Seabirds Christmas Gift”. This to raise as much support as possible for the Mouse-free Marion Project led by BirdLife South Africa. Its aim is to help many seabirds avoid extinction and get their home back to the paradise it once was; something Romario helped advocate for in 2022.
Marion Island has faced unnatural detriment to its bird population due to invasive mice brought forth by sealers of the 800s. Once a slice of heaven for seabirds (largely on account of no humans settling in or inhabiting the region), the entire island has changed and now faces a decline of seabirds so big that restoring the island is considered one of the most important conservation projects around.
Romario’s fundraising efforts for the island’s restoration alongside BirdLife South Africa and other international eco-heroes means there is a chance to write history in favour of the island’s natural biodiversity. And with the good news of his recent successful campaign, things are certainly looking up.
His mother, Delsha, recently shared with Good Things Guy that Romario’s campaign surpassed its goal of R50 000.
This is not Romario’s first rodeo in being a good citizen of the Earth either. He is an author of an environmental academic book, has hosted 497 beach clean-ups, won the 2022 Birdlife SA Owlet laureate amongst so much more environmental good.
“He hopes [the fundraiser] will encourage others to be part of a legacy to restore the beautiful seabirds habitats on Marion Island by supporting the BirdLife SA MFM project,” Delsha shares.
“I’m honoured to receive the overwhelming support from fellow birders, conservationists and well-wishers. I believe children involved in environmentalism at a young age will help them become better citizens of the Earth,” adds Romario.
“Let’s make a difference together and protect our beautiful planet,” he adds.
Sources: Delsha Moodley
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