1. INTRODUCTION

The annual Sunlife Marine Biodiversity Conservation Award celebrates the outstanding individuals or groups committed to protecting and preserving our vital marine ecosystems.
Award recipients are provided with essential funding to further their conservation efforts,ensuring the sustainability and health of Mauritius’ coastal and marine environments. Through
this initiative, Sunlife proudly supports research, education, and community engagement that are critical to the long-term protection of our oceans and the biodiversity they sustain.
In collaboration with our esteemed partners—the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre (RGSC), Australian Aid, the Pole of Research Excellence in Sustainable Marine Biodiversity (PRE-SMB),
and the University of Mauritius (UoM)—we invite you to join us in embracing the 2025 theme: ‘’Waves of Hope: Protecting Oceans for a Sustainable Future’’. By supporting these efforts,
we not only help protect our oceans but also honour the role they play in sustaining life on
Earth. Let’s unite in safeguarding the marine ecosystems that are crucial to our planet’s future..

2. OBJECTIVES

• Promote Innovative Solutions: Encourage creative and effective solutions that address the challenges of marine biodiversity conservation, driving impactful change for ocean ecosystems.
• Support Ocean Stewardship: Inspire a sense of responsibility in students to actively protect marine life and preserve ocean health for future generations.
• Raise Awareness: Foster education and awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of marine biodiversity and the urgent need to prevent its loss.
• Prevent Marine Biodiversity Loss: Fund and support projects focused on practical actions to safeguard marine life, ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our oceans.

3. WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

The contest is open to:

• Private and public secondary school students of Mauritius (Maximum of two projects per school)
• Each team should comprise a maximum of four students and one supervisor.
• Category: Grade 10-12

4. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The theme for the project is “Waves of Hope: Protecting Oceans for a Sustainable Future”

• The Award rewards student initiatives that drive positive change for our ocean
• Project must include a detailed clear and concise action plan on how the team aspires to preserve, protect and raise community awareness about the marine environment among the community.
• The winning teams should implement the project at school or community level.
• Each project must include a project synopsis of Maximum four pages detailing the following information:

a title, project background, well-defined aims and objectives, target group, method of implementation, an implementation plan with estimated budget and timeline, expected outcome with number of people reached, the potential impact on marine conservation, institutional support required and future plans for continuing the project’s impact

Projects that have already been implemented may be submitted with plans to be upscale and extend their impacts. Examples of existing project work such as videos, photos, and writings may be added as supplementary materials.

Projects that may qualify for the award are not limited to but may include projects such as marine conservation efforts, beach protection, community outreach programmes short documentaries, photography, and social media campaigns.

5. EVALUATION BY JURY

Evaluation by a panel of judges will be based on the submitted type above:

• Creativity and originality of project ideas
• Depth of research and understanding of issues
• Efforts to raise awareness and educate peers/community
• Potential to inspire concrete actions in support of marine conservation
• A convincing implementation plan
• Project sustainability

6. HOW TO PARTICIPATE?

STEP 1: Register- 05 May 2025

Each participating school should register a maximum of TWO projects, to signify their intention to participate in the contest. The rector/supervising educator is invited to complete the following online form on behalf of the school.

Registration link:

https://form.jotform.com/241133124343543

STEP 2: Submit your Project Proposal – 21 May 2025

All project proposals should be submitted in word or pdf format on the following link:

Submission link:
https://form.jotform.com/250722820711549

STEP 3: Judging/Shortlisting – May/June 2025

The panel will review all eligible submissions, and finalists will be invited to perform an oral presentation based on specific criteria. The jury panel will select three winning projects, considering the creativity, quality of research, potential impact, and alignment with the objectives of the award. The winning teams will have to implement their projects at the school or community level.

7. Awards

Winning teams will be awarded prizes sponsored by Sunlife as follows:

All participants who submit a project and their supervising educators will receive a certificate of participation.

8. RULES AND REGULATIONS

• Each team should consist of four students only, working under the supervision of one educator. Each school should register a maximum of two projects.
• Students represent their respective schools and are not participating as
• By participating in the contest, students and their responsible parties, educators and rectors permit the organizing committee to use their names, the school names as well as their photographs and videos to promote the Participants release the RGSC and Sunlife from any claims, liabilities, and/or damages arising directly or indirectly out of their participation in the contest.
• The decision of the Jury is final

9. ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE

• DirectorRajiv Gandhi Science Centre Old Moka Road, Bell Village Tel: 2132773, Fax: 2132726Email: education@rgsctf.org
• Website: rgsc.govmu.org

10. ABOUT SUNLIFE

Sunlife is committed to protecting the local marine environment and promoting ocean conservation. In collaboration with key partners Australian Aid, the Pole of Research Excellence in Sustainable Marine Biodiversity (PRE-SMB) and the University of Mauritius (UoM) has established the Sunlife Marine Center at Long Beach Hotel located on the scenic shores of Belle Mare, the Sunlife Marine Center serves as an educational hub for marine research, education, and advocacy. Through its work, the center aims to foster greater scientific understanding and appreciation for Mauritius’ rich coastal and marine biodiversity.

Australian Aid has provided ongoing technical and funding support to help build the center and teaching facilities The University of Mauritius partners on various research programs, with the possibility for researchers and students to regularly utilize the center for field studies.

Open to both locals and guests, the Marine Center runs guided snorkeling trips, beach cleanups, and workshops to raise awareness. School field trips and a ‘Junior Ranger program’ instill ocean stewardship values in youth. Public exhibits showcase threatened species and establish the center as an attraction as well.