Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Family Camp
is a member of the Ambassadors of the Environment family of programs
A collaboration between
Sea cucumbers are the waste managers of the kelp forest. Waste and remains of all these animals are digested and recycled by sea cucumbers.
Each resident of the kelp bed ecosystem has a job. Collectively this diversity of species and the work they do ensures the community will stay healthy.
Lobsters are scavengers that clean up the bottom, similar to sea cucumbers. Such overlapping function is called ecological redundancy and is security in case one species disappears. Its good to have a spare.
Species benefit from a variety of ecological connections. This orange senorita fish is a cleaner that takes
parasites from the blue blacksmith fish.
The “doctor” keeps its “patients” healthy in a mutualistic relationship where both partners benefit. Here the patients stand on their heads to
let the doctor know they need “medical” attention.
For us nature is a living laboratory and natural classroom. Immersion is the best way to learn about how the world works.
Here are the principles of ecology that we study.
We discover how these principles apply above water.
The tidepools reveal more mysteries and lessons.
We see how renewable solar energy powers land plants and how they create the structure of this ecosystem.
Island fox poop is good because it contains seeds and valuable “fertilizer” that will help those seeds grow.
There is no waste in nature!
We apply the principles of ecology and sustainability in our camp. Here we reuse all of our food waste.
As we have seen in nature, the use of renewable solar energy is effective and efficient. Our camp has solar ovens, photovoltaic panels and solar hot water systems.
Historically humans have created ecological imbalances through the introduction of exotic species.
Here we engage in landscape restoration.
The web of life game demonstrates how everything is connected and
how we depend on healthy ecosystems.
The wisdom of our ancestors is another important reinforcement in our search for sustainable lifestyles and respect for nature.
Empowered, inspired and motivated, our participants will lead in the search for a sustainable future.
We discuss important issues in our lives back home and learn of positive action taken by other young people from around the world.
We each make a pledge to become an Ambassador of the Environment and do at least one thing to protect the environment and to live a bit
more sustainably when we return home.