Environment

One of the core pillars of The Enjoolata Foundation is our commitment to being facilitators of social and environmental change on a local scale. Small actions in our community can lead to immense transformation; The Sussex Dolphin Project is a shining example of this commitment in action. As a dedicated marine conservation project, the Sussex Dolphin Project has undertaken the noble task of protecting local dolphin species through research, awareness, and education.

In a region bustling with shipping traffic, commercial fisheries, and recreational activities, This group of staff and volunteers passionately safeguards our local marine ecosystem and its inhabitants.

At the core of the Sussex Dolphin Project is the power of citizen science. In an area where traditional research into marine mammals has been minimal, this project empowers local people to become the eyes and ears of the sea. Their community-minded philosophy has illuminated a path to deeper understanding, offering insights into the behaviour, movement, prey species, and breeding sites of our marine neighbours. This collaborative effort creates a network of marine mammal spotters, tirelessly collecting valuable data all along the Sussex coastline. The project thrives on collaboration with the community. Whether through immersive boat trips, enlightening research events, coastal clean-up initiatives, or their vibrant social media presence, the Sussex Dolphin Project welcomes anyone interested in marine conservation.

Education stands as a core pillar of the Sussex Dolphin Project’s mission, reflecting their deep commitment to inspiring and engaging local youth. Through engaging and enjoyable learning experiences, they nurture an interest in marine habitat conservation. This educational journey unveils the mysteries of marine life, their intricate relationships, and the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems. The project is dedicated to preparing future stewards of the sea and stressing the significance of preserving these underwater realms. They achieve this through a range of programs, including in-class workshops, beach experiences, and whole-school assemblies, offering invaluable lessons to prospective guardians. Ultimately, the Sussex Dolphin Project motivates us to work towards environmental harmony.

Operating under the umbrella of the World Cetacean Alliance, the world’s largest marine conservation partnership, The Sussex Dolphin Project’s efforts have been instrumental in creating a sightings network and increasing opportunities for local residents to participate in marine conservation. Their evidence-based research on individual dolphins and pods is a priceless tool for the protection of Sussex marine mammals.

Beyond this, the challenges persist. Hundreds of dolphins and marine animals face the imminent threat of bycatch from giant fishing vessels along our precious coastlines. The Sussex Dolphin Project urges us all to take action to address this pressing issue. Their advocacy calls for transparency, accountability, and the establishment of more robust regulations governing these vessels, all aimed at safeguarding marine life.

Here’s what you can do to support the campaign against the use of Supertrawlers:

1. Write to your MP – If you’re in the UK, urge your Member of Parliament to take action against supertrawler bycatch.
2. Sign the petition – Join the #DolphinsArentDiscard petition to demand more transparency and regulation here >
3. Make a donation – Contribute to the campaign to amplify the voice of marine conservation.
4. Stay informed – Keep up to date with the campaign’s progress and other marine conservation efforts by signing up for updates from the World Cetacean Alliance here: https://worldcetaceanalliance.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=cdd1c98fda1547a8b5e29d5be&id=bffbcbec14

The Sussex Dolphin Project stands strong as a symbol of dedication, resilience, and the power of community-driven conservation. Their tireless work inspires hope in a brighter future for Sussex’s marine realm. Together, we can be stewards of the sea and protect these charismatic creatures and their habitats for generations to come.

In the summer of 2021 Enjoolata awarded funding to a small group of residents on Stanmer road on the outskirts of Brighton who had got together to transform a piece of scrub land known as The Old Green into a natural and educational resource for the local community.

The group were set on regenerating the land using the permaculture approach of working with nature and not against it. They planned to grow herbs, wildflowers and vegetables and to provide educational activities to members of the local community.

Now entering its second year the garden has evidently become an important asset for the community, especially during the pandemic when social isolation was at an all-time high. It is being used by all age groups and particularly by mothers and their children. It has been used for Christmas carol concerts and Halloween gatherings and the residents have future plans to hold all sorts of workshops in the area.

Fig, apple, and pear trees have been planted along the length of the land. A swathe of wildflowers will soon emerge as the weather gets warmer and the garden seems to give a sense of cohesion to the quite diverse surrounding community with its cross section of inhabitants ranging from students and new young families to the older generation of working-class families who have lived there for years. Many in the estates have no gardens and The Old Green provides a space for all.

Jam is made from the rosehips; the rest are left for the birds as are pieces of bread hung from the branches. A three-bin compost system offers an opportunity for members of the community to recycle their food waste and witness how the garden and wildlife will reap the benefit. In line with their permaculture beliefs, the project uses low impact materials in the garden and the group recycle wherever possible.

One elderly gentleman who had lived in the area for years commented that he had seen dragonflies flying around for the very first time and frogs have been sighted in the small ponds created on the edge of the garden.

Urban green spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, and residential greenery, can improve mental and physical health and improve life expectancy for urban residents. Outreach programmes will ensure that those living in council housing without gardens or in areas of social disadvantage will be given priority access, facilities and learning opportunities.

Funding from Enjoolata will continue to be spent on training priorities for those who might not have opportunities to access green spaces, with the remainder going towards ongoing maintenance.

It’s Our Planet Too is a social enterprise and educational brand on a mission to inspire children to love and care for our environment.

Founded by Kate, a mum of two in recognition that our children are growing up in a world facing very real challenges, yet are starting to take notice of our impact on the environment. We hope to empower them to become little eco heroes who seek to make a positive change for a greener future.

At It’s Our Planet Too, our vision is for every child to believe that they have the power to protect our planet. But this has to start with gently educating our children (and their families), so considering our environmental impact becomes a way of life and starts to dictate the choices that we all make.

Our website is a resource for children to learn about our planet, the effects that humans are having on it and to discover why some animals are struggling for survival. It has been supported by social media activity and has received some fantastic feedback from both environmental organisations and parents.

A recent social impact survey showed the positive impact we are having within our community; with 82% of respondents being inspired to make a small lifestyle change and specifically, 72% having spoken to their children about the environment as a result of seeing our messages. Over 80% of respondents felt that It’s Our Planet Too had made them more aware of environmental issues.

In late 2021, we launched a range of sustainably and ethically produced children’s products including organic tees, water bottles, bags and fact-filled notebooks that embrace our brand values and key messages and also allow us to give back. We are incredibly proud to support a fabulous charitable venture that is striving for the wildlife rangers working on the ground, protecting the animals that our children love. As a social venture, we pledge to give a minimum of 50% of our profits to good causes.

It’s Our Planet Too is a relatively new organisation, having been incorporated in 2020 yet have already achieved recognition in a number of areas. In early 2021, we were a successful applicant to the Santander Breakthrough Women Business Leaders programme and later on to the prestigious Cambridge Social Ventures incubator, part of the Cambridge Judge Business School. We finished 2021 as a member of Social Enterprise UK, we won Theo Paphitis’ small business Sunday in recognition of our work and started 2022 having been awarded a place on the #ialso list of inspiring business leaders and female founders.

We have some exciting plans for the coming months; we hope to grow our organisation to allow us to make a significant and continued donation to our charity partner, whilst working to improve climate literacy amongst our community and to weave sustainable practices into all that we do.

We are incredibly grateful to the Enjoolata foundation for their support over the past 12 months, their belief in our mission has been fundamental to our work and has underpinned all that we have accomplished so far.

The Amazing Story of the Brighton Dolphin Project

The Ocean Eden Project is a radical and ambitious venture by the Brighton Dolphin Project with the goal of leading the way in ‘regenerating our oceans once more’. Think Eden Project but in the sea with visitors in wetsuits and snorkels. 

[Read more…] about Rewilding the Ocean with Brighton Dolphin Project