The Swami Vivekananda State Secondary School (SSS) in Souillac, Mauritius, has been selected as a finalist in the High School category of the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize. This global award, presented by the United Arab Emirates, recognizes innovative and impactful sustainable solutions. The school is one of three institutions from Sub-Saharan Africa to be shortlisted. The project, 'Eco-Coast: Coastal Restoration based on Flora,' was developed by students Sharika Sampat, Christella Favory, Taneesha Ruhomauly, and Shaina Gour, with guidance from teachers Shivam Singh Gukhoul, Shameem Burakuth, and Sameer Deensah.
The 'Eco-Coast' project addresses the severe coastal erosion affecting the southern coast of Mauritius. The initiative focuses on using the Ipomoea pes-caprae, a coastal plant that can help stabilize sandy environments. The project's four main components include creating a propagation center in sustainable greenhouses, restoring 12 to 15 vulnerable coastal sites, establishing five mini-nurseries in partner schools, and engaging local communities, including fishermen and beach vendors. This approach is community-driven and aims to complement traditional infrastructure.
Anand Pultoo, Acting Rector of Swami Vivekananda SSS, expressed immense pride in the school's selection, attributing it to the hard work, creativity, and perseverance of the students and teachers. He believes that this recognition will help garner more local and national support for coastal restoration efforts, leaving a significant legacy for future generations.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, established in 2008, honors Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's commitment to environmental conservation and human development. Since its inception, the prize has positively impacted over 411 million people, with a global fund of $5.9 million. The 2027 edition received 10,233 applications from 177 countries, a 32% increase from the previous year.
The Swami Vivekananda SSS is one of 33 finalists across various categories, including 18 in the Global High Schools category. The next stage will take place in Abu Dhabi, with winners announced on January 12, 2027, during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. In the high school category, six regional representatives will receive funding of up to $150,000 to develop their projects.
For Swami Vivekananda SSS, this funding could significantly enhance the 'Eco-Coast' project and contribute to Mauritius' coastal restoration efforts. The project's success would not only benefit the local environment but also serve as a model for sustainable practices in the region.
The school's achievement is a testament to the impact of student-led initiatives and the importance of integrating sustainability into education. As the competition progresses, the Swami Vivekananda SSS will join other finalists in Abu Dhabi, showcasing innovative solutions to global sustainability challenges.
Key points
- The Swami Vivekananda State Secondary School in Mauritius has been shortlisted for the Zayed Sustainability Prize for its 'Eco-Coast' project, which aims to restore the country's coastline using a specific coastal plant.
- The project, developed by students, focuses on community-driven coastal restoration and complements traditional infrastructure.
- The school is one of 33 finalists globally and could receive up to $150,000 to further develop the project if selected as a winner.
