Island and Ocean Ecosystems
An Invasive Species Schools Challenge has been launched by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) with the distribution of new materials.

A series of factsheets, along with a cartoon animation, 30 second radio spots and classroom challenge sheets have been made available across the region for schools to use.

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"It's hoped that while learning about Invasive Species, students of all ages across the Pacific islands can try the challenge activities and incorporate fun into their learning," said Mr. David Moverley, the Invasive Species Adviser at SPREP.

"We are also adding to this by providing the prizes for the top three challenge submissions we receive by 11 December this year.  The materials are easily adapted to suit the needs of the classroom and any school in the pacific islands region is welcome to use the resources and try one of the challenge activities for submission into the contest."

The competition or schools challenge is set for one month only and each Pacific island is invited to submit the three winning entries for regional judging.

The best country selected entries will be judged regionally with significant prizes awarded to schools of USD$1,000 for first place, USD$750 for second place, and USD$500 for third place.

"The Regional Schools Challenge has already begun. Many countries in the Pacific like Tonga, Palau and the Marshall Islands have shown interest and we're really looking forward to receiving entries," said Mr. Moverley.

The Samoa National School's challenge on Invasive Species will take place early next year.

While the materials are available electronically at this stage, the Invasive Species Resource Toolkit will be made available in hard copy next year. This will be distributed across the region in 2016.

The Campaign is supported by the United Nations Environment Program, Global Environment Facility, and Fonds Pacifique, with additional sponsorship by the ANZ bank for the Samoa National School's Challenge.

Should you wish to know more information on the Invasive Species Schools Challenge please email: [email protected] or click here to access the range of materials.