- Fourteen-year-old KwaZulu-Natal environmental activist Romario Valentine has collected nearly five tonnes of plastic waste and raised more than R100 000 for seabird conservation initiatives.
- Through his book, beach clean-ups, and fundraising campaigns, Romario is encouraging young people to take action against pollution, climate change, and environmental destruction.
- Romari’s latest contribution is toward the Mouse-Free Marion Project, looking to help sponsor 100 hectares of land for seabirds facing dangers from invasive house mice.
- For more climate change news and analysis, visit News24 Climate Future.
A 14-year-old environmental activist, author and artist from KwaZulu-Natal has shown that young people can make a meaningful difference in climate conservation.
Romario Valentine is on a mission to protect South African seabirds, having already collected close to five tonnes of plastic bottles during his beach clean-ups and raised more than R100 000 from his conservation fundraising initiatives.
He is also the author of Protect Our Planet: Take Action with Romario, a book that educates children about critical environmental issues, such as recycling, pollution, climate change, renewable energy, and conservation, through hands-on activities, for example, building bird feeders.
Remarkably, the book was published when Romario was 11 years old.
Romario supports multiple habitat conservation efforts, including Birdlife South Africa’s Mouse-Free Marion Project, through his fundraising campaign, named Romario’s Seabirds Conservation.
READ | This Durban teen is on a mission to save the planet, one penguin at a time
The Mouse-Free Marion Project aims to eliminate mice that were “accidentally introduced to Marion Island, most probably by sealers in the early 19th century, and have had a devastating impact on the ecology of the island”. The rodents are endangering seabirds and other native species on the conservation island in the Indian Ocean, about 2000km off the coast of Cape Town.
“My aim is to eventually sponsor 100 hectares to help protect the seabirds on Marion Island. The Mouse-Free Marion Project’s Sponsor-a-Hectare initiative has passed 40% of its target. So there is still a long way to go. It is a monumental effort,“ Romario said.
Romario’s paintings of albatrosses and petrels.
Supplied/Delsha Valentine
Communications officer and project assistant Robyn Adams said Marion Island, along with Prince Edward Island, was South Africa’s only oceanic territory and a critical hub for scientific research.
Scientists have documented ecosystem changes driven by climate change and the invasive house mice. If nothing is done about the mice, 19 of the island’s 29 bird species are expected to become locally extinct, some within 50 years.
“Youth advocates, like 14-year-old Romario Valentine, prove that even the smallest actions can spark monumental change. By advocating for conservation initiatives, young people are building a world they would like to leave for future generations,” said Adams.
Romario’s Life Orientation assignment poster, raising awareness about the upcoming World Oceans Day on 8 June.
Supplied/Delsha Valentine
Other organisations he supports are the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, BirdLife South Africa, and the Albatross Task Force.
All donations received are divided equally among these projects.
Reflecting on his conservation journey, Romario said an emotional moment that stood out for him was visiting a bird sanctuary where he felt a deep connection with the animals.
“I recall the moment I was given exclusive access to the birds at the Umgeni River Bird Park. It was as if they knew I had done something wonderful for them, as I walked by each and every feathered friend, they were dancing, singing and chirping away. It was a beautiful moment, something I’ll never forget.”
He highlighted that creativity and art were powerful tools to connect young people with environmental issues.
“When you involve kids in creativity, they are more inspired to join the mission and bring innovation.”
Even though he has achieved so much already, Romario admitted that balancing all of his responsibilities could be overwhelming at times.
“High school is definitely challenging. Thankfully, my parents are extremely supportive. I only do what I can within my capacity to prevent becoming overwhelmed. Helping protect our planet and its inhabitants is just for the reward in my heart. I definitely rest a lot nowadays,” he laughed, adding that he enjoys “watching action, sci-fi and suspense movies, playing games with my friends, listening to music, singing and reading” in his spare time.
READ | Offshore wind farms drive away certain seabirds – study
Through his beach clean-ups and environmental campaigns, Romario has encountered many instances that demonstrate the impact of pollution.
“I once met a sea turtle named Maia. One of her flippers got entangled in pollutants, which led to her tissue dying, and it had to be amputated. She was rehabilitated by the South African Association for Marine Biological Research centre in Durban.”
Ultimately, the teenager wants to encourage other young people to use their talents and voices to make a positive environmental impact and remind them that they are never too young to make a difference.
Romario’s mother, Delsha Valentine, said she recognised his passion for conservation from a very young age. He would mimic birds at three, and after playing an orca in a school production at six, he became determined to clean the beach every single week.
“[As a parent], if you notice their talents, just try your best to support them as they look up to us, and those are the moments that count,” said Valentine.
Romario’s supporters shared heartfelt messages for his latest campaign on the BackaBuddy website.
“Keep planting your seeds of hope, Romario,” said Helen.
“Such an amazing initiative. Good to see you’re still following your passions,” added Charlotte.
At the time of writing, the BackaBuddy campaign had raised R11 053, which is about 37% of its R30 000 goal.
