At the age of nine years, Romario Valentine from Durban, South Africa, was already proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference. An ornithophile (bird lover), young environmental activist, and eco-artist, Romario is on a mission to protect the ocean, save endangered birds, and inspire others, especially children -  to care for the planet.

Romario spends his time cleaning beaches, helping endangered birds, planting trees, and creating powerful eco-art using pollutants to raise awareness about environmental destruction. His actions may be small in size, but their impact is enormous.

Where His Journey Began

Romario’s passion for environmental protection began when he was just six years old. While playing an orca in a school play, he and his mother researched marine life and discovered the devastating impact pollution has on oceans and seabirds. Learning that there are only 74 Southern Resident Killer Whales left in the world deeply affected him.

That moment changed everything.

In July 2017, Romario launched his “Save Our Ocean” project -  a child-led initiative rooted in compassion, curiosity, and action.

A Growing Impact Across the Globe

Since starting his activism, Romario has achieved extraordinary milestones:

• Completed over 150 beach clean-ups
• Planted 24 trees across four continents through online tree-planting organisations
• Raised funds to support 900 endangered birds at Umgeni River Bird Park during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown
• Became the youngest Ambassador for Ocean Sole (Kenya) in September 2020 — an organisation that has recycled over 750,000 flip-flops from oceans
• Created and sold paintings of endangered birds, using art as a tool for conservation awareness

Despite balancing school, sport, and creativity, Romario remains deeply committed to his mission, supported by his parents — especially his mother, who helps manage his busy schedule and nurtures his love for science, art, and nature. Yes, Romario enjoys painting nature, and is a very talented artist.

The Heart of His Motivation

For Romario, the most rewarding moments come quietly.

“When I visit my local bird park,” he says, “the birds tweet and flap their wings for me. I think they know I am doing it for them.”

His activism has also sharpened his understanding of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the importance of oxygen — a lesson reinforced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This led him to plant trees and Spekboom (Elephant Bush), a powerful carbon-absorbing plant native to South Africa.

Inspiring Others, One Action at a Time

Romario believes change happens when people work together. During his beach clean-ups, friends and even strangers often join him. One moment stands out -  a two-year-old boy who stopped playing to imitate Romario picking up litter.

“That’s when I realised even very small children can be taught to care for the environment,” he says.

His advice for making a difference is simple but powerful:

• Don’t litter
• Recycle and reuse
• Plant trees

Role Models Who Shape His Vision

Romario draws inspiration from leaders and changemakers who share his values, including:

• His parents, who teach him optimism, kindness, discipline, and love for nature
• President Barack Obama, for his leadership and environmental care
• Lewis Hamilton, for raising awareness about climate change and environmental responsibility in sport
• Professor Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, who planted over 50 million trees
• President Nelson Mandela, for his love for children and the planet
• Sir David Attenborough, for his lifelong dedication to wildlife conservation

Looking Ahead: A Champion for the Earth

Romario’s vision for the future is as bold as it is hopeful.

From 2021 and beyond, he is:

• Working with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Germany for Desertification and Drought Day
• Supporting the Great Green Wall Initiative to restore ecosystems in the Sahel and Sahara regions
• Planning a reforestation fundraiser for his 10th birthday, planting Acacia trees in Kenya
• Assisting conservation efforts for African Grey Parrots and Knysna Turacos in South Africa
• Featured in the book “What a Wonderful World” by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and Lydia Hall, alongside global eco-warriors, with a foreword by Sir David Attenborough

“I want to be the voice for the birds that cannot speak for themselves,” Romario says. “I want to protect the oceans, plant as many trees as I can, and be a champion of the Earth.”

Final Thoughts

Romario Valentine’s story reminds us that the future of our planet doesn’t rest only in the hands of governments or scientists — it also lives in the hearts of children who care deeply and act boldly. His journey proves that one person, no matter how young, can spark change.

A visionary believes it must be done — and Romario is already doing it.