Bio-diversity

This project is an attempt to heighten public awareness of the importance of coastal ecosystems, the challenges which these ecosystems face, and our roles and influence in creating or exacerbating those challenges. In addition to increasing public awareness, elements of the project also strive to take a hands-on approach in dealing with existing issues, putting measures in place to negate adverse effects and to enhance the existing environment. The project seeks to implement coastal zone management initiatives along the South Coast of Barbados in three broad areas: - Sustaining coastal communities by developing sustainable practices and sustainable alternative livelihoods - Sustaining coastal ecosystems via habitat protection, restoration and co-management - Increasing awareness and capacity building (which includes encouragement of voluntary action to inform policy development where there is none). - There are three major project components and there are as follows: 1) Camp Aquarius Camp Aquarius is a camp that is implemented by Underwater Barbados/Aquarius Watersports in association with the Barbados Marine Trust and is held at Underwater Barbados. It is geared to children between the ages of 4 and 18 years and trains them in various water activities swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving. The camp creates an environment which fosters socialization and sharing, and integrates its participants of a range of classes, colours and physical and mental capacities. Team building and personal development are fostered through various activities (hiking, water activities, interactive sessions) and leadership opportunities are available for the older children who act as counsellors and mentors for the duration of the camp. At Camp Aquarius, all participants are given the knowledge, tools and experiences to help them become well-rounded, responsible individuals. 2) The Caribbean WiSe Accreditation Scheme The WiSe (Wildlife Safe) Accreditation Scheme is a programme that was implemented in the United Kingdom to provide further training for marine boat operators, mainly in craft handling techniques while operating in the vicinity of marine wildlife. The scheme instructs pleasure-craft/wildlife viewing craft operators on how best to view marine wildlife in their space or niche, will minimizing as much disturbance to them as possible. The scheme also teaches operators how to recognize different marine species, and encourages them to record sightings as data which can be used for scientific research. 3) The Environmental Education Stewardship (EES) Programme The Environmental Education Stewardship (EES) Programme will be established in Carlisle Bay and seeks to employ, educate and train persons as Environmental Education Stewards in various aspects of the marine environment. This programme has two main components on which the Stewards will focus, Public Education and Awareness, and Data Collection and Analysis.

Barbados