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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Grand Bahama
On March 26th, 2016, the EARTHCARE Eco Kids Saturday Environmental Education Programme continued at the Rand Nature Centre in conjunction with Cheri Wood, Certified Coral Propagator and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Navigators. Ms. Wood taught the combined group about the largest Reef Ball project in the country in our very own backyard. Ms. Wood, a Certified Coral Propagator, has been intimately involved in the Reef Ball project from its inception. She shared with the group many details of the very exciting Science project located at Paradise Cove Beach Resort in Deadman’s Reef on Grand Bahama Island. After the informative lecture, the buses loaded up and the young people headed to the day’s destination: Paradise Cove Beach Resort. Gail Woon, Founder of EARTHCARE and a Director of Save the Bays gave the students a presentation on “Habitat Destruction” complete with visual examples from several Family Islands on the bus ride.
“Habitat Destruction is one of the Five (5) main issues dealt with for Coastal Awareness month in April. Unfortunately, we have examples of unsustainable habitat destruction on many of our islands. The Bahamas has areas where our coral reefs have suffered immensely from unsustainable mega developments, nutrient pollution from land-based sources and are under threat of further destruction by unsustainable mega developers, Caribbean pine (indigenous/native species) forests that have been bulldozed for Mega-projects that never materialized (Ginn Sur Mer, West End, Grand Bahama Island), extensive, valuable, healthy mangrove forests that have been destroyed for resort developments (Resorts World Bimini, North Bimini, a Genting Company) and precious Blue Holes that have been polluted and in some cases obliterated for various and sundry reasons, such as being used as waste receptacles for Chemical Companies and then closed with a covering of cement or being used as a garbage can for household refuse. We were able to show the participants in pictures various examples of Habitat Destruction from Bimini, Abaco and Grand Bahama etc. Further we were able to suggest possible strategies that are available to the students empowering them to be proactive about their future and the future for their Grandchildren. “ Upon arrival at Paradise Cove, the proprietor, Barry Smith explained proper etiquette and behavior out on the delicate habitat in the water. Reef Balls are used to increase biomass and biodiversity. These Reef Balls are designed artificial reef units. Currently there are over Six Hundred and Thirty-Two Thousand (632,000) of these deployed in over Sixty-Two (62) different countries. Reef balls help restore our natural reef systems; they protect our shoreline during storm events and help to nourish the direct marine environment. Opportunities are available for individuals and the corporate community to become involved in this amazing programme.
Mr. Barry Smith, the owner of Paradise Cove saw the gradual degradation of the reefs off shore of the property over time. He did the research and started the Reef Ball Project at Paradise Cove, the largest one of its kind in the country. Ms. Woon took the EARTHCARE Eco Kids out to snorkel on the Reef Ball Reef that is now in place at Paradise Cove. The students were amazed to see all of the fish living in the Reef Balls. Paradise Cove owner, Barry Smith, “It feels good to know that our youth are learning about the importance of the ocean and to see how they can make a difference. To me, that is the future for protecting our coral reefs and sustaining our future here in the Bahamas and even the world”. This installation presents unique opportunities for Bahamians to acquire skill sets, like artificial reef building or coral transplantation, which will become a valuable asset as the nation moves forward; protecting, restoring and repairing the damages humans have inflicted to our beloved ocean. Paradise Cove, West of Freeport, was the chosen site for this program due to the owners’ sponsoring abilities and the need of shore protection. Paradise Cove is a TripAdvisor top rated snorkeling destination for residents and tourists alike.
Tyrie Moss, EARTHCARE Eco Kids Facilitator assisted our EARTHCARE Eco Kid from the Beacon School, young Tylea Manchester. Tylea could not join the snorkel groups so Mr. Moss took Tylea and her sister, Rachelle in a glass bottom kayak to see the Reef Balls up close. The EARTHCARE Eco Kids Team Leaders, Angelina Rahming, Kendira Gembalies, Havana Gibson, Samia Rampersad, Savanna Gibson, and Tristan Rampersad worked hard to keep the students organized and all agreed that they learned a lot during this exciting field trip. What YOU can do:
For more information on how to join, contact: Gail Woon, EARTHCARE, earthcare.bahamas@yahoo.com, or call 727-0797.
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