[xml][/xml]
The Bahamas Weekly Facebook The Bahamas Weekly Twitter
Community Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


RBDF Rangers Take Educational Expedition to Exuma Park
By Media Enterprises
Jul 12, 2016 - 10:59:23 AM

Email this article
 Mobile friendly page
Photo-1_8.jpg
Ranger youths taking a break from a snorkeling session

Six Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers recently completed a five-day educational expedition to the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, as guests of the Bahamas National Trust.

The youths were specially selected by the Defence Force from the Ranger group in Freeport. The Rangers were formed in 1996 as a cadet programme for senior high school students around the country.

The Ranger members who went on the expedition were Ron Lewis, Razhena Arthur, Tyler Bain, Caitlyn Walker, Michael Altidor and Tyriq Forbes.

The BNT maintains a close partnership with the RBDF for enforcement of no-take rules in some national parks and marine reserves. The BNT also conducts environmental educational programmes for the Rangers.

“We engage children in classrooms and on field trips to help them understand the importance of our natural environment,” said BNT Education Director Portia Sweeting. “The recent field trip to Exuma exposed this group of Rangers to new experiences that they will remember for the rest of their lives."

The expedition was led by the BNT’s Grand Bahama Outreach Officer Cheri Wood, BNT Science Officer Scott Johnson and BNT volunteer Toio Mazzoni. Park warden Henry Haley and RBDF Leading Seaman Michael Wring were also involved.

The field trip involved a series of land and sea activities to strengthen the Rangers' knowledge of, and appreciation for, the Bahamian environment. They learned to identify animal and fish species and used scientific methods to collect and survey different sets of data. They also learned about the Defence Force’s role in protecting the Bahamas from illegal poachers, wildlife smugglers and human traffickers.

photo-2_16.jpg
Rangers learn to use GPS methods to plot a survey area in Exuma park

No electronic devices were permitted on the expedition, and hiking was a part of the daily routine. Meals were prepared and eaten in a group setting to foster teamwork and social interaction.
 
"The field trip was partly funded by businesses in the Freeport community who generously support our education programmes,” said BNT spokesperson Cheri Wood. “One of these was Toio Mazzoni of Island Spray Professionals, who also volunteered his time and mentorship to travel with the group."
 
The BNT is a non-governmental, non-profit, membership organisation working to protect Bahamian natural resources by building a network of national parks and promoting environmental stewardship.


Bookmark and Share




© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com

Top of Page

Receive our Top Stories



Preview | Powered by CommandBlast

Community
Latest Headlines
EARTHCARE Eco Kids join Dolphin Project for Global Beach Cleanup
Commercial Driver's Certification Services
Sorority Donates to Abuse Victims in Nassau, Grand Bahama
Breef kicks off donations of “Bahamas Underwater” books to over 300 schools in The Bahamas
University of The Bahamas Preparing for Largest Commencement Class Since Pandemic