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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Grand Bahama “Habitat Destruction is one of the 5 issues dealt with for Coastal Awareness. Sadly, we have examples of unsustainable habitat destruction on many of our islands. We have areas where our coral reefs have suffered the effects of manmade problems of nutrient pollution from land-based sources and are under threat of further destruction by unsustainable development, Caribbean pine forests that have been bulldozed for megaprojects that never materialized, extensive, valuable, healthy mangrove forests that have been destroyed for resort developments and precious blue holes that have been polluted and in some cases obliterated for various reasons. We were able to show the participants in pictures various examples of Habitat Destruction from Bimini, Abaco and Grand Bahama. Further we were able to illustrate solutions that are available to our Youth Environment Ambassadors empowering them to be proactive about their future and the future for their Grandchildren. “ Michael Headberg and Dr. Catherine Jadot, both from the Reef Ball Foundation, explained how the Reef Balls work and answered all of the questions that the inquisitive students had. Reef Balls are used to increase biomass and biodiversity. These Reef Balls are designed artificial reef units. Currently there are over 632,000 of these deployed in over 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.
Gushing with joy, Joseph Darville, Education Director for Save the Bays, “It was like a monumental journey into the unknown, as groups of twelve YEA (Youth Environmental Ambassadors) adorned with colorful dive gear headed out into the crystal clear water to view these enormous reef balls. Some of them had never even put their heads under the sea before; however with quick and efficient instruction on how to use properly their goggles and snorkels, they enthusiastically behaved like pros, with life vests on, of course. With the abundance of knowledge they are acquiring, and combined with practical experience events, these young people, with admiring hearts, minds and souls imbued with divine wisdom, they are our sacred and chosen guardians for our precious environment into the future. It gladdens our hearts to be so blessed and privileged to have the honor of opening up their awareness to the unique God-entrusted gifts of these islands, the “Gem of Mother Earth.” We salute them, their parents, teachers and schools, who have encouraged them to go where no young Bahamian children have gone before.” Paradise Cove owner, Barry Smith added, “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 we have inflicted to our beloved ocean”, Michael Headberg commented. According to Dr. Jadot, “During this month of February alone, over 100 children and about 40 adults came on site to learn about the reef ecosystem and the reef ball technology. It was really encouraging to see the younger generation be so enthusiastic about the environment and the role they could play to protect it.” Paradise Cove, west of Freeport, is the chosen site for these programs 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. Nikie Severe, Jensen Farquharson and Javan Hunt, our Youth Environment Ambassador Facilitators worked hard to keep the students organized and all said that they learned a lot during this exciting field trip. Solutions: What you can do Pay attention to current events. Read the newspapers. Question everything. Learn as much as you can about our different habitats so that you understand what it is that we stand to lose by Unsustainable Habitat Destruction. After you have educated yourself, spread the word and, teach your friends. Make a project of restoring a wetland or other habitat. Write letters to Government if you have concerns about any particular project. Start or sign a petition about your issue. Join an environmental NGO (Non Governmental Organization) such as Save the Bays, EARTHCARE, Bahamas National Trust, Friends of the Environment, BREEF and many others. The next session of the EARTHCARE/Save the Bays Saturday Environmental Education Programme meets on March 8th, promptly at 8:15 a.m. at the Mary Star of the Sea Auditorium. For more information contact: "Joseph Darville" jdarville3003@hotmail.com, or earthcare.bahamas@yahoo.com, call 727-0797 or 727-0212.
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