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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Camp participants proudly display a bonefish they caught while learning about this important protected species, which is restricted to catch-and-release fishing throughout The Bahamas. The West End Eco-Fishing Camp Association teaches children about the environment, water safety, boating skills, swimming, fishing and snorkeling in an effort to instill an abiding concern and respect for the environment that they will in turn pass on to future generations. (Photos courtesy of WWEFCA)
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WEST END, Grand Bahama - Fast-growing advocacy movement Save The Bays has gained yet another key partner in the fight to protect the unique cultural and environmental heritage of The Bahamas.
The West End Eco-Fishing Camp Association (WEEFCA) is a community based non-profit organization that teaches children about the environment, water safety, boating skills, swimming, fishing and snorkeling in an effort to instill an abiding concern and respect for the environment and its preservation.
“We are delighted to join the list of partners/supporters who stand with Save The Bays in its goal to protect the Bahamian environment for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations,” said Keith Cooper, WEEFCA association’s director.
“WEEFCA is dedicated to ensuring that the next generation has an opportunity to enjoy the natural resources and beauty of our islands. We look forward to working with Save The Bays to raise awareness of any issue affecting our natural world."
Founded in 2008 by Cooper and his wife Linda, WEEFCA has grown from a small eco-fishing camp into a large-scale and comprehensive programme that last year catered to more than 80 children in Grand Bahama.
Since its inception, more than 250 underprivileged and at-risk youths have graduated as environmental stewards. These children, 8-16 years of age, are encouraged to seek careers in tourism, the marine sciences and the maritime industry.
“Our primary goal is to deter them from a life of crime and drug abuse,” Cooper said. “By showing them the beauty of their environment and opportunities available to them, right in their back yard, we hope they will become productive citizens.”
There are two camps WEEFCA runs, the first a 13-weekend spring/summer programme in which children are introduced to nature and plant identification, as well as traditional bush medicines, bird watching and fishing. In addition they are taken on eco-tours, take part in environmental clean-up initiatives and are taught basic first aid, man-over-board rescue operations and swimming.
The second camp is a 4-week programme that introduces the children to snorkeling, sea life and the beauty of the underwater environment.
“We are excited to have such a pioneering youth education group join us in the important work of protecting, promoting, and educating people about our beautiful Bahamian environment,” said Save The Bays CEO Lindsey McCoy.
“The West End Eco-Fishing Camp shares our philosophy of passing the mantle of environmental conservation on to the next generation, and linking the health of our natural resources to the health of our society as a whole. They are exactly the kind of innovative and forward-thinking group we want to attract to our cause.”
Founded just over a year ago, Save The Bays has taken The Bahamas by storm. The grassroots effort to protect ecologically significant areas of the archipelago from unregulated development has transformed into a broad-based coalition that is at the forefront of both social and environmental issues. Calling for an environmental protection act, oil spill legislation, the freedom of information act and much needed conchservation laws.
STB now has more than 500 registered members, almost 17,000 followers on Facebook and has just reached 6,000 signatures on its petition on Change.org.
Other community partners include: Abaco Cares, Andros Conservancy and Trust, Bahamas National Trust, Clifton Heritage National Park, Bahamas Reef Environment Foundation, Earth Care, The Island School, Friends of the Environment, reEarth, Save Guana Cay Reef, Responsible Development for Abaco, Swim for Ocean Survival, The Nature Conservancy Northern Caribbean Programme, and Young Marine Explorers.
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
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