Inspiring Haitians to conserve corals
In April of 2013 I will be traveling to
one of the most ecologically impoverished and biologically threatened places on
the planet: Haiti. Dr. Ted T. Cable and I were awarded a $3000 grant which
supports conservation-oriented research so that we might inspire
Haitian youth to conserve coral reefs through interpretation. The project budget is $4699.00. I am seeking donations
so that I might be able to fund the overage of $1699.00. I am donating my time
and skills, but the project requires extensive air and ground travel, as well
as equipment.
Coral reefs play a critical role as oceanic benefactors. Haiti's
reefs are among the most threatened reefs in the world. Artisanal fishermen,
desperate to feed their families, are lowering fish abundance and productivity
through unregulated harvesting. Lack of governmental concern and community
awareness has given Haiti the unfortunate distinction of being the only nation
in the Caribbean Sea without a Marine Protected Area.
The loss of coral reefs is not just a
biodiversity crisis; it is also an issue of social justice. One billion people,
one-seventh of the world population, rely on seafood for their primary source
of protein. While healthy reefs provide 35,000 metric tons of fish per square
kilometer, Haiti's reefs yield one tenth of that amount, which complicates the
task of feeding 10 million people. Haiti's unprotected reefs cannot supply at
the current rate in which is demanded. Fundamental to this problem is a
lack of awareness in coral reef ecology and connection to the nearby coral
reefs.
This project will provide hundreds
of Haitian youths who attend a coastal summer camp, with their first glimpse of
coral reefs. By training camp leadership to safely guide these youths on
reef explorations, many of whom belong to fishing families, they will
experience the fragile world below. As an experienced Interpreter and certified
Dive Master, trained in the art of scientific inquiry and reef monitoring, I am
uniquely suited to this task. The expertise of world-renowned interpretive
expert, Dr. Ted Cable, will ensure the project's success.
Many Haitians have never visited this cultural legacy, but this is the critical
first step in creating a path toward sustainability. Haiti has been called
"Hell on Earth", but this need not be. Beautiful and restored reef communities
can go a long way toward moving Haitians on the continuum toward "Heaven on
Earth". My heart and soul will be committed to this vision until I make it a
reality.
Thank you for considering a donation to fund the
remaining budget for this project.