Project Renaissance
Coral reefs provide vital ecosystem services. In Trinidad and Tobago, threats include improper fishing practices, overfishing, unregulated activities of the tourism industry, agricultural runoff and pollution. This impedes fish stock recruitment, biodiversity, livelihoods and coastal zone management. Our reefs continue to be degraded so we aim to stand in the gap between the loss of biodiversity and conservation. We propose an education program using community engagement via workshops, citizen science initiatives, school visits and fieldwork. Public involvement in conservation efforts and collaboration with local fishermen can increase awareness and develop sustainable practices. Our team recognizes the importance of equitable education and equal opportunity and thus our objective is to emphasize the need for sustainability in many industries on which local livelihoods rely. This project promotes reef resurgence by mitigating coral degradation and dissuading unsustainable activities.
- Problema que resuelve su propuesta
- Our initiative is devised to reduce reef deterioration around Trinidad and Tobago by increasing public knowledge of reef functions and utilizing sustainable practices. Sensitive reefs and villages near Toco & Bon Accord will be targeted, with intentions to expand; these influence two of our major industries- fisheries and tourism. Pollution, physical damage, coral bleaching, and overfishing cause coral degradation. Thus, reef biodiversity and ecosystem services are reduced and a decline in the aesthetics of the reef affects tourism. Moreover, the decreased recruitment of economically important species negatively impacts the fishing industry. This project proposes a mitigative plan to reduce coral degradation thus preserving ecosystem services that are vital for future development of our country and its industries, especially as a small island developing state (SIDS). As a SIDS, resources are limited, hence the need for equitable education, conservation and sustainable development.
- ¿Qué impacto positivo tiene o tendría su propuesta en su comunidad? Cuáles son las mejoras concretas ambientales o sociales
- In Trinidad and Tobago, there is inequality and inequity in education and access to opportunities. Our initiative promotes equal learning and focuses on providing quality education to all ensuring fairness and inclusion. In lower income communities there is higher incidence of unsustainable practices and thus it’s important to focus on educating here. Hence future generations are inspired to practice conservative and sustainable methods, potentially increasing project longevity and reef preservation. Increased public appreciation of reefs allows persons to become more mindful of their actions potentially improving reef resilience through reduced human impact on the environment. Our project will offer first-hand experience in data collection and an understanding of the important relationship between ecosystem dynamics and livelihood. It can improve society by providing collaborative opportunities and cultivating a more informed society necessary to stimulate sustainable development.
- ¿Por qué te interesa involucrarte con problemáticas que afectan al ambiente y/o a los océanos?
- Trinidad and Tobago is a Small Island Developing State and characteristically heavily dependent on the marine environment. Our major reef, Buccoo Reef, has seen severe degradation and bleaching events. In acknowledgement of its ecosystem services, we aim to support the development of our small country and emphasize sustainable use of our marine resources by encouraging ocean-related sustainable practices. Using our knowledge as recent graduates of marine science, we would like to increase public interest in the preservation of reef ecosystems through proper science communication and encourage new recruits to the scientific community. Through our efforts, reef ecosystem services can be conserved so that future threats are mitigated, and jobs are created in association with coastal maintenance and improving economic development.
- Principal ODS con el que se vincula tu propuesta
- SDG 4: Quality Education
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Entrega tu apoyo a "Project Renaissance"
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