Conservationists from the ClearWater Marine Aquarium's Research Institute held a one week camp with students from Belize Elementary, where they were taught about the importance of conservation and protecting our marine resources and wildlife. Today was the last day of the Marine Conservation Summer Camp, and completion certificates were given to all 60 students. The conservationists will be touring the country and hosting more camps in other coastal communities. According to Programme Coordinator, Jamal Galvez they cater to more than 160 kids annually.
Jamal Galvez, Program Coordinator, Clearwater Marine Aquarium
"This is our Marine Conservation Summer camp.We've done it in the past but Covid sorta caused hiccups on the entire thing but we are back again since it is safer for us to have the kids out with us and they are very excited about it. But see this is an opportunity for us to start moulding the next generation of conservationists. We need to teach these children the idea of conservation or otherwise we will have to teach them survival."
"Today is the conclusion, we are doing six day summer camps across the country, in Belize City Placencia, and Gales point. The hope was to do even more communities but funding is always a limitation but no excuse we are still going to try and squeeze in other areas if possible but the goal is to try and share the conservation message with the next generation along the coast. Especially the kids that are living along the coast because these are the ones that are going to impact the coast even more."
At the end of the camp we asked the kids what was their takeaway from the initiative, apart from conservation swag and a certificate. Here's what a few of them told us.
Nai Smith
"I learned that you can't litter because then you will kill the animals in the sea."
Priya Arnold
"I learned you can't throw trash in the sea or else the animals will get stuck in them."
Jo-
"What are some of the fun things that you did? Is there anything that you liked?"
Priya Arnold
"I liked the Bingo."
Jo-
"And what did you learn from this programme?"
Ilonel Cawich
"That they have three laws about the Hicatee. It is illegal to buy or see a Hicatee even if it's cooked already."
Galvez and his team will be going to Gales Point to host another Marine Conservation Summer Camp in the area.
