Project Mangrove
Project Mangrove: Teacher and Student Workshops
Project Mangrove is an initiative focused on enhancing climate change resiliency in Belize through nature-based solutions and community empowerment. This project is the result of a collaboration between WaterWays, Galen University, the University of Belize and Calabash Field Station, and the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA). In August, one teacher workshop will be offered to Belizian teachers and one to students from across the country. This project and workshop is funded by the CEK Foundation’s Earth Focus Initiative.
Session Overview:
This workshop aims to provide Belizean high school educators with hands-on lesson plans and activities to increase awareness about the impacts of mangrove deforestation and climate change. The first day of the Workshop (August 6th) is on the mainland at Galen University’s campus and the remaining three days (two nights) will be spent at the University of Belize’s field station on Calabash Caye .
Day 1: Water sampling on the Macal River and an introduction to Ridge to Reef watershed management, water monitoring, and riparian forestry management at Galen University. Transportation will be provided from Belmopan to Galen and the field experiences and then back to Belmopan bus station if needed.
Day 2-4: Visit to the University of Belize’s (UB) chemistry lab for a continued discussion on water quality and monitoring. Bus transportation provided to Belize City to board the UB boat, explore the coastal mangroves and head to Calabash Caye Field Station. The remainder of the workshop will consist of education sessions, snorkeling & other nature-based exploration experiences, and mangrove curriculum development. Participants will learn hands on techniques in mangrove restoration in the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve and return home with material to implement restoration projects at home. Transportation to and from Belmopan will be provided from central locations.
Spaces are limited.
PROJECT MANGROVE 2024
Our inaugural Project Mangrove Workshops proved to be a great success. Educators and students from various parts of the country gathered at the University of Belize’s remote Calabash Caye field station to delve into the Ridge to Reef concept, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the pivotal role of mangroves in enhancing climate change resilience. Situated within the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, approximately 33 nautical miles from Belize City, the field station provided a unique setting. Participants had the opportunity to explore the Marine Reserve’s snorkel trail, a segment of Belize’s extensive barrier reef system, the second largest in the world. Besides snorkeling, the workshop included informative sessions, nature-based activities, and the development of a mangrove curriculum. We are eager to see how the inaugural group of teachers and students will apply their newfound knowledge.
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a newfound appreciation for the critical role mangroves play in their local environments. Educators reported that the hands-on experiences and the chance to observe these ecosystems firsthand had provided them with valuable insights and teaching strategies they could bring back to their classrooms.
Students, too, were inspired by the immersive experience. They eagerly participated in discussions and collaborated on projects aimed at promoting mangrove conservation. One student remarked, “I never realized how vital mangroves are to our coastlines and marine life. This workshop has opened my eyes to the importance of protecting these incredible ecosystems.”
Students, too, were inspired by the immersive experience. They eagerly participated in discussions and collaborated on projects aimed at promoting mangrove conservation. One student remarked, “I never realized how vital mangroves are to our coastlines and marine life. This workshop has opened my eyes to the importance of protecting these incredible ecosystems.”
Plans are already underway for future workshops, with the aim of expanding the program to include more participants and covering additional topics such as sustainable fishing practices, coral reef restoration, and coastal community engagement. By fostering a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship, Project Mangrove Workshops hope to create a ripple effect, inspiring action and awareness across the nation.
The success of these workshops highlights the significance of community involvement in conservation efforts. As we look to the future, we remain committed to empowering educators and students with the tools and knowledge they need to protect our natural world, ensuring that the beauty and biodiversity of places like the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve are preserved for generations to come.
Testimony from participant:
“Opportunities like these only come once in a while for Belizean teachers. The experience of learning from each other and the human interaction was incredibly valuable. What made the experience even more worthwhile was the chance to connect with nature and become one with our environment. Building on these experiences will help us enhance our science programs within our schools, and by extension, make a meaningful impact on Belizean youth that will resonate for years to come. Hopefully, this will chart the way for a better environment for future generations.”
Overnight Location: Three days & two nights at the University of Belize's Field Station.
Contact Us
Brooke Fleeman | Assistant Director, WaterWays Brooke@mywaterways.org
Denaie Swasey | Environmental Science Program Coordinator, Galen University dswasey@galen.edu.bz
Phone: 824-3226 or 602-2288
