3-months Marine Conservation Program in St Vincent and the Grenadines

In this program period you are introduced to the Marine Protection program and RVA as a Climate Center.

You get to know the school, the place with its people, our local community, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and this region of the world. You will understand the history and philosophy of our school and become a part of its operations and life while you are with us.

Studies and courses on the basics of Climate Change

Together we will gain knowledge and create an understanding of the 9 Planetary Boundaries for a safe life on the planet – how they have developed in recent years, their current state and to debate what actions are required to keep them within a safe limit for life on our planet, about the extinction crisis unfolding in our time and to consider what is causing this, what are some of the serious effects, and what can and should be done about the extinction crisis. These sessions will include the understanding of core concepts and dynamics of the sea:

• Seasonal change on land and water
• Racing extinction
• Climate, a balancing act
• 9 planetary boundaries

Studies on coral and coastal protection

Here you start your dive training and digging deeper studies specific on coral and coastal protection. This period will focus on a variety of coastal studies such as presentations, self-studies, practical classes, and documentaries. This will give much needed knowledge that will later be needed for the implementation and teaching the community groups/fisherfolk. You will also complete your basic and advanced PADI Open Water certifications to give you the abilities to become safe and productive in the ocean.

To prepare as part of the team, you will learn these core elements related to coral restoration:

• Coral ecology, coral biology, nutrition and symbiosis, coral reproduction, coral reef type and zonation, coral diseases
• Threats to coral reefs, climate and ocean change, coral bleaching, ocean acidification, local and regional threats, biotic threats
• Coral restoration practices
• Acropora coral
• PADI Open Water Certificate
• PADI Advanced Open Water Certification

Working with the local Coral Gardeners.

This will be the hands on experience as part of the team on an active coral restoration project on St. Vincent. You will get to know and support the Coral Gardeners with a range of activities during this period:

• Assist with organizing and conducting community education workshops with the local Coral Gardeners on the importance of coral restoration. Local residents and fisherfolk who depend upon the sea for their livelihood and health are engaged to become active partners in the solutions and interventions.
• Out planting of coral fragments to rebuild damaged reefs
• Maintain and monitor the coral nursery which produces new stock for the reef restoration
  Learn how to carry out a Reef Check survey to monitor the health of the reef
• Installation of trees/table trees and populating coral fragments at the coral nursery
• Lionfish hunting and safe preparation as a source of food
• Fish ID training and certification
• EFR certification