Country: Belize

Overview -. The aims of this program are to:

(a) develop a work force of trained Belizeans capable of undertaking coastal resource assessment projects, (b) heighten environmental awareness within Belize, and

(c) strengthen UCB's human resources by using these scholars as recruits for the UCB Sub-Aqua Club .

For the past few years training scholarships for Belizeans wishing to learn to SCUBA dive and participate with the survey has been offered, first at South Water Caye and currently at Calabash Caye

Last year, over 30 scholarships were awarded to Belizeans from a wide variety of backgrounds, including students, teachers, government employees from several districts. The scholarship program includes a 5 day SCUBA training course (to PADI Open Water level) followed by an intensive 7 day training course in marine life identification and survey techniques, based at the MRC's Calabash Caye station. The program is administered jointly by the Fisheries Department, UCB and CCC.

Other educational activities planned for the MRC are Coastal/Marine studies workshops, such as the Mangrove Education Workshop in collaboration with Smithsonian, for Belizean teachers, Government of Belize (GOB) staff, NGO staff and others involved in environmental education.

UCB Sub-Aqua Club will continue to be receive scuba training by CCC and, through the MRC, will participate in environmental monitoring dive weekends for club members and other field research activities. In return, the Sub-Aqua club will continue to support the MRC by assisting with the programs run for Belizean schools and school visits for educational presentations on the reef ecosystem.

Primarily at UCB's Belize City campus: Training in Medical First Aid, Small Boat Handling, Outboard Motor Repair, Coastal/Marine Survey Techniques, Advanced scuba diving certification will be offered to the general public including UCB faculty & staff and GOB employees.

It is also anticipated that, with the acquisition of the three small boats, the MRC will now begin to provide training in navigation, maritime safety and general seamanship.

For further information

Contact:

Vincent Palacio

Marine Research Centre

University College of Belize

P. O. Box 990

Belize City

BELIZE

Phone: +501 2 32732, Ext. 145 |

Fax: +501 2 30255

Email vpalacio@ucb.edu.bz