For the past day and a half we have been "Questing". I, like the rest of my colleagues and some of you have never heard of it before let alone be one one. So let me try to describe it in my own terms.
Questing is very similar to a treasure hunt but is the next level. Questing is a fun way of integrating various disciplines to learn about something, whether it be ecological, historical, cultural or even spiritual.
Yesterday we did two quests, one of which was created by 6th graders and is called Goose River Quest. It was interesting how they wrote the quest using simple language directing the hiker to see different aspects of the Goose River watershed. We tried to follow the directions to the best of our abilities and in the end found the "Treasure" just as they described. Along the way we learnt a little but of history, geology and ecology. It was fun, interesting and educational.
Today we learnt a bit of how to develop quests from the experts as we joined a session for teachers that are interested in developing quests with their students. We cant say we are ready to develop quests at this stage, but we sure got lots of resource materials that can help us if we decided to develop one.
Towards the end of today's session we all took a cruise tour to "Egg Rock Island" to see the famous Puffin. Puffins are indeed a beautiful bird, so unique in its colors, shape and of course that beak.
I think that in more than one ways we can develop quests in Belize that can engage our community in teaching and learning about the history and culture of the various ethnic groups. We can also develop quests focusing on watershed education, the importance of ecosystems etc. Maybe I will try to develop one at TIDE when I get back home.
Thanks to the great people there at QLF for the opportunity to learn new things.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
No Park is an Island
We have been traveling in Maine for three days now. We arrived in Freeport Sunday evening around dinnertime and grabbed a bite to eat at the Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster. Eating at the outside dining area of picnic tables with a view of a harbor of boats, the Fellows commented on how much it reminded them of home. However, when we reached the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park and the fog was so thick we could barely see each other, they were not reminded of home. Hopefully they can be inspired by the beautiful landscape, rich history, and diversity of conservation professionals they are meeting. So that by the time they leave the US, they may have a greater appreciation for and deeper understanding of this special place I call home.
10 day with the QLF fellowship
It is our second week with the QLF fellowship program in the North Eastern region of the United States of America and it has been a true learning experience and fun. We have met with gorgeous people in different institutions in the first week - The fishermen Wife's association as well as the National Marine Fisheries Services and many others targeting fisheries management. That week was very interesting as we obviously appreciated the different point of views coming from Government, NGO's as well as the local fishing communities.
As Felicia truly mentioned the visit at the Bio Diversity Research Institute was slightly different in the sense of its objectives (more related to bird monitoring) but indeed a great experience in the bird tagging activities we were engaged in the River Point Area. Despite their interest in Birds their was even a more interesting and important issue brought up in decisions with David Buck. The research program that focuses in Mercury concentrations in the bird species, but of interest for us in the Fish species that we consume. David was even generous in proposing future collaboration in this type of research for our target fish species in Belize.
Well we are a little further North this week in Maine and we have been in Acadia National Park two days, yesterday despite the extreme fog we had a wonderful talk by Park Ranger (Virginia) about the entire history of Acadia. We learnt much of how it was established a national park and the different heroes involved in what it is now. Most important and one that I noted was that she was very keen about the protection of the natural vegetation's in the park -she was very clear in enhancing best practices.
Never the less today we met with the superintendent of the ANP - Sheridan Steele. He gave us a brief presentation of the park and in discussions we were a bit concern about the carbon footprint/impacts to the natural resources because of the heavy vehicle transportation within the park. Well we learnt that initiatives has been established to reduce the carbon footprint in the area by promoting the use of their propane powered buses for transportation within the park. Another thing that was of great interest for my personal point of view was - assessments that indicate the low interaction of the younger generation with nature or rather the love for nature. I was amazed to know that they have prioritized the integration of youths in environmental projects to at least build a new generation of great leaders and nature lovers.
What an experience!!!!
The start of a new week!
We have completed a week of fruitful and enlightening discussions and new experiences. Thus far we have had quite an interesting start of this new week. We got an early start on Monday and headed out to the River Point Area in Falmouth, Maine where we had the opportunity to observe mist-netting/bird banding spearheaded by the Biodiversity Research Institute. Several birds were banded with the first being considered a rare bird in the area, the Louisiana Water thrush…so we started off with a treat J Others included birds such as the Ovenbird, American Redstart, Song Sparrow, Black-capped Chickadee, Gray Catbird (common to Belize but today I got the opportunity to see the juvenile up close and in hand. Oh, and I also got to set one free after it was banded…Yay for me!), and a few others. Thanks to BRI and QLF for the great experience. The week continues with a full agenda, new places to experience and what I am sure will be more enlightening discussions ahead.
Yesterday and today we got to enjoy nature at its best at Acadia National Park...hiking and touring the park. We hiked the beehive trail with the reward of an amazingly gorgeous view at the end. As my colleague put it, it was literally “breathtaking.”
The week continues with lots more to learn!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Day 4, Thursday, July 21: An Eye Opener
It is only day four and we have seen so many places, met so many wonderful people and learnt so much in such a short time. Today we had a packed itinerary, as per usual, but for me it was certainly an “eye opener”. Our first order of the day was to meet with the National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). They were so welcoming and shared quite a bit of their experience in Fisheries management with us. Interestingly they were also eager to hear and learn about what we were doing in Belize. Several of their fisheries experts and policy analysts met with us as we discussed the work of our organizations and the issue of fisheries management.
It was great to hear how they manage their fisheries, the varying tools and mechanisms they have in place and the implementation of their newly established catch shares system. They shared the details of how it works and pointed to the process which was used to establish the catch limits and the distribution of shares. The discussions were rich and I am sure we all walked away feeling we had gained valuable knowledge from the exchange.
Next we got the incredible opportunity to meet with the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association which is without a doubt an incredibly successful group of primarily Fishermen’s wives working and advocating on behalf of Fishermen. The discussions were intense and you could sense their passion for the work they do. It was an excellent opportunity to hear the Fishermen’s perspective on the regulations implemented by the Government and the implementation of the catch shares system. It was clear that they understood the importance of sustainable fishery but they feel their voices are not heard or considered when regulations are being developed. They are concerned about their way of life and in my opinion, losing a bit of their identity.
It was during our meeting with the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association that I realized (my “eye opener”) it didn’t matter which part of the world I was in, it could have easily been a meeting in Belize as the issues we were discussing and the concerns being expressed surrounding sustainable fisheries management were exactly the same as back home. I can’t help but reflect on the words of the Fishermen’s Wives who said, “Why should we participate if the information we provide is always used against us” … words to consider and to think about when working with our fishers back home.
Great day!
It was great to hear how they manage their fisheries, the varying tools and mechanisms they have in place and the implementation of their newly established catch shares system. They shared the details of how it works and pointed to the process which was used to establish the catch limits and the distribution of shares. The discussions were rich and I am sure we all walked away feeling we had gained valuable knowledge from the exchange.
Next we got the incredible opportunity to meet with the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association which is without a doubt an incredibly successful group of primarily Fishermen’s wives working and advocating on behalf of Fishermen. The discussions were intense and you could sense their passion for the work they do. It was an excellent opportunity to hear the Fishermen’s perspective on the regulations implemented by the Government and the implementation of the catch shares system. It was clear that they understood the importance of sustainable fishery but they feel their voices are not heard or considered when regulations are being developed. They are concerned about their way of life and in my opinion, losing a bit of their identity.
It was during our meeting with the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association that I realized (my “eye opener”) it didn’t matter which part of the world I was in, it could have easily been a meeting in Belize as the issues we were discussing and the concerns being expressed surrounding sustainable fisheries management were exactly the same as back home. I can’t help but reflect on the words of the Fishermen’s Wives who said, “Why should we participate if the information we provide is always used against us” … words to consider and to think about when working with our fishers back home.
Great day!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Places we visited today July 20, 2011
Today was very interesting, we started out with a presentation by Brent Mitchell from QLF on how things work in Massachusetts, with the different towns, and the broader New England as well as the Federal Government. It is amazing how one issue really can cut across many entities before a decision can me made but Brent took his time explaining that the History of New England and the rest of the country has a lot to do with it.
Next we went to New England Fishery Management Council, which by the way is only one of the eight regional councils legislated 35 years ago, in fact one council is even in the Caribbean. In more than one ways, the NE Council is in a position similar to the NGO's in Belize where they essentially look for ways to balance the needs of the policy makers, resource users (fishers) and environmentalists. Interestingly, they have recommend Catch Shares as a means of managing several fisheries in this area, it has been working for 3 years, but not without some issues, Paul Howard, who is the executive director also thinks that Ecosystem Based Management along with catch shares is the key to addressing the issues they are facing. One lesson learnt is that for any of this to work, fishers have to become stewards of the resources. In this light Belize may be a little ahead of the game as we already have a group of fishers that are considered stewards. TIDE and WCS along with EDF and Belize Fisheries Department are on a mission to implement catch shares for commercial species in Belize starting with some MPA's. We can certainly learn from the Fishery Management Councils in the US.
Our Final stop was to the Custom House Maritime Museum, in Newburyport, or as our extremely friendly and knowledgeable guide (Cricket) puts it, "The Brick Town". The residents that live in over 90% Brick houses did an exceptional job of preserving the historical legend of the English as they rule this area. Many of the items in the museum also "Hit Home" for us as well since Britain also ruled Belize (Formerly British Honduras) as well. Unfortunately, we haven't done a great job in preserving that part of our history, all is not lost but if we don't actively try to preserve it, it will be lost. The history of Newburyport is significant in shaping trade and maritime protection, as this is the birthplace of the US Coast guard. For me, I can only imagine how wealthy these people were, when I look at the technology they possess and the industries they built, I can tell they were very Educated.
Its now 12:20 am (Thursday Morning) in Ipswich and I'm not so sleepy, but that's because its only 10:20pm (Wednesday night) in Belize, however, I'd better to get some sleep, we got an early day later.... To be continued........
Next we went to New England Fishery Management Council, which by the way is only one of the eight regional councils legislated 35 years ago, in fact one council is even in the Caribbean. In more than one ways, the NE Council is in a position similar to the NGO's in Belize where they essentially look for ways to balance the needs of the policy makers, resource users (fishers) and environmentalists. Interestingly, they have recommend Catch Shares as a means of managing several fisheries in this area, it has been working for 3 years, but not without some issues, Paul Howard, who is the executive director also thinks that Ecosystem Based Management along with catch shares is the key to addressing the issues they are facing. One lesson learnt is that for any of this to work, fishers have to become stewards of the resources. In this light Belize may be a little ahead of the game as we already have a group of fishers that are considered stewards. TIDE and WCS along with EDF and Belize Fisheries Department are on a mission to implement catch shares for commercial species in Belize starting with some MPA's. We can certainly learn from the Fishery Management Councils in the US.
Our Final stop was to the Custom House Maritime Museum, in Newburyport, or as our extremely friendly and knowledgeable guide (Cricket) puts it, "The Brick Town". The residents that live in over 90% Brick houses did an exceptional job of preserving the historical legend of the English as they rule this area. Many of the items in the museum also "Hit Home" for us as well since Britain also ruled Belize (Formerly British Honduras) as well. Unfortunately, we haven't done a great job in preserving that part of our history, all is not lost but if we don't actively try to preserve it, it will be lost. The history of Newburyport is significant in shaping trade and maritime protection, as this is the birthplace of the US Coast guard. For me, I can only imagine how wealthy these people were, when I look at the technology they possess and the industries they built, I can tell they were very Educated.
Its now 12:20 am (Thursday Morning) in Ipswich and I'm not so sleepy, but that's because its only 10:20pm (Wednesday night) in Belize, however, I'd better to get some sleep, we got an early day later.... To be continued........
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