Times of the Islands Winter 2023/24
Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, real estate, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.
Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, real estate, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.
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green pages newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> department <strong>of</strong> environment & coastal resources<br />
Scuba diving has a transformative ability and is a<br />
powerful means <strong>of</strong> unlocking potential and creating<br />
pathways to marine sciences. Above all though, seeing is<br />
believing. Diving creates a connection between divers and<br />
<strong>the</strong> environment that sustains us that can and will lead to<br />
a community <strong>of</strong> persons who care deeply for <strong>the</strong> ocean.<br />
Here in <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> (TCI), <strong>the</strong> ocean is<br />
a part <strong>of</strong> our history and culture, not to mention <strong>the</strong> very<br />
key to our survival as a small island nation. The people <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>se <strong>Islands</strong> possess invaluable insights into <strong>the</strong> ocean’s<br />
resources, ecosystems, and sustainable practices that<br />
have been passed down through generations. However,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are a disproportionately small number <strong>of</strong> local dive<br />
instructors and an even smaller number <strong>of</strong> homegrown<br />
marine and environmental scientists. The Turks & Caicos<br />
Reef Fund (TCRF) wants to change that.<br />
Recognizing <strong>the</strong> significance <strong>of</strong> diversity within <strong>the</strong><br />
marine and scientific community is crucial to a sustainable<br />
and equitable future for people and planet. This is<br />
known, but not emphasized enough globally and when it<br />
comes to islands like ours, empowering communities is<br />
even more crucial for fostering a deeper understanding<br />
and appreciation <strong>of</strong> marine sciences and current environmental<br />
issues.<br />
Back in March <strong>of</strong> 2022, at a small fundraiser, <strong>the</strong><br />
concept <strong>of</strong> “22 in 2022” was born. TCRF committed to<br />
teaching 22 youngsters to dive before <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year.<br />
By December, we had, through a variety <strong>of</strong> small grants<br />
and private donations, funded and taught 28 students! So<br />
far in <strong>2023</strong>, we have run 3 courses and have certified 15<br />
more. With opportunities for fur<strong>the</strong>r dive training and by<br />
encouraging our students to get involved with our conservation<br />
work through volunteering and learning new<br />
skills, it has been inspiring to see a positive volunteer<br />
retention rate from our students. The next step is to create<br />
a club that goes shore-diving at least once a month,<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r helping with <strong>the</strong> continuation <strong>of</strong> individuals’ diving<br />
education.<br />
Students are learning to assemble and disassemble <strong>the</strong>ir gear at <strong>the</strong> Dive Provo pool.<br />
38 www.timespub.tc
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