This week we have started to encompass other aspects of conservation and getting the CICP name out there. Firstly, we arranged and relabelled the snorkel equipment and are working to transform the room into a gallery for the project. Using the items we have collected on our beach cleans we have been able to display the amount of glass we find, as well as other items such as anchors and plastics. This enables us to show the guests how important it is not to litter and the effectiveness of our beach cleans. We are also aiming to create an area to display the 'Artificial reef project'. This will involve a small model of the frame we will be using to propagate the coral, an explanation of the project and various limestone skeletons to show the different coral species we have here. The gallery will also contain photos of the guests snorkelling, various volunteers who have helped the CICP and identification information for guests who wish to snorkel (such as ID books). We have also spent time this week creating posters to go around the resorts and booklets, which inform guests that coral is in fact a live animal and therefore should not be stood on as well as information on the detrimental effects of shell collection. Hopefully this will encourage guests to take more care in the water and conserve the beauty of the environment around them. Our usual kayak and snorkel trail maintenance took a leap forward this week as we made the hiking route more accessible. Armed with a machete, GPS and camera, we headed into the jungle to create a clear path and also note down all points at which we shall put signs - either as points of interest or to keep on the correct path. Once we had achieved this (3 hours later!), we started to design signs that will keep to the forest theme but are clear enough for people to see. This also gave us an opportunity to learn more about the species of plants and terrestrial wildlife that inhabit the area. On that note, we had our first fish and coral ID test which actually wasn't so bad. We were able to see how much we have learned over the past few weeks and the results really motivated us to keep going. On top of all that, we have partaking in coral identification snorkels which have been not only educational, but actually a lot of fun! We are feeling much more confident in the water now that we are able to point wildlife out to the guests, and it also means every time we get in we are constantly testing ourselves. ~Natalie and Claire Claire and Natalie are always smiling whether its cleaning, learning or snorkel time Claire, Lauren and Natalie smile at the halfway point on the walk to the other side of Cerf Island. *Read our next blog to find out who this mystery Lauren is! Claire and Natalie use their heads to describe this type of coral!
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AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
August 2018
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