SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Nature Foundation is proud to announce the conclusion of its 2024 Junior Ranger Program, marking a year of environmental stewardship and youth empowerment.
The educational initiative has engaged seven local students in environmental education and hands-on conservation since June 2024. The program officially wrapped up with a celebratory event on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Over the past six months, the junior rangers met twice a month and engaged in a variety of terrestrial and marine activities, including sailing, birding, wildlife monitoring, and patrolling of important natural areas on the island.
They also explored issues affecting the local environment and gained experience in protecting biodiversity. Adding to the significance of this year's program, all the junior rangers became certified SCUBA divers. This license allows them to safely dive underwater up to 20 meters (60 feet) deep.
Through these activities, the program introduced participants to essential techniques in data collection, habitat monitoring, and sustainable resource management. These practical skills are applicable and desirable across various career fields, including scientific research, ecological conservation, environmental policy, resource management, and related industries.
The seven junior rangers, aged 12-14, had been selected from a pool of over 20 applicants from all the primary and secondary schools across Sint Maarten. With 100% of the costs covered by the CORENA project, including transportation, the program aimed to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences to local students without financial obstacles.
“A primary goal for the Nature Foundation is to enhance our educational initiatives and equitably provide life-altering opportunities and tools for our local students,” said the CORENA Education Officer. “We are incredibly proud of this group for their enthusiasm, commitment, and we look forward to more programs like this in the near future.”
As the program concludes, the Nature Foundation extends its gratitude to the parents, sponsors, and partners who made this initiative possible.
The project is an educational initiative within the COastal REsilience Needs Assessment (CORENA) project, funded by the RESEMBID program. RESEMBID, funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France, supports sustainable human development efforts in 12 Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs).
For more information about the Junior Ranger Program or to learn how to support and participate in future initiatives, please visit naturefoundationsxm.org/education or contact info@naturefoundationsxm.org
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