Island and Ocean Ecosystems
The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in partnership with consultants Reef Ecologic recently assisted five coral reef managers from the Pacific to join their peers from the Caribbean and Indian Oceans on an intensive three week Coral Reef Management Fellowship programme in June at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Ms. Rolenas Baereleo and Ms. Donna Kalfatak of Vanuatu, Ms. Samantha Kwan of Samoa, Mr. Samiuela Pakileata of Tonga and Mr. Arawaia Moiwa of Kiribati have just returned from the Fellowship with an immense new body of knowledge and learning on innovative coral reef science, management and leadership.
Image courtesy of Reef Ecologic
The 12 fellows, from three oceans, travelled between Townsville and Port Douglas, visiting government departments, research stations, farms, schools and other reef-associated operations. They experienced the Great Barrier Reef and many facets of catchment to reef management through direct interactions with a diversity of land and sea habitats, scientists, managers, farmers, educators, volunteers and industry leaders.
The fellows had many unique experiences with professors, CEO's, scientists, media and business people; including Steve Edmonson a leader and innovator in the Great Reef tourism industry.
"We met Steve at his tree farm 'Eco Shamba' and heard about the importance of habitat, carbon storage and biofuel. In the afternoon we boarded Sailaway for a trip to Low Isles offshore from Port Douglas. We were given a guided tour by Steve and the Low Isles caretaker, and learnt about the management of renewable energy, weather station, coral reefs, heritage and impressive beauty of the island," said Ms. Rolenas Baereleo.
"It was inspiring to witness first hand the great passion and expertise of the people who care for this place."
Image courtesy of Reef Ecologic
The Caribbean and Pacific Fellows are part of an Australia Awards Fellowship program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, titled Improving coral reef management for sustainable development in the Caribbean and Pacific. Australia Awards are prestigious international Scholarships and Fellowships funded by the Australian Government to build capacity and strengthen partnerships. The program supports short-term study, research and professional development opportunities in Australia for mid-career professionals and emerging leaders.
Reef Ecologic, an environmental consulting agency focused on coral reef management, hosted the fellowship program in North Queensland, and partnered with SPREP to enable Pacific Island coral reef managers to join the programme.
Founded and directed by former Great Barrier Reef Marine Protected Area employees Dr Adam Smith and Dr Paul Marshall, Reef Ecologic organised the Coral Reef Management fellowship programme.
"We have observed the decline of coral reefs globally and we recognised that training of future leaders is essential for turning the tide towards a more sustainable future. Australia is the world leader in coral reef conservation and marine resource management. This Fellowship is a chance to share Australia's expertise with the world" said Dr Marshall.
For many of the Fellows, this was their first time snorkeling on the iconic Great Barrier Reef. They observed the diversity and beauty of the coral, fish and interacted with turtles, sharks and giant clams. They also observed some of the threats including Crown of Thorns starfish, development and agricultural run-off.
Mr. Arawaia Moiwa of Kiribati with a Reef Guardian student from the Redlynch School, Cairns.
Image courtesy of Reef Ecologic.
The Fellowship also included home-stays with local marine scientists as part of a cultural exchange. This was a rare and valuable experience as it brought together coral reef managers from diverse locations to gain and share expertise.
An intensive leadership course at Orpheus Island Research Station was a thought-provoking and life-changing experience for many of the fellows. The leadership activities included theory and exercises to plan, problem solve and work together and to reflect on the process of continuous improvement whilst having fun.
For more information please contact Mr. Warren Lee Long at [email protected]
Ms. Rolenas Baereleo and Ms. Donna Kalfatak of Vanuatu, Ms. Samantha Kwan of Samoa, Mr. Samiuela Pakileata of Tonga and Mr. Arawaia Moiwa of Kiribati have just returned from the Fellowship with an immense new body of knowledge and learning on innovative coral reef science, management and leadership.
Image courtesy of Reef EcologicThe fellows had many unique experiences with professors, CEO's, scientists, media and business people; including Steve Edmonson a leader and innovator in the Great Reef tourism industry.
"We met Steve at his tree farm 'Eco Shamba' and heard about the importance of habitat, carbon storage and biofuel. In the afternoon we boarded Sailaway for a trip to Low Isles offshore from Port Douglas. We were given a guided tour by Steve and the Low Isles caretaker, and learnt about the management of renewable energy, weather station, coral reefs, heritage and impressive beauty of the island," said Ms. Rolenas Baereleo.
"It was inspiring to witness first hand the great passion and expertise of the people who care for this place."
Image courtesy of Reef EcologicThe Caribbean and Pacific Fellows are part of an Australia Awards Fellowship program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, titled Improving coral reef management for sustainable development in the Caribbean and Pacific. Australia Awards are prestigious international Scholarships and Fellowships funded by the Australian Government to build capacity and strengthen partnerships. The program supports short-term study, research and professional development opportunities in Australia for mid-career professionals and emerging leaders.
Reef Ecologic, an environmental consulting agency focused on coral reef management, hosted the fellowship program in North Queensland, and partnered with SPREP to enable Pacific Island coral reef managers to join the programme.
Founded and directed by former Great Barrier Reef Marine Protected Area employees Dr Adam Smith and Dr Paul Marshall, Reef Ecologic organised the Coral Reef Management fellowship programme.
"We have observed the decline of coral reefs globally and we recognised that training of future leaders is essential for turning the tide towards a more sustainable future. Australia is the world leader in coral reef conservation and marine resource management. This Fellowship is a chance to share Australia's expertise with the world" said Dr Marshall.
For many of the Fellows, this was their first time snorkeling on the iconic Great Barrier Reef. They observed the diversity and beauty of the coral, fish and interacted with turtles, sharks and giant clams. They also observed some of the threats including Crown of Thorns starfish, development and agricultural run-off.
Mr. Arawaia Moiwa of Kiribati with a Reef Guardian student from the Redlynch School, Cairns.Image courtesy of Reef Ecologic.
An intensive leadership course at Orpheus Island Research Station was a thought-provoking and life-changing experience for many of the fellows. The leadership activities included theory and exercises to plan, problem solve and work together and to reflect on the process of continuous improvement whilst having fun.
For more information please contact Mr. Warren Lee Long at [email protected]