The Junior Park Warden (JPW) Summer Program officially launched in 2000, with the central theme of fostering stewardship for the environment in the youth of TCI. Graciously sponsored by the Pine Cay Project, this year was no exception as a total of nineteen participants were given an opportunity to explore and discover pressing environmental issues in The Turks and Caicos Islands.
This year saw a departure from the usual two week program, and instead two, one-week programs were hosted so as to provide more youth with an opportunity to attend. The theme, “Reduce.Re-use.Recycle” uncovered the TCI’s limited natural resources which we share on our islands, and how we can consider the three ‘R’s’ in our every-day lives to ensure a cleaner, greener future for the TCI. In addition, each day introduced students to a variety of sub-themes, such as sustainable tourism, sustainable development, the DEMA’s roles and responsibilities, National Park and Fishing laws and regulations, and potential careers in Environmental Studies / Sciences and the Maritime Industry. Interested students (with strong swimming skills) even participated in a PADI Discover SCUBA Dive (DSD) course, graciously sponsored by Provo Turtle Divers!
Participants enjoyed excursions to Provo’s Landfill and Recycling facilities, a visit to Lignum Vitae Farm where they witnessed Aquaponics (a combination of conventional aquaculture and hydroponics), and snorkeled, swam, and even went sailing! Big Blue Unlimited also spoke to the participants about the effects of pollution on the underwater world.
Ideally, students who graduate from the program will be advocates for the environment and will go on to become environmental leaders in the community, working with DEMA and other agencies to foster environmental sustainability in TCI. After participating in the JPW program, it is hoped that the participants will develop and display environmental stewardship and leadership.
