Sandwatch Most Significant Change Stories: 2017 Bequia (St. Vincent & the Grenadines)
Submitted bu Michelle Williams-Stowe, Sandwatch Coordinator, Bequia
Country Name
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Date
Monday July 17th, 2017
Any other logistical information you would like to add
QAT Sunshine School for Children with Special Needs, Bequia; Sandwatch data-base Group Leader
WHAT was the most significant change?
Ever since the introduction of Sandwatch to our Secondary students (on the Island of Bequia), awareness of ocean and the life within has been an important issue. Students no longer took life in and around their beaches for granted; keeping it clean was viewed not only necessary but vital to ensure continuity.
The Sandwatch program allowed them to take a national pride in the upkeep of beaches that were frequented by tourists and locals, thus ensuring a constant flow of visitors.
Students were more knowledgeable in how to go about keeping not only beaches clean but their community on a whole. What was more impressive was the fact that this new found information did not stay with those directly involved in the program, but was spilled over to family members, friends and community personnel/s who may be seen as a threat to beaches adopted by Sandwatchers. Through this awareness introduced by Sandwatch, other local groups formed - I supposed having been inspired by the Sandwatch program - whose goals are similar. To this day, all has been working hand in hand to ensure the objectives set out by the Sandwatch program is carried out.
WHEN did it take place?
The program has been running for a number of years now.
WHO were involved?
Teachers and students from the two secondary schools (Bequia Community High and Seventh Day Adventist) on the island of Bequia.
WHY was it significant?
The Sandwatch Program taught them how to protect one of the major tourist attraction sites to their tiny island; the beach. It also got students to pay attention to climate change, global warming and the likes that can cause significant change to the beaches.
Other information
While it has been awhile since Sandwatchers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has done anything major in terms of beach monitoring, it has never really been far from the minds of those involved. Timing has been one of our greatest hindrance. Greater effort is needed by all parties to ensure Sandwatch is not just a thought but living proof that our beaches and the care thereof are of importance. A buddy system needs to be enforced so as to recruit ‘fresh’ blood in the program or even as a way to renew interest in the goal we have set out those many years ago.
Country Name
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Date
Monday July 17th, 2017
Any other logistical information you would like to add
QAT Sunshine School for Children with Special Needs, Bequia; Sandwatch data-base Group Leader
WHAT was the most significant change?
Ever since the introduction of Sandwatch to our Secondary students (on the Island of Bequia), awareness of ocean and the life within has been an important issue. Students no longer took life in and around their beaches for granted; keeping it clean was viewed not only necessary but vital to ensure continuity.
The Sandwatch program allowed them to take a national pride in the upkeep of beaches that were frequented by tourists and locals, thus ensuring a constant flow of visitors.
Students were more knowledgeable in how to go about keeping not only beaches clean but their community on a whole. What was more impressive was the fact that this new found information did not stay with those directly involved in the program, but was spilled over to family members, friends and community personnel/s who may be seen as a threat to beaches adopted by Sandwatchers. Through this awareness introduced by Sandwatch, other local groups formed - I supposed having been inspired by the Sandwatch program - whose goals are similar. To this day, all has been working hand in hand to ensure the objectives set out by the Sandwatch program is carried out.
WHEN did it take place?
The program has been running for a number of years now.
WHO were involved?
Teachers and students from the two secondary schools (Bequia Community High and Seventh Day Adventist) on the island of Bequia.
WHY was it significant?
The Sandwatch Program taught them how to protect one of the major tourist attraction sites to their tiny island; the beach. It also got students to pay attention to climate change, global warming and the likes that can cause significant change to the beaches.
Other information
While it has been awhile since Sandwatchers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has done anything major in terms of beach monitoring, it has never really been far from the minds of those involved. Timing has been one of our greatest hindrance. Greater effort is needed by all parties to ensure Sandwatch is not just a thought but living proof that our beaches and the care thereof are of importance. A buddy system needs to be enforced so as to recruit ‘fresh’ blood in the program or even as a way to renew interest in the goal we have set out those many years ago.