News
2017 Junior Park Wardens
#TurksandCaicos, September 1, 2017 – Providenciales – The Junior Park Warden (JPW) Program is in its 17th year, teaching the youth about the Turks and Caicos Islands Environment. This year was no exception as a total of 32 participants, aged between 10 and 17, were given an opportunity to explore and discover pressing environmental issues in The Turks and Caicos Islands.
Every year, the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources partners with the Pine Cay Project to deliver a fun-filled and highly sort after summer program, focusing on environmental conservation and practical learning.
“It is important that youth, the leaders of tomorrow understand the natural heritage of the islands, the benefits received from it and how it can be managed to keep TCI beautiful by nature. I would like to thank all DECR staff involved in the JPW, as well as our partners and sponsors who have worked to make the JPW a success for over 17 years,” said Ethan Griesbach, DECR’s Acting Director.
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This year’s theme, “Ecosystems” was selected so as to teach participants about the country’s beautiful biodiversity and the ecosystems that comprise the natural heritage of the islands. Participants in the JPW Program 2017 learned what an ecosystem is and how it operates. These concepts were illustrated through practical interactions with the local environment.
This was achieved through directly interacting with various ecosystems, such as coral reefs, mangroves and coastal forests and shrub, providing participants with an understanding of the challenges ecosystems face when no longer in balance. In addition, each day introduced students to a sub theme such as sustainable tourism, sustainable development, the DECR roles and responsibilities, National Park and Fishing laws and regulations, and potential careers in Environmental Studies / Sciences and the Maritime Industry. The JPW Program consisted of two, one-week programs, with activities limited to Providenciales.
For the past seventeen years the JPW Program has been sponsored by The Pine Cay Project and facilitated by DECR. This year’s PADI Discover SCUBA Dive (DSD) component was sponsored by Provo Turtle Divers, who sponsored a total of 3 participants.
Press Release: TCIG