Barbados’ largest mangrove wetland, the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, is set for a fresh role as it prepares to launch an environmental academy geared towards educating the next generation on conservation and environmental stewardship, General Manager Geoffrey Roach announced on Thursday.
Roach shared details about the project during Thursday’s soft launch of the Tourism Development Corporation’s (TDC) Make Change initiative.
He said the academy would focus on helping young people understand their role in protecting the environment and becoming good citizens.
“To make this a success, our intention is to partner with agencies across Barbados to develop good citizens for our future,” he said.
“We look forward to the TDC coming on board with this programme because we believe that for Barbados to maintain itself to a high standard, we need to focus on the youth who will take the reins and lead the charge.”
Roach said the sanctuary also plans to adopt a number of schools, starting with the nearby St Lawrence Primary.
He said the sanctuary would work closely with students and teachers there as part of the academy’s outreach.
“We will be undertaking a number of programmes to work closely with the students and the teachers at the school to bring them on board and deliver some programmes that we intend to launch with the academy,” he added.
Roach said the academy is part of long-term plans for Graeme Hall and is intended to help reconnect Barbadians, especially children, with the natural space.
“While we will not be crabbing, we want to encourage everyone to come and learn about the fish, crabs and other inhabitants here, or to come and relax,” he said.
The sanctuary reopened in May after being closed for more than 15 years.
The TDC has identified it as the first project to benefit from the Make Change campaign, which is set to officially launch in August. (SM)
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