Unite for the Sea, an ocean conservation education youth programme designed by Unite BVI to inspire and empower the next generation of ocean conservationists, will be continuing its programme online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: United BVI

The e-programme, which begins the first week in September, will focus on reducing plastics pollution and the ecological importance of mangroves; and includes touchpoints on understanding water quality and the need to protect endangered species of sea turtles and grouper. Photo: United BVI

Since starting in July, approximately 200+ youth have received free swimming, snorkeling and diving lessons via a number of Unite for the Sea partners, aquatic based businesses, and conservationists including Sunchaser Scuba, Sail Caribbean Divers, Sea Turtle Aquatics, The BVI Swim School and The BVI Surf School. Photo: United BVI

Since starting in July, approximately 200+ youth have received free swimming, snorkeling and diving lessons via a number of Unite for the Sea partners, aquatic based businesses, and conservationists including Sunchaser Scuba, Sail Caribbean Divers, Sea Turtle Aquatics, The BVI Swim School and The BVI Surf School. Photo: United BVI

According to the press release, Unite BVI Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation with a vision to create opportunities that inspire and empower a generation of world-changers, 'starting in the beautiful BVI.' Photo: United BVI

The programme, now in its second year, will engage over 250 youth.

“For the first time, and in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Unite for the Sea will be offering an online learning component for participants. The e-programme, which begins the first week in September, will focus on reducing plastics pollution and the ecological importance of mangroves; and includes touchpoints on understanding water quality and the need to protect endangered species of sea turtles and grouper,” a press release from Unite BVI today, August 24, 2020, stated.

Ocean conservation education is being delivered by VI marine biologist Lenette M. Lewis with spotlight interviews from experts on the summer’s theme areas: “The importance of mangroves to Ocean Health” - Lianna Jarecki of the HLSCC Marine Center; and “Plastic Pollution” - Sarah Penney of Green VI.

Programme funding, according to the press release, has been covered largely by Unite BVI with some additional appreciated contributions from The Bitter End Yacht Club.

Youth programme partners also include The Youth Empowerment Project, M.A.L.E. and F.E.M.A.L.E.

Since starting in July, approximately 200+ youth have received free swimming, snorkeling and diving lessons via a number of Unite for the Sea partners, aquatic based businesses, and conservationists including Sunchaser Scuba, Sail Caribbean Divers, Sea Turtle Aquatics, The BVI Swim School and The BVI Surf School.

Long term commitment

Lauren Keil, Unite BVI Foundation Manager, said the programme is in line with the foundation’s core principles.

She said, “One of the ways in which Unite BVI is hoping to create a positive, sustainable impact in the area of environmental conservation is through a long-term commitment to the Unite for the Sea programme in the BVI. We want to engage as many youth as possible to foster a greater appreciation for the ocean, inspiring a passion to protect it.”

In 2019, Unite BVI supported over 526 youth with summer youth programmes with 341 attending the United for the Sea Ocean Conservation Education Programme designed and lead by Marine Biologist, Dr Cassander P. Titley-O'Neal.

2020 activities & funding

In 2020, Unite BVI is supporting the following activities, through grant funding and donations:

• • 75 students to go through a PADI Discover Scuba Diving or Open Water certification course (funding support in partnership with The Bitter End Yacht Club)
• • 50 sets of snorkel equipment donated to youth by Sea Turtle Aquatics (funding partnership with Earth Echo International)
• • Over 250 swim scholarships on four (4) different BVI islands (funding partnerships with Beyond the Reef Foundation); and
• • Ocean conservation education e-programme that targets 300 youth supported with FREE youth resource packs.

According to the press release, Unite BVI Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation with a vision to create opportunities that inspire and empower a generation of world-changers, “starting in the beautiful BVI.”

For more information about Unite for the Sea, visit unitebvi.com or copy and paste the following link: https://www.unitebvi.com/inspiring-next-generation-conservationists.