Activities targeted at regenerating coral reef habitats continue as the Department of Fisheries joins hands with the TVET Unit and DVRP to build capacity for the effective management of coastal resources.

Coral gardening and restoration is emerging as a significant and rapidly growing management measure to help ensure the future of coral reefs, and while this resource is pivotal to the island’s ecosystem, local Fisheries and Marine Authorities claim that it is increasingly threatened by climate change and other stressors.

It is against this backdrop a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ Level 2) in coral reef gardening and restoration training was facilitated to augment the practical skills of marine users in order that their activities are conducted in a manner that preserves the integrity of coral habitats.

In speaking at the Award Ceremony to mark the culmination of the Program, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Barrymore Felicien says the joint initiative of the Department of Fisheries, the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP) and the TVET Unit is seen as an opportunity to bring sector stakeholders together on a common agenda item to ensure the preservation and rehabilitation of marine resources in the face of climate change.

 “The level 2 certificate serves to compliment participants’ livelihoods and broadens the participant’s understanding of the functions of coral reefs. It will also facilitate future community capacity building where trainees may seek level 3 training and certification in which they will be able to train other individuals in the area of coral gardening and restoration. So it important that we build capacity and this project seeks to do that. The trainees here today its…for the benefit of the future generation”

Participants in the NVQ Level 2 training learnt coral gardening site selection, the establishment and management of coral bursaries and gardens, as well as first-aid, navigation, and sanitation practices.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Hon. Pauline Antoine-Prospere believes that implementing educational programs on best practices for coral restoration is critical in combating reef degradation and promoting reef recovery.

Nine (9) individuals inclusive of members from the Department of Fisheries, coastal community residents, and dive tourism practitioners completed this certificate program.

“I salute each trainee as you braved not only the content of the course but the underwater world to gain competence in an area that few even realize impacts their lives. Today you become the league of certified marine heroes who will battle to keep our coral reefs healthy in order to ensure food security. I have no doubt that you will work assiduously to revitalize and build the resilience of our marine ecosystem and contribute to our economic development. We also encourage you to take advantage of the portability of this qualification by extending your newly acquired competencies to access employment in Saint Lucia, in other Caricom Countries, in fact anywhere in the world.”

With the state of coastal ecosystems affecting livelihoods in Saint Lucia, both directly and indirectly, the Agriculture Ministry remains focused on safeguarding Saint Lucia’s marine ecosystems as part of its broader efforts to ensure the efficient management of Saint Lucia’s natural resources.