Youth in Toledo District Complete Underwater Marine Monitoring Training in Belize

Yesterday, six youths from the Toledo district wrapped up a two-month training organized by the U.S. Embassy and the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) for underwater marine monitoring. The program is a part of Earth Glow which is funded by the State Department Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental Scientific Affairs (OES). The students received their certification in marine conservation training by the US Ambassador Michelle Kwan. The kids received a scuba diving certification and learnt to evaluate vulnerable marine populations such as conch and lobster to address growing environmental security threats. Kwan mentioned that the aim of this was to teach a newer generation the importance of protecting Belize’s rich biodiversity and the coastal communities that depend on the health of the ocean.