Lee's Reef Project

At

Caribbean Student

Environmental Alliance

REEF Fest Curacao is coming August 25 th and 26 th , 2006

Sunset Waters Beach Resort

REEF Fest Curacao is an active educational event celebrating the beauty of the coral reef at Sta. Marta Bay and the diversity of the eco-system of the entire Sta. Marta Bay area.

If we understand this natural treasure , we will understand why our children need to protect it!

Fundashon Lee's Reef Project, NA and Caribbean Student Environmental Alliance are joining forces to produce this education event to engage the educators of Banda Abou. We will create our own environmental curriculum which features the incredible treasures of Band Abao; addressing the pressures upon them (both economic and environmental) and offering our children an understanding of the “why & how” to protect our great places.

REEF Fest Curacao is intended to educate and engage Banda Abou in the joy and awe of this spectacular eco-system.

REEF Fest Curacao will be focused entirely on training classroom teachers and other educators about environmental education methods focusing on the coral reef and eco-system. Educators will also have the chance to enjoy the reef and coast area. Classes, Discussions and Excursions will include water safety and snorkeling lessons for teachers.

We are thrilled by the support of our local and international sponsors including:

Curacao Tourism Board

PADI's Foundation Project Aware

Aqualectra Utility Company

Sunset Divers and

Hosted by

Reef Fest is being held in the pristine Banda Abou region, where the coral reefs are spectacular and resort development is increasing. As Curacao faces pressure to develop Banda Abou as a tourist destination, the importance of understanding that sustainable practices are necessary to keep this gem of our Earth healthy and strong become acute.

Lee's Reef Project has successfully placed 3 mooring buoys for fishermen's use near Santa Martha Bay to provide more sustainable fishing alternatives for local fishermen. We hope that our awareness and education efforts from Reef Fest will build community conservation efforts and sustainable practices of present and future fishermen, divers and tourists.

Reef Fest Tentative Schedule at Sunset Waters Beach Resort

Friday, August 25 : REEF Fest Opening Celebration

for sponsors, organizers, facilitators and local dignitaries.

Saturday, August 26: Educators Day

9 am Welcome and Introductions

Harold Welvaart, Director of Annie Koenraad School

Ricki Harris, Founder of Lees Reef Project

Mary Beth Sutton, Founder of Caribbean Student Environmental Alliance

All of the teachers from the Banda Abou Community Schools will be invited to attend. The teachers and administrators will rotate through the activities which are outlined below.

1. Coral Reef Ecology and Protection: How is the reef important to us and what can we do to protect it? Each teacher will receive a Teachers' Toolkit which includes Expedition SANTA MARTA materials, educational materials from Project AWARE (teacher guide, student guides, DVD, and poster) as well as Project Learning Tree activity book and other materials including any appropriate National Marine Sanctuary educational materials. Al Stenstrup from Project Learning Tree in Washington , DC will facilitate the PLT training assisted by local coral reef experts to illustrate the usefulness of the materials while teaching coral reef ecology.

1. Expedition Santa Marta : Teachers will get a sampling of the student program Expedition Santa Marta. Santa Marta Bay History, Geography, and Ecology. Hike through the nature trail and also tour of Sunset Waters Beach Resort property.

1. Water Safety and Snorkeling with Kids for Coral. Through this, all of the teachers can experience the coral reef first hand!

This day will be facilitated by the Lee's Reef Project Teacher Advisory Board comprised of two teachers from each of the participating schools in the Banda Abou district.

For more information, contact Mary Beth Sutton at Caribbean SEA ,870-3256, or marybeth@caribbean-sea.org