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Guyanese scientist on global sustainability fellowship in Australia
Guyanese scientist, Michelle Kalamandeen is among 14 marine scientists and managers from the Caribbean, Pacific and Indian oceans, who are now in North Queensland, Australia for three weeks to exchange knowledge and learn about innovative coral reef science and management.
Michelle Kalamandeen
Ms Kalamandeen, who is the Protected Area Coordinator of the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society (GMTCS), highlighted that, “while Guyana does not have coral reefs, the techniques which will be discussed at the workshop are connected to managing both the land and ocean resources.
Such a strategy will be valuable to managing and protecting our own marine and coastal resources in Guyana such as sea turtles, mangroves and fishes.”
The Caribbean and Pacific fellows are part of an Australia Awards Fellowship titled “Improving coral reef management for sustainable development in the Caribbean and Pacific”. Australia Awards are prestigious international Scholarships and Fellowships funded by the Australian Government to build capacity and strengthen partnerships. By providing short-term study, research and professional development opportunities in Australia, mid-career professionals and emerging leaders can tap into Australian expertise, gaining valuable skills and knowledge.
The fellows will travel from Townsville to Port Douglas and visit government departments, research stations and reef-dependent businesses. They will meet the people and visit the habitats that make the Great Barrier Reef so special.
Ms Kalamandeen further noted that she was very excited about the opportunity to exchange ideas, experiences and practical social and ecological tools with persons from different parts of the world who are all working on similar issues for the sustainable management of the oceans.
“Oceans are such an integral part of our lives – they provide us with jobs, food, are important to our GDP and many indigenous cultures are linked to oceans. Imagine that every drop of water you drink, every breath you take in, you’re connected to the ocean. Almost half of the oxygen we breathe comes from the ocean, yet we understand little about how to sustainably manage these vast ‘living spaces’. No matter where you live, you will have an effect on the ocean, so ensuring healthy oceans takes every one of us doing our part.”
Actions such as not dumping garbage in the ocean, using less plastic bags, and advocating that oceans are also within protected areas, are some of the ways the public can help.
Adjunct Associate Professor Paul Marshall and Dr. Adam Smith, who have extensive experience with marine management in Australia and elsewhere, are coordinating the Fellows visit.
“We have observed the global decline of coral reefs and see that training of future leaders is essential for turning the tide towards a more sustainable future. Australia is the world leader in marine resource management. This Fellowship is a chance to share Australia’s expertise with the world.”
The Fellowship is being hosted by Reef Ecologic Pty Ltd with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP), Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), University of Queensland, James Cook University (JCU) and local industries and marine groups.
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