ROATAN
MARINE PARK
Roatan - Bay Islands - Honduras
SPECIAL
NOTE:
If
you were directed here from Divearth.com regarding research
internships, we apologise. We have no affiliation with this
organisation so please do not pay Divearth.com any money for
internships at the Roatan Marine Park.
The
Roatan Marine Park started life as the Sandy Bay West End
Marine Park, established in January 2005 when a group of concerned
dive operators and anxious business operators united in an
effort to protect the coral reef ecosystem. Initial efforts
focused on reducing illegal activity within the park (namely
poaching and use of spear guns), achieved through alliances
with the National Police.
Recently
our activities have expanded to include an education program
for local schools, improving marine infrastructure, designing
and implementing tourist education programs, developing universal
standards for diving and boat operations, designing a waste
management program, and financing two patrol boats and 12
members of staff. The name "Roatan Marine Park"
was therefore selected as a replacement to reflect the expansion
of our vision for the community and environment of Roatan
as a whole, providing a sustainable resource from which we
can all benefit.
Roatan
Marine Park Group Mission:
To
facilitate enforcement of Honduran environmental protection
laws, create a sense of environmental responsibility among
local communities and conduct research to inform local decision
makers on appropriate action to reduce impacts of human activities
on the marine environment.
Roatan
Marine Park Group Vision:
A
healthy and sustainable marine environment in Roatan that
is capable of carrying out its ecological function while maintaining
its capacity to provide the ecosystem goods and services (fisheries,
tourism, aesthetic and cultural values) that foster sustainable
livelihoods.
"It
is better to influence the course of events then risk being
casualties of them, and as we derive our livelihood directly
from the reef, the future is in our own hands."
See
articles published in Voice Magazine!
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