Fragments of Hope Coordinating Reef Theme at Independence Day Carnival

Fragments of Hope News Updates

By MONIQUE VERNON Outreach Officer Fragments of Hope (FoH) fohoutreach@gmail.com

September Reef Theme Parade:

Every year is International Year of the Reef (IYOR) for Fragments of Hope (FoH), but this year, FoH in partnership with Oceana and the Placencia Village Council (PVC), will be working closely with the Independence Day parade float organizers to incorporate a reef theme feature into their outfits and costumes to celebrate this grand day and to bring awareness to our marine ecosystems. Donations to participating teams/ floats for costumes is made possible by Hatchet Caye and Wild Orchid Resort.

Additionally, in an effort to reduce waste accumulation for this event, floats are encourage to ditch the plastic this year and employ eco-friendly alternative solutions such as the 5 gallon water, water coolers, water bottles and/or biodegradable cups. We would also like to extend this initiative to the general public to bring out your water bottle to help reduce plastic use.

Look out for your favorite marine related displays/floats at Placencia’s Independence Day Parade on September 21 st , 2018. The event will begin from Mariposa at 2 p.m. and end off at BJ’s/Excellence Restaurant. If you are interested about this initiative and want to learn more, please contact Monique Vernon at Fohoutreach@yahoo.com or 654- 8951.▪

Sandwatch Activities Set for 2018- 2019 School Year

For years, Caribbean beaches have been under stress, eroding and accreting from natural and anthropogenic factors. Recognizing the importance of protecting marine and related ecosystems is imperative and for Fragments of Hope, a primary focus.

In 2011, with funding from WWF, FoH adopted and implemented a Sandwatch program, developed by UNESCO in 1998, with St. John's Anglican Memorial Primary School. The program focuses on the implementation of beach enhancement projects among children, youths, adults and the community and bring awareness of the fragile nature and need to respectfully use it.

In 2016, FoH received a generous private donation to once again repeat the activities, but this time with all three primary schools on the peninsula (Peninsula International Academy, St. John’s, St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Primary School). This year, with funding from GEF-SGP and the Oak Foundation and private donations from Hatchet Caye/Wild Orchid Caye, Fragments of Hope is pleased to announce the continued implementation of the Sandwatch program for the 2018-2019 (October-April) school year. ▪

About our FoH Contributor: Monique Vernon, a native of Placencia Village, holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from the University of Belize (2016). She carries extensive experience with youth and schools and worked with FoH in 2017 implementing the Sandwatch program. FoH is dedicated to employing local coastal community members.