Saba Snorkel Club: Education is the Future of Conservation

The Saba Conservation Foundation’s mission includes conservation through education and environmental awareness since 1992. In collaboration with the Child Focus Foundation, SCF’s Snorkel Club and Junior Ranger program has been running since 2004.  

Students are taught valuable skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and the basics of swimming, floating, hiking, and trailblazing. Club members have the opportunity to interact with wildlife, including sharks, lobsters, sea urchins, various fish, and octopus species. These opportunities provide valuable teaching moments allowing students to be more interactive while learning about these animals’ biology. These lessons foster a sense of responsibility toward protecting and conserving the environment. Other essential topics incorporated into each lesson plan include pollution, the importance of sustainability, and climate change. The program is run in succession annually.

In 2020, SCF’s education officer, Rissa Rampersad, introduced a reward system among students for collecting trash and pollution either underwater or during hiking activities. Presently, in 2021, students now voluntarily retrieve marine debris without prompt. Depending on what item is found, students also need to explain why the marine debris is potentially damaging to wildlife. Each club member understands that by cleaning the environment, coastal and ocean ecosystems are improved by ensuring none of the trash kills marine life or is toxic enough to disrupt the marine life cycle. Some items collected from club members under the close supervision and assistance of Teacher Rissa include fireworks, rope, cardboard boxes, ghost fishing line, plastic, and aluminum cans.

At the end of the Junior Ranger program, after completing the various levels, students have the opportunity to become PADI certified scuba divers. In addition to this certification, some Junior Rangers can graduate and move on to become a Ranger Trainee, working with the SCF to protect and conserve Saba’s biodiversity.

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