16/04/13 Transition Time
This week the newbies become the oldies and we welcome in some
new newbies. This means we are the experienced ones, which seems weird. However
it was comforting to know we had learnt a lot over the last four weeks and
could answer all the questions they had. All the new guys are (mostly) looking
pale and slightly overwhelmed. Easy to forget that was us four weeks ago!
The new group is more mixed in terms of nationality and age
compared to the last couple of groups so it will be interesting to see how the
camp dynamic changes. Early sign are good as they all seem positive and
enthusiastic. Both qualities are needed here in abundance.
It was certainly sad to say goodbye to the old crew. Luckily
some are staying on in Beau Vallon to do their dive master so we can still stay
in touch. Others have left to return home - some to go back to work and some to
prepare for uni. But the cycle of life on camp continues. Duties must be
completed. Food to be cooked and (most importantly) diving to be done.
The coral group are all done with their exams now and are
learning how to do the LIT methodology. Then we can start surveying. YAY
:-)
Surveying is of course the reason we are here so we are all keen
to get on with it. Another important factor of our expedition is our community
work. This week we embarked on a new project at the Natural
History Museum in Victoria. We took some workshop activities
with kids from school wildlife clubs. The main message is to educate them about
the threats to marine life in Seychelles. Encouragingly many of the kids are
completely on message and fully understand the impact of over fishing sharks
and other endangered species. This is so important and ensures there is a new
generations of ambassadors is crucial to the long term survival of the seas
here.
The community work we do here complements many other projects
happening on the island and hopefully will help Seychelles to develop
sustainably for the future. It's also great for the volunteers to connect
with people from the islands and interact outside of our GVI bubble here at Cap
Ternay.
So on we go for another week of adventure. It's a hard life.
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