1.Our 2012 Project Coordinator was hired and welcomed to the group in April. Welcome Mr Walker!!
2. In March ten NEST members participated in an experience exchange with Nature Seekers in Matura, Trinidad. During this intensive weekend away the group members were provided hands-on training and experience on the beach as well as the opportunity to find out how Nature Seekers developed (and maintain) their internationally accredited eco-tourism product. Exposure to and experience within this model was just what NEST needed to visualise the potential for the north east of Tobago. Please read our write-up in the SGP GEF Newsletter:
3. On Saturday April 14th NEST, The UNDP and Asclepius Green met at the serene location of Blue Waters Inn in Speyside for their ‘Hatchling Workshop’. The day was designed and facilitated by Dr Adana Mahase-Gibson, Mr Keith Gibson (Asclepius Green) and the renowned Ms Grace Talma (UNDP) to be an all-encompassing and fully interactive event – and this it sure was.
The play on words of ‘Hatchling’ was a symbolic one to signify the group and its members developing in their youth. Just as it had been intended, the group was provided the much needed opportunity to talk about NEST as an organisation, to communicate and discuss responsibilities openly, as well as team building for the journey ahead.
The participants, some of whom have been involved in turtle-patrolling activities for many years with NEST and some fresh to the picture and eager to help, were all enthused by the fantastic day that was laid out. From discussions to illustrative games the day proved to be a well-received and appreciated success.
4. On Saturday 5th May at the Charlottevile Community Centre NEST members hosted a community outreach film-showing event. The film ‘Turtle – The Incredible Journey’ was shown and well received by the attending audience of thirty persons.
‘Both NEST members and the public found the film to be interesting, exciting and educative. Such was the success of this format that the group is desperate to run a similar event in future.The outreach proved to be a valuable lesson early on in the UNDP calendar of events. Several limitations were identified as were improvements to an event which was deemed to be a success by NEST members. The event, experience of and knowledge of level of organisation required will be of great benefit for the group and has whetted the appetite for future bigger and better events. Importantly, improved networking will result from this opportunity working with the Charlotteville village council. There remains an eagerness to get the message to the community and feeling that there is something building within the village that will be positive for NEST. All in all a positive output was achieved from the outreach event’ (Feedback from our Project Coordinator).
Please Watch this space for the next chapter of NEST’s journey.
Warm Wishes,
Zoe
Project Admin
nesttobago.wordpress.com 