HAPPY HOLIDAYS FOR THE OCEAN & YOU
The number of tourists that visit the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is growing rapidly, in 2008 alone, about 127500 tourists made their way here. For islands that are relatively sparsely populated and with inadequate infrastructure, such an influx can be devastating. However, tourism, if done right, can also be a positive force for nurturing the natural beauty of a place. ReefWatch aims to create awareness amongst tourists, educating them about the fragility of their destination and how to minimize negative impacts, through videos, brochures and easily available, relevant information packs. Please contact us if your company would like to sponsor this project.
Re(ef)Build :
We are currently involved in a project to rebuild coral reefs in the Andaman Islands after they have been weakened and damaged by repeated warm water currents and storm surges. This process involves collecting fragments of coral from the sand around the reef and rehabilitating them in coral nurseries before transplanting them back on to natural or artificial reefs. We are using the mineral accretion technology, which accelerates the natural growth rate and provides greater resilience against temperature surges and coral diseases. This is the first time this technology has been used in India. To donate towards this project, please click here.
SCHOOL PROGRAMS: ISLAND SCHOOLS
ReefWatch currently runs programs in SCUBA Diving & Island Ecology for school children from mainland centres such as Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore.
We currently raising funds to extend this program, free of cost to selected students from underprivileged backgrounds in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. By giving these children an unprecedented opportunity to dive in the ocean around their islands and teach them about the importance of healthy ocean ecosystems for the wellbeing of themselves and their families, we hope to change their attitudes and relationship with the sea.