Located in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean lies the island of Utila, the third largest of Honduras Bay Islands. Forming part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest in the world, the island is growing as a diving and tourist destination. This projected growth highlights the need to protect the island's delicate ecosystem.
You will conduct environmental research with a Honduran NGO based the island, working alongside its resident scientists. The organisation's principal aim is to protect aim is to protect the country's endangered fauna and flora through conservation initiatives.
Their strategies are to:
* provide a dynamic environmental education program
* develop sustainability based on scientific assessment
* impulse community engagement and participation
* create and strengthened the links between organisations working for the same aim.
The NGO's principal project is running a reptile research and breeding station in order to protect endemic endangered species. Other projects involve biodiversity studies (insect diversity of the island) and population studies, as well as educating schoolchildren and the local community on environmental issues. The centre runs a visitor centre with information on the unique animal and plants seen on Utila, and organises various activities throughout the year including social workshops, cultural and environmental celebrations.
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