NASC working in collaboration with CARE SKN SECURE INVALUABLE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY (GEF) FUNDING TO SUPPORT THEIR PARTNERSHIP AND PROJECTS NASC (Nevis Aquatic and Sailing Center) and CARE SKN (Coral reef Assistance Restoration and Education in St. Kitts & Nevis) work in partnership with a passionately held core mission. To engage with the Nevis Community and promote the teaching of Marine Health and Activities.
A key immediate task is to form a steering committee of local representatives with a primary objective – to reach out to and attract a broader base of young Nevisians to the Center’s programs. An application to the GEF Small Grants Programme SKN UNDP was submitted and successfully accepted for funding support under the programme’s focal area of Biodiversity Conservation.
NASC was able to provide the necessary co-financing through fundraising events and generous donations that were specifically ring-fenced for the development of the Aquatic Community Center’s facilities. Sincere thanks to all our valued supporters and volunteers. This amazing project attracted $80,000US GEF SGP funding to finance:
● A significant Coral Nursery of 40 trees in Majors Bay
● Reef Check Certification Training
● Coral Nursery Husbandry Training
● Marine Biology classes for the Community
● Public Awareness
● Construction of Bathroom and Changing Facility
● Construction of Educational Center and Classroom.
All of the above will improve the success, quality, safety and hygiene of the Programs offered by NASC and CARE SKN. NASC’s Programs all take place in Nevis’ marine backyard. As a non-profit, dedicated to improving the skills and fitness of the participating swimmers and sailors, the conservation and health of the Ocean’s habitats is of critical importance.
The CARE SKN interactive classes in marine biology are conducted for NASC’s Camp participants during the school holidays. The young students learn how to respect and protect marine life. NASC and CARE
SKN are stronger together, sharing the Center’s stunning oceanfront location, the on-site facilities, boats, equipment and educational aids. Swim and
Sail Program participants and volunteers are encouraged to support CARE SKN, physically working to restore Coral reefs and planting the Coral nurseries on land and at sea. CARE SKN’s focus is Coral. A non-profit NGO, the organization is dedicated to restoring the reefs in St.Kitts & Nevis and spreading awareness. Education and training are key components for a successful and supportive restoration plan.
This includes marine biology classes, Reef Check Certification Courses, science projects and consultations. The next Reef Check Certification Course, scheduled for July 2023, will teach participants how to survey and analyze coral reefs’ health. Registrations welcome.
The NGO successfully completed a pilot project installing a small Coral Nursery in the summer of 2022. A larger 40 coral-tree nursery is set to be built Early 2024 with the ultimate goal of 215 trees to build an efficient reef restoration program to conserve high biodiversity on the reefs in St. Kitts and Nevis. This exciting development could not have been realized without the advice, encouragement and support of Ilis Watts and the GEF SGP National Steering Committee. We urge you to contact her if you have a project to pursue that concerns biodiversity and conservation