| "It demonstrated to the public that we, resource managers and researchers, are coordinating our efforts and we're willing to be creative to meet our joint goals for the good of the whole island and the residents here." | |
| Mike Gawel, Guam Coastal Management Program |
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Efforts in Guam to educate the public about the vulnerable coral reefs that surround the island include everything from television shows to brochures, CD-ROMs to classroom visits. A new education effort has Guam coastal managers taking coral reef education on the road.
"We were looking for an alternative way of reaching out besides the conventional approach," says Mike Gawel, administrator of the Guam Coastal Management Program. "Getting our message out through a grassroots approach is important, and this is one of the ways we're doing that."
The Village-to-Village Coral Reef Education Road Show is a collaborative effort between five island government agencies and one nonprofit organization, Gawel explains. This group went to the mayors of the 19 island villages to seek their advice and support on ways to provide families with information about coral reefs. The result was a series of five evening events last year that included formal presentations, coral reef displays, touch tanks, fun handouts, and refreshments.
"Families came, listened, and participated," he says. "They got involved and I think they enjoyed it. They all seemed to appreciate our effort to come to them."
The effort is so important, Gawel says, because Guam is dependent on coral reefs. He notes that over the past century, much of the islanders' traditions and knowledge about the reefs has been lost among a swell of immigrants and modernization. As a result, many islanders are not aware of the benefits of the reefs, which include protection from storm waves, and their use as sources of seafood and recreation. "Many don't realize that the reefs are built by delicate living corals.
"Snorkeling, scuba diving, sports fishing—these are important aspects of what draws tourists to Guam, which makes up the basis for our economy," he says.
The island's council of mayors helped the group selectthe five villages for the first round of road shows. Based on the mayors' advice, the shows were held for about 2 hours mid-week. The different participating agencies presented information on the reefs and their status, current research and problems, as well as potential solutions.
Live coral reef animals were on display, and handouts included coloring books about marine life, posters, brochures, and a 23-minute videotape produced on Guam titled "Coral Reefs: Their Health, Our Wealth." The mayors helped spread the word about the events, which were funded in part by the U.S. Coral Reef Initiative, and the shows also were advertised in the newspaper.
Attendance varied at each of the meetings from about 24 at the first few meetings to over 150 people at the final event. Gawel says more road shows are planned for the future.
"It demonstrated to the public that we, resource managers and researchers, are coordinating our efforts and we're willing to be creative to meet our joint goals for the good of the whole island and the residents here," Gawel notes. "People were also able to ask questions, and will be able to relate better to the people who are working in management after meeting them face to face."
He adds, "I think this is a good approach. The community learns that they can play a part in protecting the resources, and they understand better what the government management people are trying to do. It certainly was a worthwhile effort."
For more information on Guam's Village-to-Village Coral Reef Education Road Show, contact Mike Gawel at (671) 475-9673 or mgawel@mail.gov.gu.
