Six young trainees earn their PADI certification as part of a hands-on marine research initiative in the Port Honduras Marine Reserve (PHMR) and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve (SCMR).
A new cohort of six Community Researchers has officially begun their journey with the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE), marking the start of a promising chapter in community-led marine conservation. Their first major milestone: earning their PADI Open Water Diver certification.
These young researchers-in-training are not just gaining diving credentials — they’re preparing to contribute to vital scientific work within Belize’s protected marine areas, including the Port Honduras Marine Reserve (PHMR) and the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve (SCMR). Over the coming months, they will receive further training in ecological research techniques, data collection, and monitoring protocols under the guidance of TIDE’s experienced team.
What unites this group is a deep-rooted connection to the sea. Many of the participants have grown up along Belize’s coastlines and rivers, free diving and spending time on the water with family members who rely on the ocean for their livelihoods. Now, equipped with scuba gear and professional instruction, they are eager to explore the underwater world and contribute to the protection of Belize’s rich marine heritage.
TIDE credited the successful start of the program to the dedication of returning instructors Nedia Chaplin and Moses Terry from Mango Creek, whose expert instruction helped make the training both educational and enjoyable.
The Community Researcher programme is made possible through the generous support of the IUCN’s Protected and Conserved Areas initiative and the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund), both of which have played a key role in building local capacity for conservation in Belize.
This initiative highlights the growing importance of empowering local communities to take an active role in marine conservation, blending traditional knowledge with scientific training to safeguard the future of Belize’s coastal ecosystems.
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