Ecologist Sherelle Charles (left) and Geographic Information Systems Officer Morgen Halstead (right).

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The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has chosen two individuals from Antigua and Barbuda to receive postgraduate training in Natural Resources and Environmental Management.

The selected participants are ecologist Sherelle Charles and Geographic Information Systems Officer Morgen Halstead.

Charles tells Antigua.news that she is first grateful to God and grateful for this opportunity from the OECS Commission.

“As an ecologist currently working in science communications, it can sometimes feel like I’m drifting away from the technical side of my work. This opportunity is pivotal for me because it will allow me to reconnect with my roots in ecology and environmental science, while strengthening my capacity to contribute to the conservation efforts of the EAG, here in Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda,” she said

Meanwhile, Halstead said the course was interesting as she could engage in a lot of practical work.

“It gave me a glimpse into what I would like to do for my master’s degree as well,” she said

This initiative, backed by the European Union (EU)-funded Biodiversity Support Programme for ACP Coastal Environments (BioSPACE), showcases the Commission’s strong commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation in the region by enhancing capacity for effective management.

Training will be conducted in partnership with two respected regional institutions: the University of the West Indies-Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (UWI-CERMES) and the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT).

The candidates, who received endorsements from OECS Member States, will specialize in fields that will boost their expertise in natural resource and environmental management.

The candidates are as follows

Geoinformatics and Environmental Management (UWI-CERMES)
– Kijuan Kirnon (Montserrat)
– Shanae Browne, Administrative Cadet (St. Vincent & the Grenadines)
– Morgen Halstead, Geographic Information Systems Officer (Antigua & Barbuda)

Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (UWI-CERMES)
– Stephen Hixon, Forest Technician (Montserrat)
– Argel Horton, Environmental Officer (Virgin Islands)
– Suzanna Aurelien, Geographic Information Officer (Saint Lucia)
– Sherelle Charles, Ecologist (Antigua & Barbuda)
– Yvonne Edwin, Fisheries Biologist (Saint Lucia)

Natural Resources and Environmental Management (UTT)
– Jeremy Searles, Fisheries Officer (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
– Kendon James, Marine & Wildlife Conservation Biologist (Grenada)
– Charlie Prospere, Fisheries Biologist (Saint Lucia)

The OECS Commission said it is committed to addressing critical capacity gaps in the region. It targets areas such as scientific research, technical skills like geographic information systems (GIS), institutional governance, and implementation of international agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The aim is to ensure the long-term conservation of biodiversity in the Eastern Caribbean through community engagement and awareness initiatives.

This region is home to a variety of unique ecosystems, such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and tropical forests, along with many endemic and threatened species.

Strengthening the ability to protect and sustainably manage these resources is crucial for securing ecological, social, and economic benefits for future generations.

Additionally, the OECS Commission, through the EU-funded Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) Project, is offering financial support to 11 students from seven OECS Member States who are pursuing a two-year diploma program at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT).

This program focuses on conservation and management in forestry, parks, wildlife, and the environment to enhance the capabilities of actors and institutions engaged in Integrated Landscape Management in the OECS.

These collaborative efforts, particularly with the European Union, highlight the OECS Commission’s commitment to advancing environmental management expertise in the region. The Commission anticipates ongoing partnerships with OECS Member States in building a sustainable and prosperous future.