The National Trust for the Cayman Islands’ Environmental Programmes Manager Paul Watler recently returned from the inaugural Caribbean Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders training programme in Antigua.
Mr. Watler was selected from a pool of candidates from across the Caribbean to attend the programme, funded in part by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare. The aim is to provide up-and-coming conservation professionals in the Caribbean with the opportunity to work and learn from proven conservation leaders.
“With many of today’s conservation leaders in the Caribbean retiring in the next decade and numerous mid-career professionals having left the region for international opportunities, there is a critical need to develop a new generation of wildlife leaders in this region,” according to Beth Allgood, the programme director.
In addition to three training sessions during a two-year period, participants work in teams to develop, implement and evaluate a wildlife conservation project in the Caribbean. Mr. Watler’s team will focus on parrots in St. Vincent. They will have access to seasoned conservation professionals to guide them and provide one-on-one mentoring, networking opportunities and career development.
“This unique training programme affords an excellent opportunity to forge connections with regional peers in the conservation field, to gain more experience with practical skills, and hone valuable leadership skills,” Mr. Watler said.
“I was privileged to be able to learn from a variety of experts at the pinnacle of their careers. I was very pleased to interact with young conservationists and environmentalists who work in the Caribbean region. I left invigorated by the thought that the other participants and I are poised to make great strides in our respective countries.”
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