GVI wins Dive into Earth Day prize

The Coral Reef Alliance along with Global Vision International and other organisations participated in a highly successful Dive In To Earth Day. Many great photos were taken around the world, however, GVI Mahahual won the 1st place award in the Coral Reef Alliance photo contest.

Dive In To Earth Day is an internationally recognized event that aims to provide awareness of the importance of coral reefs, oceans and aquatic ecosystems through marine conservation activities. GVI Mexico was proud to join in these efforts, and each of our Mexico bases, Pez Maya, Mahahual, and Tulum, participated in organized beach cleans and provided environmental education to the local community. In addition, the Coral Reef Alliance created a contest for the best photos taken during the event’s activities around the world and GVI Mahahual is proud to have received 1st place.

On 5 May, 2006, GVI Mahahual’s volunteers and staff joined forces with the town’s primary school children, grades 1-6. The first half of the activity was spent explaining the importance of taking pride in your community and its resources, as well as keeping the beach and mangroves clean. Also, the 3 “Rs” of recycling were discussed and creative ideas to reuse materials were rewarded. Afterwards, children of grades 1-2 meticulously cleaned the school grounds while the older kids of grades 3-6 excitedly collected garbage from the beach and road just outside the school. Approximately 25 x-large bags of garbage were collected with the kids as well as many happy snapshots of the children and members of GVI Mahahual working together towards conservation and environmental awareness.

By the end of the activity, both GVI Mahahual and primary school children were very impressed with the immense beach and road clean effort and a great experience was had by all! With news about the winning photo, the children are anxious to participate in another beach clean and smile for the camera again!

For a truly unique and worthwhile experience, join GVI’s conservation efforts by participating in one of our many great expeditions.

Contributed by James Whiteley added 2006-09-08