Marine Conservation Bursary Programme

In August 2024, UK Friends of the Mustique Charitable Trust signed a Grant Agreement for our Inaugural Marine Conservation Bursary Programme with Richmond Vale Academy

This Bursary will provide funding for training and certification along with diving equipment for Four (4) Vincentians, primarily unemployed and financially disadvantaged young men (18-30 years old) from rural seaside villages.

 At the end of the programme, the candidates will receive:

• Four (4) internationally recognised PADI Certifications, which include Open Water Certification, Advanced Open Water Certification, Emergency First Response (EFR) Certification and Fish ID Training & Certification
• Training in Lionfish Hunting & Safe Preparation as a food source
• Attachment period with local Coral Gardeners to gain hands on experience in the field

The programme will focus on capacity building and increasing employability options of the selected candidates who can then be engaged on local, regional and international coral reef conservation projects, dive shops or as eco-trained and eco-friendly fishermen.

At a cost of US$26,000, this is a timely collaboration in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and we look forward to this being another successful and beneficial programme with a focus on alternative education.