This 4-week Marine Edu-Eco QUEST - Ocean Discovery Edu-Eco-Learning Project is an informative, fun yet formalised Marine focused experiential and transformational educational program. This program comprises learning through a Marine and Coastal Eco-Experiential Program along the Garden Route of South Africa participating in a residential, structured and dedicated Marine specific program which is founded on outcome-based learning objectives with innovative approaches to deciphering observable marine animal behaviour and applying sound Marine Conservation strategies, procedures and protocols applicable to Marine and Coastal Ecological, Conservation and Ecosystem Management.
We focus our attention on the complete Coastal and Marine Ecosystem, the ecology and the various contributors to and various factors affecting Marine Conservation and Marine Research. Our primary aim is to expose our Eco-Learners to Marine Conservation Research and direct Marine Environmental and Terrestrial based projects adjacent to the ocean using formalised Conservation Research Methodologies and a substantial Citizen Science Project Database. We encourage, inspire and provide you with the tools and an interactive and participative environment to gain a deeper insight into the lives of iconic marine animals such as whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, penguins, otters, reef animals, coastal birds and pelagic birds.
Each program is structured and
organised with developmental interactive experiential learning from day to
day. This interactive program is managed
in such a manner where all participants take away invaluable knowledge and
experience which can be measured, quantified and qualified through the
acquisition of new and innovative knowledge and acquired interpretive skills.
CORE FOCUS ASPECTS DURING THE PROGRAM
Marine
and Coastal Ecology and Ecosystem Functioning-----Whale
and Dolphin Knowledge, Research and Behaviour-----Otter
Knowledge, Research and Behaviour----Cape
Fur Seal Knowledge, Research and Behaviour------Shark
and Pelagic Shark Knowledge, Research and Behaviour-----Penguin
and Coastal Bird Knowledge, Research and Behaviour-----Marine
Animal Rehabilitation - Principles, Protocols and Procedures for Rescue,
Rehabilitation and Release-----Wildlife
Rehabilitation Techniques, Tools and Methodologies – Marine Animals
In addition to all the above, you will throughout the program be exposed to localized PRACTICAL Marine Conservation Projects, Research initiatives and Citizen Science Projects. These include:-
PRACTICAL MARINE CONSERVATION RESEARCH AND CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECTS
Pelagic Fish Tag and Release Program - Identification, Monitoring and Recording-----Sea Horse Research – Habits, Habitats - Monitoring and Recording-----Elasmobranch Egg Cases - Identification, Monitoring and Recording-----Conchology - Shell Accounts - Identification, Monitoring and Recording-----Tidal Pools Life Assessments – Identification, Monitoring and Recording-----Sea Hares and Hermit Crabs - Monitoring and Recording-----Beach and Marine Debris – Micro Plastics Sieving - Identification, Monitoring and Recording-----Coral and Sponge Accounts - Identification, Monitoring and Recording-----Wader, Shorebird and Pelagic Seabird Monitoring - Identification, Monitoring and Recording
TERRESTRIAL
LAND-BASED CONSERVATION RESEARCH AND CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECTS
Bird Ringing – Bi-Monthly Association with our Partner Organisation-----Raptor Ringing - Monthly Association with our Partner Organisation-----Penguin Rehabilitation – Association with our partner organisation
CONSERVATION PROJECT
AWARENESS NETWORK ASSOCIATES AND WORKSHOPS
Marine Mammal Stranding Workshops - Basic-----Dissections - Fish, Birds, Mammals-----Marine Environmental Hazards and Plastic Pollutants
NOTE: During your
experience you will be exposed to and participate in a number of these Research
projects subject to seasonal availability. Our Research and Citizen Science
Project base is continually expanding with new research initiatives and
projects being added from time to time. Our objective is to contribute data to
formalized Conservation Research initiatives, compile photographic accounts
with positive identification; and to compile daily 1 – 2 page Fact Sheets of
each species encountered.
You will be accommodated where the program is presented at the Alcedonia House-River Club Estate in Plettenberg Bay.
Your Weekends are Yours – Eco-Learners can experience the region with Optional activities for their OWN ACCOUNT
On the final Friday we will do a complete debriefing regarding your experience and present Certificates and Special awards to Eco-Learners. This evening we will have an informal African Braai (Barbecue) dinner function. The final Saturday is used for packing and onward journeys.
Each component of the program gives you the opportunity to experience the Marine Environment up close and personal daily.
NOTE: From time to time rescheduling in the weekly schedule as outlined above may occur due to the programs dynamic nature.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE AND DAY-TO-DAY BREAKDOWN
We research, workshop and explore various aspects of the Coastal and adjacent terrestrial environment and the lives of animals encountered and use three key principles in behavioural monitoring – Observation, Interpretation and Deduction.
Each day participants will be required to provide feedback to the group as each participant compiles their own account of their marine experience through photographic accounts, written accounts and recorded research data which not only is a living memory of your experience but also a data contribution to formalised conservation research. Each day you will be tasked with individual and group research assignments for presentation.
Throughout your stay with us, you will be exposed to a participative learning and contributory environment. Our core focus is on subjects, issues, workshops, discussions, Conservation Research, Citizen Science Projects, all of which relate to the Marine and Terrestrial Environments. The aspects and subjects highlighted below are all part of the program which you are sure to be exposed to on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
The Programming format is divided into FIVE Key areas –
Theoretical Modules – Comprise Lectures, Presentations, Workshops & Interactive Participant Feedback Sessions.
Practical Modules – Comprises Formal Practical half/full day sessions per program and numerous Informal Practical sessions daily of varying duration. These practical sessions compliment the awareness training specific to the program.
Practical Research Projects and Assignment Presentations are allocated personally and for feedback sessions to the group.
Presentations comprise Peer Reviews, Peer Evaluations and Peer Points Allocations for Projects & Presentations undertaken.
Program Outcomes, Assessments and Evaluations take place individually during the final week of the program.
Participants arrive the day prior to the start date of the program and will be collected from George Airport. The first 2-days are Orientation days, orienting you to your new home and program base. The program concludes on the last Friday and participants depart on the Saturday for onward journeys.
PLEASE NOTE - WE OFFER SCHEDULED DEPARTURES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Dates for 2018:-
12th February - 9th March 2018
2nd - 27th July 2018
3rd - 28th September 2018
Full and comprehensive activity profiles are given to participants on arrival so as to budget accordingly for exploring the region and the incredible variety of activities and adventures on offer in the Garden Route region.
One can expect adventures to be mild to wild. From Bungy Jumping, to Skydiving, to Sea Kayaking, to Canoeing in Wilderness sections of various rivers, to Black Water Tubing, to Paragliding, to Swimming with Seals, to Great White Shark encounters, to Walking or Hiking a number of the most scenic routes available on the Garden Route, to Mountain Biking, to Trail Running. You name it we have it. African Edu-Eco Wizard will assist in organizing your extra-mural activities. This list is not comprehensive by any means and can be embroidered on extending all the way from Mossel Bay to Oudsthoorn to Jefferies Bay to Port Elizabeth to Addo Elephant National Park and the Sundays river.
African Edu-Eco Wizard facilitates and manages many of these adventures and only suggests and utilizes reputable adventure operators in the region which conform with the legal requirements to operate such adventures. AEEW also offers a transfer service to and from adventure activity.
Program Costs Include
All arrival and departure transport components for your program. This is for arrival and departure from George airport.
All accommodation for the duration of the program.
Tea and Coffee will be available throughout the day at the respective bases.
Fresh linen is given weekly – Includes bedding and towels.
A washing machine is available. Students are required to do their own personal washing. Laundromats are available.
A Workbook, Tuition, Professional Instructors, Facilitation and outcome based experiential learning components.
Comprehensive Public Liability, Professional and Passenger Liability cover for each participant for the duration of the program.
The full-time service of a qualified Professional Instructor/Facilitator who is your Program Leader.
A Certificate of Attendance with Certifiable aspects highlighted
Program Costs Exclude
International flights to and from Oliver Tambo (Johannesburg) International or Cape Town International airports.
Domestic internal flights to and from George airport.
Visas – Visa applications and Visa requirements.
Personal, medical and travel insurance that must cover you for the duration of your Learning program stay with us and should include cover for repatriation, medical evacuation and any additional activities which you may wish to undertake including working with wild animals.
Items of a personal nature: drinks, refreshments, gifts, curios and additional food and snacks not supplied.
Stationary requirements for the duration of your program specified in your Kit List which forms part of your Enrolment Pack.
Personal entertainment and excursions into Plettenberg Bay or surrounding Towns.
Medical expenses and Personal medication.
Additional spending money for the duration of the program.
We collect our Eco-Learners from George Airport ONLY. The approximate travelling time between George and our Alcedonia House Base in Plettenberg Bay is about 1,5-hours. It is advised that you arrive on the day prior to the commencement of the program and depart on the final day of your scheduled program date. Should accommodation extensions be required this will be for your own account.
Alcedonia House located in River Club Estate in Plettenberg Bay serves as our Primary base for duration of your program. All accommodation is on a SHARING basis – 2 in a room. All accommodation is comfortable, up-to-date with necessary amenities. Eco-Learners are expected to keep their rooms and personal belongings tidy at all times and participate in any chores as required for the cleanliness and operation of the shared facilities, vehicles and program presentation areas.
You will be provided three balanced meals per day. A basic breakfast, brunch or lunch or packed lunch and dinner daily.
Meal times are: Breakfast 7h00 – 8h00. Lunch 12h00 – 13h00. Dinner 18h30 – 19h30 pm
Breakfast Format – Help yourself to breakfast; cereals, fruit, yoghurts, toast and spreads
Lunch Format – Lunch will be in the form of a packed lunch on excursion days or help yourself to lunch – with breads, fruits, cold meats, salad of the day and spreads.
Dinner Format – Participants are provided with the ingredients to prepare a hot meal every night such as traditional BBQ (Braai), stews (Potjies), casseroles, fresh vegetables and meats being the order of the day. All dinners will include a meat, starch and vegetable.
Tea and coffee are available throughout the day.
All other drinks are for your own expense though the tap water is safe to drink.
A generous amount of wholesome food will always be given. If snacks are desired there are grocery stores nearby. There will be refrigeration available for personal foods and soft drinks.
Participants are required to participate in the preparation of meals and to clean up after themselves after meals.
Important reminder – Participants must advise us on their Application form of their dietary needs (Vegetarian or have allergies) prior to their departure. Participants with very specific dietary needs may be required to supplement their meals at their own expense.
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