PRIORY HOTEL

The Best Western Priory Hotel has offered a web page to promote Operation Wallacea - Rosalind Shirm would like to tell you a little more about this

About me:

My name is Rosalind Shirm,

I currently attend Samuel Ward Arts and Technology College and I am in year 11 studying for my GCSEÕs.

I am particularly interested in geography and conservation and I am planning to study geography at A level. I have a really exciting opportunity to be involved in a very important conservation project in Cuba.

About the Project

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on earth. Natural diversity in ecosystems is vital for providing essentials such as food, clothing, shelter, fuel and medicines, as well as ecological, recreational and cultural benefits. Biodiversity is under threat in many areas of the world and concern about global biodiversity loss has emerged as a prominent and widespread public issue.

One such area is The Isle of Youth (Isla de Juventud) off the coast of Cuba. The mangroves, semi-deciduous forests, and reefs of the Isle of Youth are an exceptional example of a relatively undisturbed Caribbean habitat.

Operation Wallacea carries out biodiversity monitoring and conservation programmes, which bring important benefits to the local community. As a volunteer, I will be gathering data on water quality, coral types, fish and insects and carrying out surveys on turtle nesting behaviour. The expedition is organised in close co-operation with the local communities; this can bring immediate economic benefits by employing local people to help on the expeditions. In the longer term, both parties collaborate in finding ways for the community to sustain the local economy whilst protecting the local biodiversity.

Fundraising I am trying to raise £1800 to research eco-diversity in Cuba. The research will be used to encourage the locals to work in a more eco-friendly manner in order to preserve or improve eco-diversity.

DO YOU SHOP ONLINE ? When shopping online, if you order through www.easyfunding.org.uk the retailer will donate a small amount to my cause at no cost to you.

Simply select Operation Wallacea Cuba Expedition Summer 2010 - Rosalind Shirm when registering. I will be really grateful for any support you can give. Thank you

If you would like any further information - please email the Priory Hotel - I will forward all information onto Rosalind

Click the link below for more information

Updated 17th February 2010