Heading out to the Dutch Caribbean this May, Jennifer Fernandes and her study abroad students will be exposed to a unique habitat: an island desert that contains one of the world’s most pristine coral reef ecosystems. The main projects on this program are working with the Coral Reef Restoration Foundation and with the Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire.

In correlation with this program’s goals, they were awarded the SPC 2015 Innovation Grant! These grant funds will go toward the use of underwater equipment to:

• Document/capture underwater life for students to be able to identify for assessment purposes.
• Document/capture students performing underwater research with the Coral Restoration Foundation in Bonaire and Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire for students to have.
• Develop a partnership with Coral Restoration Foundation and Sea Turtle Bonaire to continue sending students to help with research and restoration projects and possibly to help students obtain internships or future employment.
• Utilize the photos and footage filmed to help promote study abroad at SPC.

For more information on:

• the Bonaire Study Abroad Program
• all other SPC Study Abroad Programs
• the SPC Foundation Innovation Grants

Congratulations on receiving the SPC 2015 Innovation Grant for the Dutch Caribbean- Ecology and Conservation of Bonaire Study Abroad Program!