New Connections .
BIG Impact .
As we celebrate the future of Pacuare and the growing sphere of influence of our alumni , and as we look forward to empowering more youth in our newest EPI programs in 2017 , I ’ d like to take a moment to introduce someone who is critical to this work : Simon Buzzard , an EPI team member since 2013 and our new Global Services Supervisor . Simon ’ s role is central to our efforts to expand ing EPI ’ s impact in the world by developing new program sites and our consulting services . -Scott Pankratz , Executive Director & Co-Founder
Each year , EPI receives inquiries about potential new opportunities for students to engage in research , and 2016 was no exception . I ’ ve worked closely with Scott and many of our staff at EPI to assess 12 NEW POSSIBLE SITES , and we ’ re excited to announce the two we ’ ve chosen to pilot in 2017 : Hawaii and mainland Ecuador !
These two new sites will also expand beyond conservation to include an indigenous cultural facet , deepening and enriching our traditional course offerings .
-Simon Buzzard , Global Services Supervisor
NEW SITE :
Hawaii
In our HAWAII ISLANDS ECOLOGY PROGRAM , EPI students will contribute to the conservation of the endangered Pacific hawksbill sea turtle , participating in nest censuses and in-water snorkel surveys on Maui . Additionally , they will learn traditional land management practices from a native Hawaiian family . Our long history with scientific research and local engagement in island ecosystems in Mexico & Galapagos has paved the way for our Hawaii program .
Most tropical of all sea turtles , feeding mainly on sponges
PRIMARY RESEARCH PARTNERS :
Hawaii Wildlife Fund , Hawaiian Islands Land Trust ( HILT )
SPECIES PROTECTED :
Hawksbill sea turtles
PROJECT LOCATION :
Beaches on Maui ’ s protected central coast and northwest coast
STUDENT ACTIVITIES :
• Conducting evening censuses on nesting beaches
• Protecting hatchlings by ensuring they reach the ocean safely
• Conducting in-water surveys of adult turtles
• Restoring critical wildlife habitat on HILT ’ s Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge ( and camping there too !)
• Building a traditional underground oven for dinner after helping with farming and fishing projects on a local farm
Grow up to 3 FT in length , live 30-50 YEARS , and weigh over 100 LBS
CONSERVATION STATUS : Critically endangered ; fewer than 20,000 nesting females worldwide
HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLE
Eretmochelys imbricata
FUTURE ACTIVITIES : We are currently investigating another conservation project for student engagement on Maui – teaming with organizations working to protect and understand the iconic humpback whale !
CONSERVATION • EDUCATION • CULTURAL EXCHANGE