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