MAHONIA VOLUNTEER WINS DIVERS HALL OF
FAME AWARD
In 2015 a diminutive girl completed a Marine Environment Education Program with Mahonia Na Dari as part of the Hoskins High School group. Liz Metta was inspired; she was determined to be involved in protecting the marine environment. Liz had good reason to be so motivated. Kimbe Bay where she completed MEEP is a biodiversity “hotspot” attracting scientists from all over the world to conduct research on the corals, fish and other aspects of this very special area. Every year since completing MEEP, Liz Metta has volunteered to assist MND with conducting the same program for other high school students. Liz just loves to help introduce other youth to the wonders of the marine environment.
In June 2018, a group of amazing women from the Women Divers Hall of Fame came to Kimbe Bay and generously presented Liz Metta with a grant award of US$1,000 for dive training. The presentation was made at the Walindi Resort in West New Britain, P.N.G. The resort owner, Mrs Cecilie Benjamin is a member of the WDHOF and had nominated Liz for the training award grant in recognition of the volunteer work she provided since 2015 to Mahonia Na Dari (MND) assisting their marine environment education program activities. When asked what the volunteer work involves Liz Metta explained:
“Mainly the volunteering is to help MND when they have a lot of Marine Environment Education Program (MEEP) students doing in-water activities such as coral reef exploration sessions. Many of those conservation students have never worn a mask or used a snorkel before so MND are always pleased to have extra help with in-water supervision.”
The WDHOF Training Grant Award enabled Liz to complete a PADI open water scuba diver training program in December, 2018. Immediately after obtaining the qualification Liz travelled to Milne Bay and did volunteer work in the Conflict Islands on a turtle tagging project. Walindi Resort a long-time supporter of Mahonia Na Dari discounted the cost of the Open-water course which left sufficient funds for Liz to purchase personal equipment and undertake the tough Advanced Diver training course. Under the supervision of Walindi Dive Instructor, Wontae Chung the determined Liz completed the theory and practical sessions and was successful in achieving an Advanced Diver qualification. A delighted Liz wrote in her training report:
“ I look forward for more opportunities to explore the underwater world now that I am better equipped with the advanced skills and knowledge. The Open-water and Advanced Diver training made possible by the WDHOF award will help me to continue to work confidently for the conservation of our amazing underwater environment. I am going to continue as a volunteer with Mahonia Na Dari (Guardian of The Sea) to help others understand the need for conservation through the MEEP marine environment education program.”
USAID grant funds enabled MND to complete six MEEP in
2018 producing 132 graduates of the conservation program.
No comments:
Post a Comment