Santa Marta

For the first five days, this program will equip you with the essential skills and expertise required to conduct a Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) of Caribbean coral reefs. In addition to acquiring direct sampling techniques, the training encompasses safe diving protocols, scientific or research diving methodologies, sampling design, and fundamental marine ecology principles, including species identification and interactions. It underscores the significance of these monitoring efforts in addressing marine management imperatives. The training combines classroom instruction with practical field exercises. Furthermore, participants will also engage in collecting photo quadrants and labeling them, contributing to the training of coral identification AI currently being developed by Reef Support.

Over the next three days, you will actively participate in the Dive Against Debris Worldwide Workshop. This workshop will delve into how garbage reaches our seabed, involve underwater trash identification dives, and include participation in essential clean-up efforts. Your journey with the Reef Ranger program will culminate in a memorable Graduation Dive. To cap it off, you'll join us for a scenic sunset sailboat ride, reflecting on your invaluable contribution to marine conservation.

Engaging in this program not only equips you with essential skills for coral reef conservation; it also immerses you in the principles of sustainable tourism, empowering you to advocate for environmentally conscious practices and contribute positively to the long-term health of coral reef ecosystems.

Upon successful completion, you will receive an official SDI certification in Coral Conservation, recognizing your expertise in this field. Additionally, you will be awarded a certificate as a data labeler of Reef Support’s Open Coral AI for coral identification, highlighting your valuable contribution to advancing coral reef research and conservation efforts.