Round the World Scientific Research Mission with Exxpedition

In pursuit of following my passion for the environment, I have successfully passed three rounds of shortlisting and interviews and was selected as one of three hundred participants for Round the World Exxpedition. Round the World Exxpedition is a scientific research mission comprising of thirty  all-female voyages designed to conduct science and raise awareness around plastic pollution and toxins in our oceans. During each expedition voyage samples are collected to assess plastics and pollutants and investigate the impacts of toxins and plastic pollutants on ecosystem health, personal health and products we consume.

I applied for one of the Caribbean voyages as this voyage will provide me with firsthand information and allow me to further educate and provide awareness to citizens in the Caribbean on how to live in harmony with the marine environment. This voyage is classified as part of the North Atlantic Ocean Gyre and I will be participating on Leg 3 of the Exxpedition, which will be sailing from Antigua to Green Island.

I am really excited and I have received my official crew member logo and supporter logo to create support for the expedition on social media.

Please feel free to share the supporter logo on your social media platform as we try to share and reach the widest audience possible to bring awareness and education on plastic pollution and toxins in our seas and oceans.

To follow the different leg of the voyages be sure to follow Exxpedition on twitter and Instagram. Their official website is http://www.exxpedition.com. Also, you can follow my youtube channel, La Vida con Sunshine for updates on my preparation and experience on the Leg 3 voyage. You can also follow my social media platforms to hear more about my experience.

The Blue Grotto Cave Experience by Rishma

I wasn’t going to, because i didn’t feel to. But sometimes u have to just get up, show up and do it. The company was good and the sites were even better !

The day was beautiful. I was blessed with a magnificent show today.

Beauty in all forms, sunny skies, showers of rain and cooling breeze. Blue green crystals in the water, light rays streak from above through the cover of green.

Jaws themesong plays in the dar recesses yet peace in the open space. Clear waters salted and fresh 😁😁.

The lovers and their babe, barney, michael jackson or Batman, audrie and the bedchamber and finally the tasty diamonds!

And i didn’t get my sapodilla

Blue grotto you’ve got me hooked! 💘

The Grande Riviere Turtle Watching Expedition

Coexistence Expeditions outing to Grande Rivere for turtle viewing was a wonderful experience. The commute was long but totally worth it when we arrived to a huge leather back turtle preparing the area to lay her eggs. Our tour guide was kind and well informed.

While there we were very fortunate to see hatchlings as well, which was my ultimate wish. They are absolutely cute. If you have never seen them you need to go on the next turtle watching adventure and catch them in all their tiny glory!!!

In addition to the mother and hatchlings, the sky was full (no understatement) with stars. I had never seen such a starry sky in my life, which added quite a beautiful canopy to a wonderfully spent night. Great job Ms.Leah Fouchong as you thrive to expose citizens to the beauty of our island. More expeditions to come…..many more memories to make!! #satisfiedtraveller 

By: Thesha Charles

THE THREE POOLS EXPERIENCE (by Tyrell Gittens)

One of the greatest experiences in life is to venture into adventure. Anticipating what lay ahead, Coexistence Expeditions’ adventure on Saturday 20^th May, 2017, began with our departure from the Grand Bazaar complex just after 7am. Provided with a cup of freshly prepared fruit, always a great way to start any day, there was a brief stop at Maracas Beach, to shake off being in the maxi and get some fresh air. Looking back at it, the pleasant image, of the calming early morning waves at Maracas Beach against the backdrop of the new day’s sun in the horizon, was a precursor to the splendor of nature that would’ve been witnessed later that day.

Still in awe by nature’s display at Maracas Beach, we were informed that a surprise was ahead of us shortly after leaving. It was not long, on the picturesque drive pass Las Cuevas Beach, that we turned into an area for a surprise stop at the abandoned Fort Abercromby in Las Cuevas. It was soon realized that this area was not only incredible because of the derelict fort but also because of the vivid panorama of the Las Cuevas Beach shoreline which was simply stunning. A stone’s throw away from these sweeping views, down a small incline, was a rock platform forming part of the cliff face.

With surreal views of gorgeous hidden caves below towering cliffs, we were also informed that from this platform it was possible to see beaching Stingrays. Scanning through the rough waters below in hopes of seeing one, some of our eyes connected with a spotted stingray, in a moment of sheer luck. After spending sometime in this area, we shifted our focus to climbing the famous “100 Steps” which at its peak provided views of Las Cuevas Beach and the horizon, which had an eerie glow on this day.

You just never know what’s around the corner until you’ve truly discovered. Several us on the trip had been to Las Cuevas multiple times and never knew that this side of the area existed. It is one of the places, that you place on your “Must visit again” list. Forgetting that this was just the appetizer, one could have only wondered what would have been the main course until we drove to the beautiful village of Blanchisseuse to begin our hike to Three Pools.

Accessible via a simple hike with some twists and turns, Three Pools was a sight. A combination of crystal clear water, towering cliffs and white fairy seeds being dispersed from trees perched high on the cliffs, there was a surreal touch to this very real experience. Whether it was just a rush of adrenaline or a sense of curiosity amongst some, everyone began plotting how to make it to the third pool. Faced with the options of swimming to the third pool or traversing a jagged cliff face, the majority swam. Some persons were contented with just enjoying the sight of first pool, knowing their limit, which is important on hikes where danger is ever present.

After a few hours and some quality conversations, we trekked back to our maxi, to head back to our various home destinations. However, as expected with Coexistence Expeditions, there was still some adventure left with some brief stops at Las Cuevas and Maracas beach, to experience the sights and sounds, for one last time.

Adventure is an immersive experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, as it touches every aspect of not only your physical senses but also your psyche. It was great discovering the little pocket of jewels that are hidden in Trinidad’s North Coast and everyone at some point in their life should be encouraged to get up and get out exploring.

The Turtle Watching Expedition with Coexistence Expeditions

Coexistence Expeditions Leatherback Turtle Watching Review:  By Tyrell
Adventurous experiences are supposed to leave you in a state of astonishment and the Coexistence Leatherback Turtle Watching Expedition accomplished just that. Travelling along Trinidad’s North-East Coast road to the small turtle watching village of Grande Riviere provided a striking view of the star filled sky unobstructed by light pollution. Upon arriving at the Grande Riviere Visitor Orientation Center, there was a briefing on the proper turtle watching procedures in addition to the collection of wristbands. This was followed by a short walk to the turtle nesting site.

Though the turtles were the main attraction of the night, the panorama of the star filled night sky provided a sense of awe upon arriving at the turtle nesting site. In its natural state, it was nothing less than mesmerizing to witness the Leatherback turtle nesting process alongside the release of some baby turtles. Immersing in this process contributed to the development of a deeper sense of appreciation for the endangered turtles and thanks to the Coexistence Expedition experience it was a night well spent.

The Carbon Footprint

What is the Carbon Footprint ?

The carbon footprint is an indicator of how much greenhouses gases human activities and our actions produced. Carbon dioxide is the measurement unit of the carbon footprint indicator. The indicator is composed of two units ; the primary footprint and the secondary footprint.

The primary footprint is the direct measure of the carbon dioxide resulting from the use of fossil fuels examples transportation (cars, buses)  and energy supply for domestic use.

The secondary footprint is an indirect measure of carbon dioxide resulting from the entire life cycle of products example bulkier packages would have a higher carbon footprint.

Ways in which individuals can reduce their footprint 

1. When not in use turn off lights, televisions,DVD players,computers and unplug cellphones when fully charged. The use of energy saving bulbs such as the fluorescent bulbs in your home can greatly reduce your footprint and lower your electricity bill.

2. Limit the use of machine dryers, dishwashers and water heaters. Try use these machines and devices when extremely necessary. For example during the rainy season when the sun is limited, machine dryers may be necessary. Otherwise use outdoor clothing lines to dry clothes. Also, hand wash dishes if possible and limit the use of hot water in your home since it takes large amount of energy to heat water.

3. Purchase local fruits and vegetables since they require less packaging.

4. Carpooling to work or social events. Plan trips ahead to use fewer cars and make less runs to the same place.

5. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle products.  Start a recycle drive in your work place . Recycle plastic bottles, bags and collect paper in designated recycle bins at your work place.  The use of filtered water bottles can greatly reduce the amount of plastic bottled water you purchase.

6. Last and definitely not least . Become an advocate, spread the word and encourage those around you to limit their carbon footprint.

To have an insight of your carbon footprint , please visit http://footprint.wwf.org.uk/. Calculate your carbon footprint now !!!!!

Sign the petition : The fight to protect and conserve the environment never ends. Save the Orange Grove Savannah, Trinidad and Tobago.

This is important to me as i concerned about the very little green areas or spaces we have in the east. The orange grove savannah is home to many residents and is used for various activities such as football and exercise. It is also used by the public for relaxation . The creation of a multi-sport complex would hinder such activities and the wonderful green space provided by the savannah.

Orange Grove Savannah, Trinidad and Tobago

To support this cause , please click on the link below and sign the petition

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/SAVE_OUR_ORANGE_GROVE_SAVANNAH_TACARIGUA_TRINIDAD_A_TINY_GREEN_SPACE_IN_A_CROWDED_URBAN_AREA_KEY_NATIONAL_AQUIFER/?sKuSEfb

Public Awareness Campaign : Climate Selfie Project

Public Awareness Campaigns and Education are two of the greatest strategies in employing social change. The climate selfie project is a public awareness campaign being carried out by SustainUS “Agents of Change” . I encourage you to carry out this simple task to bring awareness on climate change . Just take a selfie and post your views on climate change and your efforts to go forward in helping. Make your contribution on the website below.

http://climateselfieproject.org/

Remember to check out my contribution in the gallery of the website.

The symbolic rainbow : the significance of the rainbow

I was driving home after a really long week and saw this beautiful rainbow on my way home. The rainbow was so beautiful and made a perfect semi circle of vibrant colours. My mood was instantly lifted and my afternoon brightened. I was also quickly reminded of the saying that the rainbow is a symbol created by God to represent that he would never destroy the earth by water again. Have you ever heard of this saying ? If not, what stories or symbolism you might have heard about the significance of the rainbow.