External Links Bar:
 |
The University of Belize (UB) has been working to develop a Marine Studies Programme and an associated research station since 1989. In August 1994, the University College of Belize (UCB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Belize and Coral Cay Conservation (CCC), (a UK-based, non-profit marine conservation organization) to establish a Marine Research Center (MRC) on the Turneffe Islands atoll. The MRC Calabash Caye Field Station was officially opened on September 27, 1995. At the end of 1999, CCC's five year contract expired and the management of the entire facility was handed over to UCB. The station became Belize's first, nationally owned and managed marine research facility. August 1, 2000 marked another historic event in the growth of Belize's higher education. The University College of Belize with the amalgamation of five institutions became The University of Belize. The Marine Research Center was placed under the Faculty of Arts and Science and the Center's name changed to the University of Belize Institute of Marine Studies (IMS), with its office in Belize City.
The principal aim of the UB IMS is to provide facilities for scientific monitoring, research and environmental awareness programs with an immediate focus on shallow water tropical marine ecosystems. The Calabash Caye field station supports UB's development of degree programs in Natural Resources Management and Coastal/Marine Studies. It also provides a facility for short training courses and workshops on a wide range of marine related topics for students, teachers and others from Belize and overseas. The station is the headquarters for current, national efforts to maintain the unique biodiversity of the Turneffe Islands atoll.
The Institute of Marine Studies, as part of the autonomous National University of Belize, is committed to excellence in marine education and research in Belize. Through the implementation of environmentally sound technologies, it is dedicated to meet the needs of students, the Belizean and global society in developing their skills, knowledge and values necessary for the integrated management of Belize's marine resources.
The Goals of UBIMS CCFS are to:
1) Establish a financially self-sustaining field facility which will compliment UB's programs2) Develop UB's technical capacity to independently provide training, research and education on coastal issues to students, teachers, Government of Belize and NGO staff
3) Provide training in coastal/marine science oriented field work in Belize and improvement in environmental awareness amongst Belizeans and visitors
4) Support the CZMAI's activities to ensure the conservation and sustainable integrated management of the biodiversity and natural resources of the entire Turneffe Islands atoll, including the designation and implementation of a protected areas strategy. Also to work with the Fisheries Department, Department of the Environment and other NGO's in Belize5) Establishment collaborative links (including educational & data exchange agreements) with regional and international research and educational agencies
6) Conduct scientific research work, either independently or in collaboration with other researchers or other laboratories