Previous Story
CRM wants coral reefs education in classrooms
|
Posted on Mar 22 2006
As environmentalists and economists underscore the importance of coral reefs, the CNMI government is planning to educate the youth about those resources by incorporating the subject in the school curricula.
The Coastal Resources Management Office is soliciting sealed proposals for the compilation of a coral reef curriculum directed at grades K-12.
The project, known as the Coral Reef Initiative Coral Reef Curriculum, involves developing classroom lesson plans for teachers, as the government underscores the importance of educating students about the social, economic and environmental values of coral reefs in the CNMI.
“It is expected that the plans will utilize and will primarily be compiled from existing materials, rather than creating new materials,” Coral Outreach specialist Qamar Schuyler said.
Schuyler said approximately $30,000 has been made available for the project. CRM director John B. Joyner said there will be a pre-bid meeting at the CRMO on March 27 at 5:30pm.
Coral reefs support various economic activities, including tourism. A valuation of coral reefs in Hawaii shows that the state’s coral reefs generate almost $364 million in added value each year, which pertain to the net business revenues that are directly and indirectly attributable to activities on the reefs. The bulk of this amount comes from the reefs’ recreational value of $304 million, which comes from snorkeling and diving activities.
The Hawaii study also showed that healthy coral reefs generate an added value of $40 million to homes, as well as occupancy and room rates of hotels. Fisheries contribute an annual added value of $2.5 million.
The CNMI, with the help of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, has just finished work for an economic evaluation its coral reefs.
