Submitted by Taylor Donahue on the 2024 Winter CIEG program in Barbados…
Week 3 in Barbados has allowed our group to see all of the west coast. We observed how beaches change and if they have different coastal engineering structures. At the end of our west coast tour, we met with a fisheries officer. He described the changes he has noticed over the years due to climate change and other environmental factors. Fishing here is an essential way of life, so the locals notice when there are changes to the water. To continue with this outreach, our group traveled to a local school. We were able to go on a hike with the class and talk about how much they enjoy growing up in Barbados. Having these opportunities to connect with the local community has made me appreciate my time in Barbados much more than before. My friends and I were also able to rent some surfboards and try them out. The waves are small on the east side, but we were still able to surf them. Surfing and snorkeling have been two of my favorite activities during my time here. There is so much to appreciate in the water, and I never get tired of seeing the fish. (Submitted on January 18, 2024)
