On Saturday and Sunday February 4 and 5, 2017 Galen University’s Introduction to Sustainable Development, Environment and Society, and Applications of Sustainable Development Class made a field visit to Caye Cualker, Belize led by Adjunct Professor, Dr. Kenrick Williams. The purpose of the visit was for students to carry out assessments of some of the current threats, challenges, and opportunities towards sustainable development of Caye Cualker. Students will thereafter be proposing a sustainable development plan for Caye Caulker. Other student projects included an assessment of the current environmental perceptions of residents and visitors to Caye Cualker to inform an Environmental Education Strategy.

The team of students and Dr. Williams were hosted by Caye Caulker Village  Council and residents of the Village. Village member Mr. Eduardo Reyes presented on the history of Caye Caulker, whilst Ms. Ellen McRae provided a presentation of the environmental challenges and opportunities in Caye Cualker. Presentations were also made by Ms. Alicia Eck of the Fisheries Department on the Caye Cualker Marine Reserve. Residents of the Village were very welcoming and asked that the team return to present some of their findings to the Village Council and the greater community of Caye Caulker.

Galen University, which has made sustainable development one of its core pillars, is  keen to ensure that students receive practical on-the- ground skills and application of theories explored in the classroom.