Working with a community-based NGO in Belize to raise awareness about conservation research. 


My name is Melissa. I'm a diver, traveler, photographer, and aspiring marine resource manager. I am passionate about the ocean and the people who rely on ocean resources for their survival. I have a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Chemistry and a Master's degree in Marine Resource Management. I am at a pivotal moment in my career to gain valuable experience through an exciting internship with the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) in Punta Gorda, Belize.


TIDE is a nonprofit conservation organization working with communities in the Toledo District of Southern Belize to promote the sustainable use and management of the area’s terrestrial and marine resources. TIDE works to protect some of the most pristine coastal and marine ecosystems in Central America, including the healthiest coral reef in the whole Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. TIDE works by building local capacity for conservation and fostering community participation in natural resource management.


The TIDE Science Communications Internship is the kind of opportunity that I have been dreaming about for years. Many of you know that I have a passion for the marine environment, travel, people, and creative expression through photography and words. This is the perfect opportunity for me to combine my academic training and creative talents to make a difference.


I will work under the supervision of the Science Director to support all activities of the Research and Monitoring Department at TIDE for 6 months. The internship is an interdisciplinary position offering experience in a variety of professional fields including research, conservation, resource management, stakeholder engagement, outreach and advocacy.

However, this is an unpaid position. Therefore, I’m turning to you—the online community—for your support. I need to fund my internship through family, friends, and strangers who believe in this cause. For those of you who do not know my work or my personal and career aspirations, please take a look at my website to get a better idea about who I am:


www.melissa-luna.com

And, to explore my journey to see how I got to where I am today, check out my photographic story.


Thank you so much for reading this and checking out my fundraising campaign. I appreciate it more than you can ever imagine. Please support this opportunity by donating or spreading the word!

Impact


This is more than just helping my own personal career development. While I believe that this is an ideal opportunity for me to build my capacity as an aspiring resource manager, I'll also be bringing valuable skills to the TIDE team. You would be supporting an organization that is trying to raise awareness about the important work they are doing to both the international and local community. I believe effective science communication is a way to promote sustainable resource management, help organizations achieve their mission, and also make a huge difference for the coastal communities they serve.


I have gotten to where I am today through the support of my family, my own ambition, and my own financial resources to see the world and attend graduate school. Now I need your support. So, PLEASE help support my dream of developing expertise in digital storytelling to communicate marine conservation issues.


Breakdown 


ALL of the money will go toward travel expenses to/from Belize, basic living expenses such as food and accommodation (6 month period), and donation gifts.


Round trip flight to Belize and bus fare to Punta Gorda: $700 

Miscellaneous in country travel expenses (travel with field teams): $300

Rent: $200/mo (x6) = $1200

Food and drink: $250/mo (x6) = $1500

Miscellaneous (Travel/Health and Dive insurance, Gifts for donors, CauseVox/PayPal fees): $1000

TOTAL: $4700


I will be writing a personal blog about my experience in Belize. If you are interested in reading this, please follow me on Tumblr.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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