Oceana Belize Awards environmentalists

Oceana Belize’s two day conference under the theme Too Precious to Drill: The Marine Biodiversity of Belize wrapped up today. Twenty scientists shared their cumulative knowledge from years of research conducted in the country. The event wrapped up with an awards night. The awardees included Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Rene Montero received the Ocean Hero Award for his work to end trawling; Sylvia Waight, who received the title of Oceana’s WaveMaker of the year for her dedication to the oil referendum signature drive and Geovanni Brackett, who was awarded Oceana’s Appreciation award for his passionate fervor for our marine resources. News Five spoke to Brackett late this evening.

Giovanni Brackett, Chairman, Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage

Giovanni Brackett

“Oceana Belize is partnering with Dr. Pauly who is a rep from Oceana in the U.S. and what they have done in the past two days is bring in researchers, marine scientists, marine economists who have worked and studied Belize and its marine biodiversity and these two-day conference. Last night they had a reception and they gave out about 4 awards. One was given for the ocean hero to Minister Rene Montero and I myself had received recognition for promoting marine biodiversity through advocacy and through action. I am pleased with the award. You put a lot of effort at times and sometimes you don’t do it to receive placards, but when someone can recognize your efforts, it goes a long way. And I am appreciative of the fact that Oceana has recognized my efforts. This is the second award. I’ve received a first award from the Ministry of Education for Youth Environmental Award last year and so this comes in as a second award and I am grateful for it.”

Jose Sanchez

“Giovanni I understand that when this whole oil issue came up, you were one of the first persons who began to look into the whole idea of offshore drilling.”

Giovanni Brackett

“Jose you are right. There was a point when I was the only person advocating and that was even before I even joined COLA. But COLA for at least four months went on the record and advocating against offshore drilling and when the Gulf that made it very vivid what the implications can be for Belize. But I am happy though that not only COLA had started this initiative but the fact that we have garnered this humongous support and it goes a long way.”