San Juan, PR – April 20, 2020 – In keeping with the global movement to celebrate Earth Day this year, the San Juan Bay Estuary Program (Estuary) is celebrating Earth Week by showcasing its citizen science initiatives focused on civic action. Through a virtual program from Tuesday to Friday, the Estuary will offer information on the impact of microplastics, birdwatching, and water quality assessment protocols. Citizens will also receive informational videos on how they can take climate action from home. These videos include workshops on making reusable bags, reusable face masks, home gardens, and compost.
“The Estuary is joining the global climate action movement to reduce citizens' environmental impact and thus mitigate climate change. We are aware that the only way to achieve decisive action from citizens is by offering them educational tools based on environmental assessment and conservation. Citizens will also learn about best practices for reducing their impact on Planet Earth,” reported Brenda Torres Barreto, Executive Director of the Estuary. “These days we see how not only the Estuary, but other environmental organizations have been offering virtual training. The surge in these workshops has been significant, demonstrating a genuine interest from citizens in being part of the solution. Amidst all the anxiety caused by the pandemic, it is heartening to know that we are not alone in this endeavor and that we have the support of many for Planet Earth,” added Torres Barreto.
The following programming will begin on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter:
The Estuary has adapted its work plan to the current circumstances, virtualizing its operations to continue fulfilling its mission during the pandemic. The team has remained active throughout this process, offering virtual workshops, recommendations, and educational programs over the past month. The complete workshops for Citizen Scientist Certification will be offered during the week of April 27, 2020.
For more information about the Estuary's efforts, you can visit the social media accounts: EstuarioSanJuan or visit the website www.estuario.org.
“The Estuary is joining the global climate action movement to reduce citizens' environmental impact and thus mitigate climate change. We are aware that the only way to achieve decisive action from citizens is by offering them educational tools based on environmental assessment and conservation. Citizens will also learn about best practices for reducing their impact on Planet Earth,” reported Brenda Torres Barreto, Executive Director of the Estuary. “These days we see how not only the Estuary, but other environmental organizations have been offering virtual training. The surge in these workshops has been significant, demonstrating a genuine interest from citizens in being part of the solution. Amidst all the anxiety caused by the pandemic, it is heartening to know that we are not alone in this endeavor and that we have the support of many for Planet Earth,” added Torres Barreto.
The following programming will begin on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter:
- Tuesday, April 21 at 11:00 am – Facebook video premiere presenting the Citizen Scientist Certification video and its three educational modules: Water Quality Assessment, Habitat Assessment through Bird Watching, Micro-Plastics Assessment.
- Wednesday, April 22 at 11:00 am – Facebook Live about Water Quality Monitoring Day, how to register, and training. Water Quality Monitoring Day is Puerto Rico's largest citizen science activity and will take place on August 29, 2020. The registration process includes training sessions similar to the one presented on Earth Day.
- Thursday, April 23 at 11:00 am – Facebook video premiere of the workshop “Birdwatching: Citizen Science from Home”, using as a basis the Habitat Assessment Module through Birdwatching.
- Friday, April 24 at 11:00 am – Facebook video premiere titled “From the Sewer to the Home”, based on the Module on Micro-Plastics Management.
The Estuary has adapted its work plan to the current circumstances, virtualizing its operations to continue fulfilling its mission during the pandemic. The team has remained active throughout this process, offering virtual workshops, recommendations, and educational programs over the past month. The complete workshops for Citizen Scientist Certification will be offered during the week of April 27, 2020.
For more information about the Estuary's efforts, you can visit the social media accounts: EstuarioSanJuan or visit the website www.estuario.org.
