U.S. Embassy Supports Environmental Education and Marine Conservation through a U.S. State Department Exchange

Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman and Dr. Sophia Rolle during a courtesy call at the U.S. Embassy. (Photo State Dept.)

On Monday, July 30, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman met with Dr. Sophia Rolle, Associate Professor of Tourism Management in the Culinary and Hospitality Management Institute at The College of The Bahamas to discuss her recent participation in the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on June 11-29, 2012 with a focus on environmental education and eco-tourism on small island nations. The three-week program gave Dr. Rolle a unique opportunity to travel to Washington D.C., San Francisco, California and Pensacola, Florida where she was given an opportunity to visit several research facilities and universities with a strong emphasis on marine based programs.  She also engaged with key stakeholders and NGO’s that have a focus on environmental education and conservation programs, especially efforts for marine tropical areas such as wet lands, mangroves, and coral reefs.

During the meeting they discussed the environmental issues impacting The Bahamas and the region and the Chargé used the opportunity to reiterate the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to advancing environmental awareness and marine conservation.