Last week, we entered the world of research…
We were taken through rooms full of bottles with crazy things in it, bones of giant whales used as chairs, stuffed animals as decorations and last but not least, a very distinct species of the homo sapiens: researchers!
Luckily we met the nice kind; they welcomed us and showed us all the necessary, interesting and wonderful work they do.
I’m talking about the people of Carmabi.
Carmabi is a foundation that researches, protects and maintains a lot of nature areas and reserves at Curacao. They also educate children, which is very, very important to preserve nature on this island and preserving nature is very, very, very important for tourism. Who wants to visit a dry, desert like island shattered with trash?
Through my former job, at an eco-tour-company, I really saw how important it is to maintain our island. I also learned how beautiful our island is. We have many natural treasures no amusement park can beat.
Since their subsidy has been cut with 75%, Carmabi has to become more commercial to survive and that’s where we come in. Our job is to create several websites that are commercial and attractive, but also reflect the work that Carmabi does. And, without being boring, they have to give information about the nature reserves and the research station.
In order to get a good feel for what exactly Carmabi does, we have to do some field research.
Our first mission was a Sunset Deer Spotting Trip in the Christoffel Park. Some of us didn’t even know that we had deer on Curacao. I knew, but never saw one.
Off we went, all seated in a Landcruiser, covered with anti-mosquito spray, well-guided by Cyriel and Michelle from Carmabi.
First they showed us the heavy job they are doing with restoring the Savonet plantation house. Next year it will be an interesting museum with all kinds of exhibitions.
While driving further through the park we all enjoyed the serenity of the park, the stunning views, the knowledge of the guide, and - of course - the deer! We actually saw them, a mother and a young. A little further on, we found the remains of a dead deer calf. There we met the researchers! While other people would never touch a dead animal, Michelle jumped out of the truck to collect every little bone. Right now, there’s probably someone puzzling the pieces together to a complete dear skeleton.
After the beautiful sunset we drove back to civilization. It might sound weird, but we all had the feeling we had been out of the real world for a while. That’s what the Christoffel Park does…
Our next field trip requires us to be able to swim…but it’s best if we don’t have to!
We will also have a look into the past and the future at the same time. So stay tuned!
This entry was written by Claartje Visser. Dragonfly Media’s content editor extra-ordinaire.
