The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council is currently hosting 13 international students from Mexico visiting Escambia County, who are eager to learn more about environmental management, conservation and other related interests. The students are participating in "Jovenes en Accion," a youth exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and private sector partners in both countries.
In an effort to learn how they can help combat environmental problems within their own communities, the students spent time with Escambia County's Senior Scientist, Chips Kirschenfeld, who provided a brief overview of the mission and actions of the County's Water Quality and Land Management Division, as well as the importance of species diversity and other topics, including current and future restoration projects. Interns Matt Posner and Ethan Barker also informed the students about the Department's current urban forestry projects (with funding through the Florida Forest Service) and how they benefit the community.
The students have been actively engaged in the local community during their visit. As part of the program, the students were able to tour Project Greenshores and assist with the cleanup of the shoreline by removing trash and debris. The visit to the project allowed for collaboration and an educational opportunity about the importance of environmental protection and restoration.
For more information, contact the Office of Community and Media Relations at (850) 595-3476 and follow @MyEscambia on Twitter.
