Segment 1

DOUGLAS CHICA [Wetlands Ranger]

I've been fishing. I've gone crabbing and all that. Yes, yes it's so much fun, but more than anything, just being out there, out in the mangroves, on the water.

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Douglas Chica joined the Wetlands Ranger Program in high school.

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He works to protect local mangrove forests and endangered sea turtles through awareness raising.

DOUGLAS CHICA

I started this year, 2009, first patrolling on land, seeing what different trees there were, and the animals, too. In a lot of places, we're seeing problems with people fishing with explosives. They're killing their resources when it should be the opposite. They should be caring for them. Part of it, you know, is how you feel working in nature. You feel so tranquil out there, more than anything, when you meet someone out there doing something, something that's not correct. So it's about informing them and chatting, holding a conversation with them.

DOUGLAS CHICA

I believe if we were a large force for caring for this resource that's the bay, it would be really valuable because, in these communities, there are young people who can't find anything to do. These programs are one of the few alternatives that exist for developing yourself. It's a way of having something to do, to not fall into self-destructive behaviors that won't help our communities move forward. We are setting the example so that other youths can get involved in the program and continue strengthening our community. It's important that, as youth, we keep integrating ourselves into the challenges facing this community. If someone isn't on the right track, it's difficult to turn them around, but when you get them focused, it's one of the best alternatives for developing our communities with the resources we have at hand. We can do a lot and have fun in the process. It's fun, it's satisfying, sharing all this. They're seeing that us young people, we're also capable of supporting and caring for our home.