Latham to pursue conservation course in the US

The Forestry Department has announced that Forestry Officer III Bradford Latham was selected to be one of 22 up-and-coming wildlife conservationists to participate in a two-year intensive training course called “Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders” (or EWCL) in the United States.{{more}}

He will be the first conservationist from the Caribbean region to attend this course.

The course is sponsored by a wide variety of conservation groups, including US Fish & Wildlife Service, Howard Gilman Foundation, Wildlife Conservation Network, Bat Conservation International, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Latham said it is an honor to be selected to participate in the programme.

“I’ve been passionate about wildlife conservation since I was a child. Hopefully, this training course will give me the chance to enhance my skills and make a real difference helping wildlife in my career,” said Latham.

The course flies the selected participants to White Oak Conservation Center in Florida twice over the two years, where they will be trained in successful wildlife campaigning and leadership skills by some of the top conservationists in the field. Additionally, participants are mentored and given career guidance by the volunteer board of directors, which is also made up of seasoned wildlife professionals.

Participants will break into groups and plan, implement and evaluate a conservation campaign benefitting an endangered species. Past projects by EWCL participants have benefitted Southeast Asian bears, okapi from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, declining amphibian populations, jaguars of northwest Mexico, and pangolins captured in the illegal wildlife trade.

“Bradford Latham was selected among a highly competitive pool for his enthusiasm and demonstrated leadership skills,” said Jeff Flocken, co-founder of EWCL. “I think he will really enjoy the experience, and come out of it ready to help play a real role in conserving our planet’s incredible wildlife.”

Latham got interested in becoming a forestry officer since 1988, while in primary school, during the pride programme conducted by the Forestry Department to protect the national bird, the St.Vincent Parrot (Amazona guildingii), known as “Vincy”.

Before joining the Forestry staff he served in the Royal St.Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force for several years in various units and branches, while he studied for his Diploma in Wildlife Conservation and Preservation. Along with his academics, relevant training and discipline from the Police force helped him to accomplish his childhood ambition to become a Forestry Officer.

A release from the Ministry of Agriculture states that Latham’s training will be vital to the Forestry Department in carrying out its mandate to conserve and protect the national forest and wildlife resources for the optimum benefit of the entire community of St.Vincent and Grenadines.