By Ekaterina Kalashnikova
The Bazaruto Centre for Scientific Studies (BCSS) Scientific Training Programme (STP) does not finish once an internship placement comes to an end. We value new connections and always try to stay in touch with our students. This enables us to provide broader support in all aspects of career development that extents way beyond onsite experiences, be it professional guidance and mentorship, recommendations and support letters, scientific supervision and co-authorship of papers, or even sponsorships.
We’re delighted to share a remarkable story of success of one of our STP students who is becoming a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation.
In July 2022, Tamino Köhne, a keen diver and passionate environmentalist, completed a marine research internship with BCSS. An environmental studies student at Lake Forest College in Nairobi, Kenya at that time, Tamino had a keen interest in marine conservation. He was a member of environmental initiatives such as “Plant for the planet” and “Divers for climate” as well as other projects that dealt with environmental problems. After becoming immersed in the professional world of marine research at the BCSS Ocean Observatory, Tamino was able to hone his practical skills and gain a deeper understanding of marine science concepts.
“At the college I started exploring the ocean more and looking at it from different viewpoints, not just from the scuba diving perspective but also from an environmental protection perspective,” he said.
Tamino’s visionary project, “Restoring Reefs, Reviving Hope: Empowering American Samoan Communities Through Coral Restoration,” earned him the prestigious USD 10 000 Projects for Peace grant – a testament to the transformative power of education and mentorship. Armed with new knowledge and experience, Tamino embarked on a mission to safeguard coral reefs in American Samoa. We are delighted to see how Tamino’s journey exemplifies the ripple effect of BCSS’s impact.
“My time at BCSS was a turning point in my life. The marine scientific internship programme not only equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue my goals but also sparked a great passion for marine conservation. The support and guidance I received from the BCSS team were important in shaping my path. I am forever grateful for the opportunities and experiences that BCSS provided and I am committed to using the ‘Projects for Peace’ grant to continue making a positive impact in our world”, said Tamino.
Tamino’s American Samoan project embodies the essence of community-based conservation. Through extensive national capacity building activities, such as workshops and practical coral restoration efforts, he will be empowering local communities to become stewards of their marine ecosystems.
“Coral reefs protect island peoples’ culture and traditions,” Tamino said. “They’re very connected to the natural environment and coral reefs are a key element that allow them to keep living the way they’re living.”
The BCSS is truly privileged to play a role in these successes as it envisions being more than an institution, but a key stakeholder that supports scientists, students and researchers well beyond their time together in the iconic Bazaruto seascape. Providing more than practical training and mentorship, BCSS also fosters a culture of collaboration and empowerment, and opens the doors of opportunity and growth for its beneficiaries.
This resonates firmly with the groundbreaking concept of the “Resort to Research” initiative, which BCSS harnesses with its sister property Kisawa Sanctuary through meaningful collaboration. Kisawa’s commitment to innovation extends beyond its luxurious accommodation and facilitates cutting edge science through directly supporting the BCSS Ocean Observatory. This unique concept underscores the profound impact of mentorship and support provided by the BCSS to all its visitors and partners.
Read Tamino’s story here
Learn more about the Resort to Research concept here
