SEACOLOGY E-NEWS UPDATE

Project Updates

FIJI, Nukuvou Village, Kadavu Island
Construction of a community center in exchange for the establishment of a 14,826-acre marine protected area for 10 years

Nukuvou Village is located on the southern part of Kadavu Island. The village has remained very traditional due to the island’s isolation, and the local economy is small and based primarily on subsistence agriculture. The famous 50-kilometer long Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the world’s largest reefs, wraps around the southeastern side of Kadavu, just offshore of Nukuvou Village. In exchange for the establishment of a 14,826-acre marine reserve Seacology funded the construction of a community hall for the village. Buloulevu Vakataumavi, a local grassroots organizer in Nukuvou, provided an update in August informing us that the community hall is now nearly complete (pictured). The building is being used interchangeably as a pre-school, a meeting hall for a women’s group and a business training center for youth. Mr. Vakataumavi enthusiastically commented that it is the “best and (most) outstanding” of all the community centers in Kadavu, and that people from other villages visit the center to experience the wonderful view it offers.

Full Project Description

PHILIPPINES, Barangay Old Bulatukan, Municipality of Malasila, North Cotabato, Mindanao Island
Micro-hydro power generator and fruit tree nursery in support of the protection of 744 acres of watershed forest for a duration of 30 years

The province of North Cotabato is one of the watershed frontiers of Mindanao Island and has one of the highest land-based biological diversity per unit areas in the Philippines. Barangay Old Bulatukan, composed of about 65 Manobo households, is an isolated upland community on Mt. Apo, the tallest mountain in the Philippines. The community is off-grid, and the residents relied on kerosene for lighting and fuel wood for cooking. With Seacology’s help, the community is now being supplied with renewable energy from a micro-hydro power generator (water used to run turbine shown left). Seacology field representative Ferdie Marcelo visited the project site in August and reported that the mood in the community is very upbeat. Forest Guards (tribesmen on rotation) have been continuously patrolling the watershed and apprehended two would-be poachers last May, who they turned over to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer for prosecution. The community has planted seedlings on the edges of the watershed and they are going to construct a permanent nursery where 'wildlings' that the Forest Guards find may be cared for until ready for planting. They expect to finish this structure in mid-October. The micro-hydro power has given the Manobos a renewed impetus to protect the 744-acre watershed and they are doing so with a lot of enthusiasm. You can learn more about Ferdie’s site visit by reading his blog.

Full Project Description

VANUATU, Nasawa Community, Maewo Island
Renovation of three historical school buildings in exchange for the protection of all bird species and hardwood trees in a 1,339-acre area, as well as a 62-acre no-take marine reserve for a duration of 15 years

Nasawa Village is one of the largest on Maewo Island. The community recently expressed concerns over population growth rates and diminishing fish and prawn catches. Additionally, all of Maewo Island’s 32 bird species appear on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species, making it imperative that their habitat be protected. Due to aging school facilities on their own island, Nasawa parents continued to face financial hardship from sending their children to other islands for education. Seacology provided the funding for necessary renovations to their crumbling school buildings in exchange for the community's protection of all bird species and hardwood trees in a 1,339-acre area, as well as a 62-acre no-take marine reserve. As of July 2009, we are happy to report that all three school buildings have been renovated and the conservation areas continue to be protected. Seacology field representative Kevin Tari attended the opening ceremony held on July 29, 2009, where he was welcomed by the entire village (children in front of one of the school buildings shown right). They greeted him with traditional dances and songs performed by the church choir and schoolchildren. The ceremony also included speeches by the village chiefs, church leaders, Nasawa school teachers and student representatives. Three guests, including Seacology’s Kevin Tari, were given the honor of cutting the ribbons for the opening of the renovated school buildings.

Full Project Description

YAP, Maaq Village
Construction of causeway culverts and extension of the household water system in exchange for a 35-acre pristine mangrove sanctuary as a no-take area in perpetuity

In exchange for setting aside the Maaq Mangrove Reserve in perpetuity, Seacology is helping the community culvert a causeway that runs across the bay to the neighboring village of Thol. The causeway between Maaq and Thol was recently rebuilt and a US Forest Service specialist has recommended that it be culverted to allow better water exchange between the mangrove reserve and the barrier reef. Failing to take this action may eventually lead to the demise of the mangrove forests that the community seeks to conserve. Seacology field representative Simon Ellis visited Maaq Village in August and reported that the culverting has been completed (one end of culvert shown right). Water can now flow between the mangroves and the barrier reef, maintaining the health of both ecosystems. Before the inception of this project, not all households in the village of Maaq were reached by the municipal water supply. Seacology funded the extension of pipes beyond the municipal lines, providing potable water to those houses previously without access to it. The 35-acre Maaq Mangrove Reserve is still being protected, and the no-take policy is being enforced.

Full Project Description

ABC 7 Salutes Seacology

ABC 7 Salutes is a news feature which profiles the unsung heroes of communities from around the San Francisco Bay Area. The weekly segments, airing every Friday on ABC 7 News at 6pm, highlight the work of individuals or organizations that contribute to improving lives throughout the world. Lyanne Melendez of ABC 7 contacted Seacology recently regarding an opportunity to be featured on ABC 7 Salutes. Ms. Melendez and her camera crew visited Seacology’s office in Berkeley to interview executive director Duane Silverstein and board member Doug Herst about Seacology’s win-win strategy to protect the environment while improving the quality of life in island villages around the world. Titled “Berkeley Group Makes Deals to Protect the Planet,” the news feature was aired on August 21, 2009. We thank Ms. Melendez and ABC 7 for giving recognition to Seacology's vital work.

New Field Representative for Jamaica

Seacology would like to welcome our new field representative for Jamaica, Krishna Desai. Krishna is a trained natural scientist with a post-graduate degree in marine management. He spent eight years working for the Government of Jamaica as their technical advisor on coastal issues and led numerous inter-disciplinary teams responsible for natural resource management and regulating physical development. Krishna has spent the last few years working as a consultant, where he used his experience to help formulate policy and to contribute to management plans, while studying to complete his law degree. After a short stint in London, where he worked in sustainable development for an inner London borough, he is now back in the sunshine completing his professional legal qualifications and actively advising on numerous coastal development projects in the Caribbean. Krishna enjoys photography, SCUBA diving, playing squash, and camping out with friends.

Meet All of Seacology's Field Representatives

Seacology has field representatives around the world who scout our projects, and each individual is indigenous to, or intimately familiar with, the areas for which they are responsible. Each one is well-qualified and maintains regular contact with our home office in California, supervising their Seacology projects to completion. Their involvement ensures the cooperation of, and facilitation by, communities where our projects take place. This interaction enhances group cooperation and coordination to complete each Seacology project successfully, educating one another about methods of preserving island marine life, wildlife and plant life, thereby enriching native cultures.

We have recently added new information to our website about each of our 15 field representatives stationed around the world. Get to know them here!

Spotlight on Seacology's Fellows

The Seacology Fellows Program was created to honor committed donors who contribute $2,000 or more per year. Along with our board members, contributions from fellows fund the ongoing operations of Seacology. The program provides key support to Seacology and allows us to continue to expand our vital conservation programs. We are pleased to spotlight the following fellows.

John and Wendy Lang – John and Wendy are the son and daughter of philanthropists H. Jack and Frances Wise Lang of the Lang Foundation. Since 2002, the Langs have been consistent and active supporters of Seacology, participating in numerous expeditions and attending Seacology events. John, an avid scuba diver, went with Seacology on dive trips to the Solomon Islands, the Maldives and Andaman Islands, Borneo and East Africa. Wendy learned of our island conservation efforts through her brother and joined Seacology on trips to Borneo (pictured) and East Africa. She was also present at our Seacology Prize Malibu receptions in 2007 and 2008. The Langs are indeed true island enthusiasts, not only providing financial support, but also actively participating in efforts to bring attention to our important work worldwide.

Upcoming Seacology Travel

FRENCH POLYNESIA ~ October 18-November 1, 2009

Seacology will take part in Zegrahm Expeditions “Pearls of Polynesia” cruise to French Polynesia. We will be visiting legendary exotic, picturesque and romantic islands such as the Marquesas, Bora Bora, and Moorea. This voyage will take place aboard the 110-passenger, luxury adventure cruise ship, the Clipper Odyssey. This is the first ship-based excursion Seacology has ever offered that is equally suitable for divers and non-divers alike. There will be frequent opportunities to dive in such world-famous spots as Rangiroa and Fakarava, but be aware that aboard the Clipper Odyssey, diving is strictly limited to the first 16 people who sign up, so divers are well-advised to register for this trip as soon as possible. Non-divers will also enjoy the hiking, birding, snorkeling, zodiac trips, and other fun activities. On beautiful Cook’s Bay in Moorea we will be honored guests at the opening of the new Seacology-funded cultural center. This promises to be one of the biggest and most authentic Polynesian ceremonies in Moorea’s recent history. Additionally, 25% of trip costs will go to support Seacology projects.

More information about the French Polynesia trip

INDIA ~ January 30 – February 13, 2010

***There are ONLY 2 ROOMS remaining for the India trip! Book now to reserve your spot!***

From the Remote Islands of the Arabian Sea to Elephant Back Safaris and the Taj Mahal – A Custom Journey with Special Access to Seacology Project Sites in the Lakdshadweep Islands

This unique journey, specially designed with Seacology, intertwines trips to the rarely visited tropical islands of the Lakshadweep archipelago, game viewing at India’s finest wildlife park, and a trip by train to India’s most iconic monument – the Taj Mahal. The expedition begins with a stay at the private, beachside home of Seacology supporters TJ and Sally Mathew in Southern Kerala. The next day, we will set off to the region of Kerala, an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves, interspersed with a 900-kilometer network of meandering waterways. We then venture out to the remote Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea, which Condé Nast Traveler called “as close as it gets to paradise,” We spend five nights in these idyllic tropical islands, where we have special permission to visit Seacology project sites on islands generally off-limits to the public. After a good look at Delhi, we journey by train to the incomparable Taj Mahal. Before returning home, we round out our trip at the incomparable Mahua Kothi Lodge and Bandhavgarh National Park, where daytime tiger sightings are more common than at just about any other game preserve on the subcontinent.

This trip is being run for Seacology by Geographic Expeditions, one of the world’s most highly respected adventure travel agencies. If you are interested in participating in this trip, please see the full brochure.

Seacology Around the Web

Seacology's Island Environment Blog