ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS, Havelock Island Environmental education center and plastic waste collection containers in support of a 2,175-acre no-take marine reserve for a minimum duration of 10 years
The Barefoot Seacology Environment Center is almost complete (left). Project leader Samit Sawhny sent a report detailing a recent student workshop to promote the importance of conservation. The students created drawings and paintings about the marine ecosystems, mangroves, and snorkeling. On the conservation front, for the first time in a decade, there have been recorded instances of Leatherback turtles (below right) nesting on the beach of the Seacology supported marine reserve.
The principal of Havelock, Mr. BD Sharma, is hopeful that this model of engagement at Barefoot Seacology Environment Center will be replicated. He said that everyone must understand environmental threats and the “impact it could have for us in the Bay of Bengal.” Full Project Description
PHILIPPINES, Municipality of Murcia, Negros Occidental Hydraulic ram pump water system in support of the protection of 4,942 acres of forest Our project partner, Alternative Indigenous Development, organized a group of community members for a biodiversity monitoring trip in May. The group identified bird species and outlined a conservation plan for the forest reserve.
In September, our Philippines field representative, Ferdie Marcelo, visited Murcia and reported that the community is very happy with the new water pump. He is pictured (above) speaking to the community about the importance of their conservation area. Full Project Description
The Seacology Prize Ceremony
The 2008 Prize Ceremony, held in San Francisco last Thursday the 2nd, honored Mr. Omar Ragnarsson for his anti-dam efforts in Iceland. Mr. Ragnarsson delighted guests with a documentary video about his courageous work in his home country. To the right Mr. Ragnarsson accepts the Prize from President Ken Murdock and Chairman Paul Cox. This year’s ceremony was held at the Aquarium of the Bay and our guests were able to tour the aquarium in addition to meeting fellow Seacology supporters. Thank you to everyone who came to honor Mr. Ragnarsson. For those who couldn’t make it, we hope you will join us next year!
The Prize Ceremony also marked the world premiere of Seacology’s new DVD. This short introduction to Seacology includes footage of Indonesia and Fiji, as well as moving interviews with Seacology’s Board Chairman, Dr. Paul Alan Cox, Executive Director Duane Silverstein, and Southeast Asia Field Representative Arnaz Mehta. Check it out!
Seacology is very excited that we are now fortunate enough to be able to show videos of our projects to our supporters. The first two come to us from Madagascar where Seacology is protecting flying foxes (right, in flight; photo credit: Daniel Grunberg) in exchange for school repairs, as well as building a nursery to protect a rare and endangered palm species. Please use the following links to view these exciting new videos.
Wednesday, October 15: Seacology Reception, London ~ Contact us for details if you will be in town!
Saturday and Sunday, October 25-26: Marin’s Glorious Glass Pumpkin Harvest, Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael Please join us for this second-annual community event, celebrating the fall harvest and two non-profit organizations: Seacology and Falkirk Cultural Center. Hand-blown glass pumpkins of every size, color, and whimsy will be displayed across the Falkirk’s expansive lawn, creating a spectacle of amazing color and artistry. Thousands of fanciful glass pumpkins – each one an original work of art – will be on display as if grown on the center’s grassy slopes. Glass-blowing demonstrations and hand-blown marine creatures will be available at this year’s event! Proceeds from this weekend event will benefit Seacology and Falkirk. Keeping with Seacology's mission, for the first time the harvest will also feature hand-blown glass marine creatures.
7-year-old Donor Inspires Seacology
We were delighted to receive a letter from Avery Caulfield of Connecticut, saying that he had raised $400 for Seacology at his 7th birthday. Thank you for your generosity, Avery! To follow Avery’s lead in preserving islands for future generations, please donate to Seacology. You can make a gift in Avery’s name and we will send him a birthday card telling him of your contribution!
Upcoming Seacology Travel Red Sea, November 10 - 19
A FEW SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE! This Fall Seacology will be cruising the Southern Red Sea aboard the Royal Evolution (right), with seven full days of diving opportunities. Trip participants will visit Wadi El Gemal (Valley of the Camels) National Park to see Seacology’s project installing mooring buoys to protect coral reefs. The Red Sea’s large variety of healthy coral and its frequent shark sightings are just two of the reasons that the Red Sea is one of the most popular dive destinations in the world. Please contact Seacology if you are interested in joining this fantastic trip. More details can be found on our website. Please note that divers must have logged at least 50 dives to participate in this expedition.
2009 Seacology Expeditions
South Africa & the Seychelles ~ June 4-14, 2009 Seacology will be visiting South Africa and the Seychelles, a stunning island group off the eastern coast of Africa. National Geographic Traveler has listed this trip as one of “50 Unforgettable Tours of a Lifetime.” We begin our adventure at the luxurious Mala Mala resort, heart of the largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa, which shares its unfenced border with famed Kruger Park.
Our travels then take us to the Seychelles where we’ll visit charming Cousins Island, among others. Because this expedition combines the beautiful beaches, birds, plant and marine life of the remote Seychelles with one of the best safari experiences in all of Africa, National Geographic Traveler dubbed this trip “Africa Surf and Turf.” Snorkeling opportunities will abound, however this will not be a diving trip.
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.
Seacology board member Doug Herst had a great idea – give your friend the gift of carbon-neutrality. Seacology offers two options for our carbon offset fund: Offset Your Air Travel and Offset Your Car. If you offset your car’s carbon emissions, we will send a special sticker for your automobile.
One hundred percent of your donation will go to Seacology’s Carbon Offset Fund, which supports island projects dedicated to renewable energy or reforestation. These projects offset greenhouse gases caused by fossil fuels. In particular, carbon emissions present an acute threat to coral reefs which can only survive in limited temperature ranges and are damaged by additional infusions of fresh water created by melting ice caps.
ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS, Havelock Island
The Barefoot Seacology Environment Center is almost complete (left). Project leader Samit Sawhny sent a report detailing a recent student workshop to promote the importance of conservation. The students created drawings and paintings about the marine ecosystems, mangroves, and snorkeling. On the conservation front, for the first time in a decade, there have been recorded instances of Leatherback turtles (below right) nesting on the beach of the Seacology supported marine reserve.
The principal of Havelock, Mr. BD Sharma, is hopeful that this model of engagement at Barefoot Seacology Environment Center will be replicated. He said that everyone must understand environmental threats and the “impact it could have for us in the Bay of Bengal.”
Our project partner, Alternative Indigenous Development, organized a group of community members for a biodiversity monitoring trip in May. The group identified bird species and outlined a conservation plan for the forest reserve.
The 2008 Prize Ceremony, held in San Francisco last Thursday the 2nd, honored Mr. Omar Ragnarsson for his anti-dam efforts in Iceland. Mr. Ragnarsson delighted guests with a documentary video about his courageous work in his home country. To the right Mr. Ragnarsson accepts the Prize from President Ken Murdock and Chairman Paul Cox. This year’s ceremony was held at the Aquarium of the Bay and our guests were able to tour the aquarium in addition to meeting fellow Seacology supporters. Thank you to everyone who came to honor Mr. Ragnarsson. For those who couldn’t make it, we hope you will join us next year!
Seacology is very excited that we are now fortunate enough to be able to show videos of our projects to our supporters. The first two come to us from Madagascar where Seacology is protecting flying foxes (right, in flight; photo credit: Daniel Grunberg) in exchange for school repairs, as well as building a nursery to protect a rare and endangered palm species. Please use the following links to view these exciting new videos.
A FEW SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE!
Seacology will be visiting South Africa and the Seychelles, a stunning island group off the eastern coast of Africa. National Geographic Traveler has listed this trip as one of “50 Unforgettable Tours of a Lifetime.” We begin our adventure at the luxurious Mala Mala resort, heart of the largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa, which shares its unfenced border with famed Kruger Park. 
Our travels then take us to the Seychelles where we’ll visit charming Cousins Island, among others. Because this expedition combines the beautiful beaches, birds, plant and marine life of the remote Seychelles with one of the best safari experiences in all of Africa, National Geographic Traveler dubbed this trip “Africa Surf and Turf.” Snorkeling opportunities will abound, however this will not be a diving trip.
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.
One hundred percent of your donation will go to Seacology’s Carbon Offset Fund, which supports island projects dedicated to renewable energy or reforestation. These projects offset greenhouse gases caused by fossil fuels. In particular, carbon emissions present an acute threat to coral reefs which can only survive in limited temperature ranges and are damaged by additional infusions of fresh water created by melting ice caps.
