SEACOLOGY E-NEWS UPDATE

Project Updates

KENYA, Wasini Island
Rehabilitation and construction of water collection and storage tanks in exchange for the protection of 1,236 acres of mangrove forests for a minimum of 10 years

Dishon Murage, Seacology’s East Africa Field Representative, sent a progress report detailing construction on the new water collection units on Wasini Island. Rehabilitation of old water storage tanks is 100% complete and work continues on the new collection tank. To the right is the new construction in progress. The mangrove forest reserve continues to be protected and community training meetings raise awareness about the need to protect the local biodiversity.

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

Kevin Tari, Seacology’s Vanuatu Field Representative, reports that construction is complete on two of the three school buildings. Community laborers started work on the third building in March. Opening ceremonies and a celebration are scheduled for late July, to coincide with Vanuatu’s Independence celebration. Kevin also reports that the forest and marine reserves continue to be protected, and the villagers are serious about their stewardship of the conservation areas.

Full Project Description

Get Your Tickets for Opening Night of Spamalot!

Join us on Wednesday, May 27 for Opening Night of Monty Python’s Spamalot, the Tony® Award-winning Best Musical of 2005. Guests will enjoy prime seats at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco and a private post-performance reception at Jardinière. Eric Idle, original Monty Python Member and author/composer of Spamalot. as well as other cast members, will be attending the reception.

Spamalot is a musical comedy starring John O’Hurley that tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Sunday Times says Monty Python’s Spamalot "raises silliness to an art form," and The New Yorker raves it’s "a no-holds barred smash hit."

The Opening Night show begins at 8pm on May 27 at the Golden Gate Theatre (corner of Taylor Street and Golden Gate Avenue at Market and 6th Streets). The post-performance cocktail reception will be at Jardinière (300 Grove Street). Tickets for this exclusive event are $750 ($615 is a tax-deductible donation to Seacology). Seats assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Emily (510-559-3505 or emily@seacology.org) to reserve your seats today!

Seacology United Kingdom Wants You!

Seacology continues to grow with our new affiliate in the United Kingdom. Seacology Executive Director Duane Silverstein will be visiting London in September to make a presentation on behalf of Seacology U.K. If you know of anyone who might be interested in attending the reception or supporting Seacology U.K., please email islands@seacology.org.

Seacology Welcomes New Staff Member Karla Gregorio

As of May 16, Seacology’s new development assistant will be Karla Gregorio. We welcome Karla to the Seacology staff and bid farewell to Ellen Kamoe who is leaving to pursue graduate school studies.

About Karla Gregorio:

Karla graduated with a B.A. in Political Science (with an emphasis in International Relations) from U.C. Berkeley in 2008. Born and raised in the Philippines, she has been exploring island and jungle habitats since childhood, and is passionate about the protection of natural resources as well as the economic development of local island communities. Prior to joining Seacology, she had been employed in the non-profit and public service sectors since 2004, and has worked for various causes such as environmental welfare, youth and public education, and community development. Her work at Seacology involves grant writing and research, event planning and support, and assisting the development director. Karla is proud to be part of an organization that not only protects the environment, but also educates local islanders on the importance of preserving their natural resources.

Welcome, Karla!

Newman’s Own Organics Supports Seacology!

Seacology is thrilled to announce the continued support of Newman’s Own Organics and the Newman's Own Foundation. Last month we received a generous $50,000 grant that will help Seacology as we bolster island environments and upgrade the standard of living on islands around the world. We are grateful to Nell Newman and Newman’s Own Organics for their recognition of Seacology’s impact around the world. For more about Newman’s Own Organics, check www.newmansownorganics.com.

Upcoming Seacology Travel & NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS!

French Polynesia ~ October 18-November 1, 2009

***BREAKING NEWS: Zegrahm Expeditions has a new offer for trip participants – 25% of trip costs will go directly to Seacology. Sign up today to cruise French Polynesia and support Seacology at the same time!***

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.

More information about the French Polynesia trip

Seacology Around the Web

Seacology's Island Environment Blog