SEACOLOGY E-NEWS UPDATE Project Updates  INDONESIA, Kawangkoan Village, North Sulawesi
Elementary school reconstruction and school furniture in exchange for the establishment of a 75-acre permanent no-take forest reserve
Indonesia Field Representative Arnaz Mehta sent an update about the Kawangkoan forest reserve. The community has begun a tree replanting program on the outer boundary of the village.  Arnaz sent pictures showing the community, including the head of the village, participating in the tree planting. School children were scheduled to plant their trees after final exams and in this first mission, an engaged couple planted ten tree seedlings. This pre-marriage tradition is local law in the district. Full Project Description  SAMOA, Falealupo Village, Savai'i Island
Funds to restore the historic white sand beach ecosystem that was damaged by a hurricane in exchange for 50-year conservation of a crucial wetland and wildfowl habitat
Late in 2008, Dr. Paul Cox, Seacology’s co-founder and Board Chairman, visited Falealupo Village to monitor the progress of our project. Dr. Cox was delighted to find a completed wetland conservation area and wildfowl sanctuary.  Villagers had removed invasive vegetation on the beach, restored native plants, and landscaped the area. They also built a new walking trail and observation platform for the beach. Dr. Cox was thrilled to see three highly-endangered Samoan ducks during his visit to the beach and notes that restoration efforts continue.
Full Project Description
Seacology Welcomes New Samoa Field Representative  Seacology is pleased to welcome a new field representative for the Samoan islands, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster. Toeolesulusulu is Cedric’s matai (chief) title for his home village of Satapuala on the island of Upolu. Cedric holds a Bachelors degree in Geography from the University of Victoria and a Masters degree in Sustainable International Development from Brandeis University.
For the past five years, Cedric has been one of three directors of the Pacific Environment Consultants Ltd, a group that specializes in environmental planning, natural resource management, and ecologically sustainable development. For seven years Cedric worked for the Samoan government’s Division of Environment and Conservation, first as a National Parks Officer and later as Head of the Biodiversity Conservation Unit. He also serves as Pacific Coordinator of the Global Greengrants Fund.
Cedric’s areas of expertise include biodiversity conservation, ecological surveying, and strategic planning. We are thrilled to have him join the Seacology team to launch and monitor projects in the Samoan islands.
New Videos! We’ve updated our website with new videos featuring three of our island projects: Manado Tua Island and Sarinubuana Village in Indonesia and Mt. Angavokely in Madagascar. Visit these links for a closer look at each project! And as always, you can view all of Seacology's videos on our YouTube page.
Upcoming Seacology Travel The Seychelles ~ June 7-14, 2009
Seacology will be visiting 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.”
 Our travels take us to the Seychelles where we’ll visit charming Cousins Island, among others. Snorkeling opportunities will abound, but there will be only limited scuba diving opportunities. More information about the Seychelles 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. More information about the French Polynesia trip
City Arts & Lectures Event to Benefit Seacology - TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE! Ted Danson & Mary Steenburgen
Wednesday, January 21 @ 7pm Seacology is very excited to announce that tickets are still available for the onstage conversation, featuring film clips, with Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen at Herbst Theatre on Wednesday, January 21. To purchase tickets for the evening, please contact the City Arts & Lectures box office at (415) 392-4400. Tickets are available for $20 each and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Herbst Theatre is located at 401 Van Ness in San Francisco.
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