SEACOLOGY E-NEWS UPDATE Project Updates 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  Seacology fellows Nicole Friend and Gar Duke visited the Nasawa community last month and sent some great pictures of the progress there. At right are Nicole and Gar with the school principal and village chief. The community is repairing three dilapidated school buildings, and we are pleased to know that the old building (below left) is being renovated nicely (below right).
  Full Project Description YAP, Kanif Village, Dalipebinaw
Rebuilding a protective sea wall in exchange for the 5.5-acre Kanif Mangrove Reserve  We just received a final report from our Micronesia field representative, Simon Ellis, about our project in Kanif Village on the island of Yap. The protective sea wall has been completely rehabilitated and the community is very pleased that this area is being revitalized. The conservation area remains under full protection.
Full Project Description
Seacology Welcomes New Field Representative for Mexico Seacology is pleased to announce that Jose Angel Sanchez-Pacheco has just been hired as our field representative for Mexico.  After earning a degree in Marine Biology from the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur, México, Jose Angel began doing research on sea birds, coastal lagoons, islands, fisheries and the abundance and distribution of gray whales. Since then his achievements include co-founding and directing Grupo de Ecologia y Conservacion de Islas and Instituto SummerTree A.C. Currently, Jose is co-owner of Cedros Outdoor Adventures, a company that promotes ecotours, sportfishing, and whale watching with the goal of promoting environmentally-friendly economic opportunities in remote communities on the Baja California peninsula and islands. We are excited to have Jose join our team of field representatives and we look forward to launching new projects on the islands off of Mexico.
New Multimedia for Seacology Seacology has more videos on YouTube! Check out our new page, complete with a Google Checkout donation bar, which was added as part of the YouTube for Non-Profits program. This is a great way to share our work around the world, and the online donation system is an easy way to support Seacology. Be sure to check out the new videos and send our page to your friends and family! Seacology fellow Nicole Friend also sent us some fabulous new pictures from the August expedition to Fiji. Thank you, Nicole!  Above: A lovely young local girl dressed for the opening of the new preschool, Nukubalavu Village, Fiji. Below: Children outside the new preschool, Nukubalavu Village, Fiji. 
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. More information about the South Africa & 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 Ted Danson & Mary Steenburgen
Wednesday, January 21 @ 7pm Seacology is very excited to announce that tickets are now 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 will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Herbst Theatre is located at 401 Van Ness in San Francisco.
Pumpkin Harvest  This year’s second-annual Glorious Glass Pumpkin Harvest was another big success for Seacology. On October 25 and 26, glass pumpkins and sea creatures were displayed throughout the grounds of the Falkirk Mansion in San Rafael (right, photo credit: Jane Underwood). This lovely event drew thousands of people, some from as far away as Nevada, to the whimsical glass creations for sale. Proceeds from the event go to benefit both Seacology and Falkirk, and it was wonderful to see the strong community of artists who donate their time and energy to non-profit organizations.
 Special thanks go to the tireless efforts of event organizer and Seacology supporter, Kerry Tepperman, as well as to event underwriter and Seacology board member, Kimo Campbell (pictured in Borneo, left).
Our Youngest Donors  Last month Seacology was delighted to receive two donations from our youngest donors yet – Noah and Micah, ages 3 and 1½, gave $32.95 to support Seacology. They visited our offices as part of their Jewish New Year celebration, beginning the year with their tzedakah – loosely translated as “charity,” or the religious obligation to give to others in need (right).
Hannah and Maya, the young daughters of Seacology fellows Lucy Cummings and Scott Wilson, handed executive director Duane Silverstein £14 British pounds sterling at last month’s Seacology reception in London. Scott and Lucy hosted this special event, and Hannah and Maya were a big help in its success. We were also fortunate to have Kela Felton helping at the Pumpkin Harvest. Kela is board member Paul Felton’s daughter and she was a huge help at the event. Thanks to all our youngest donors!
Seacology Around the Web
     
Seacology's Island Environment Blog
|
