Seacology Island Environment Blog

Recognizing the role indigenous communities play in environmental conservation

2010-08-30T19:08:41Z

We are all familiar with the major actors in the global conservation movement. Large international organizations have become household names as the pressing need for global environmental action has become part of our social dialogue. These institutions, along with many other non-profits, government agencies, and other international bodies, have been vital to the conservation of the world's precious ecosystems and biodiversity that have been under regular threat from the development of the human species. Whether through influencing domestic or international policy, or the creation and management of protected areas on land and in our oceans, these global organizations play a key role in protecting the environment and the world's biodiversity through a variety of essential approaches.

However, there are other actors - smaller actors - that have just as important a role in the conservation movement as any of the giant organizations. These are the local, indigenous communities themselves. Communities that live in tandem with the environment around them, and have done so for centuries, often make the best conservationists. Throughout the world, indigenous peoples have come to rely upon their local biodiversity as an essential component to their culture, economy, and sustenance. They thus have a real stake in the preservation of their environment, and for generations have managed their natural resources before there were any formal conservation systems in place.

Seacology's project at Mt. Elimbari, Chimbu Province in Papua New Guinea funded the construction of a literacy school for the Gaigibi community in support of the establishment of a 25-acre community conserved forest area]]> Unfortunately indigenously conserved areas are under enormous threat from variety of sources (both legal and illicit), such as logging, overfishing, mining, commercial development, and other exploitative industries. They are frequently at greater risk than other areas, because national governments often fail to support or recognize community controlled management, favoring instead the more global institutional conservation schemes. The threat is compounded in developing countries in particular, where indigenous communities are often economically disadvantaged, and require basic improvements to their standard of living. This has historically led to a tragic selling off of resources just to cover the costs of essential community development.

Things, however, are gradually starting to change. In 2003, the Vth IUCN World Parks Congress and the Programme of Work on Protected Areas of the Centre of Biological Diversity (CBD) passed a resolution legitimizing Indigenous Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs) as valid conservation sites that should be integrated into and supported by national and international environmental protection systems. This was a major step in promoting indigenous rights to communal land, and advocating for funds to be directed towards protecting community-managed areas. And over the past seven years the concept of ICCAs has been further developed, and gained increased acceptance amongst some governments and international bodies. Yet, the concept still remains on the fringe of the conservation movement.

What are Indigenous Community Conserved Areas? Here is the definition provided by the IUCN: ICCAs are natural and/or modified ecosystems containing significant biodiversity values, ecological services and cultural values, voluntarily conserved by Indigenous peoples and local communities, both sedentary and mobile, through customary laws or other effective means. ICCAs can include ecosystems with minimum to substantial human influence as well as cases of continuation, revival or modification of traditional practices or new initiatives taken up by communities in the face of new threats or opportunities. Several of them are inviolate zones ranging from very small to large stretches of land and waterscapes. Three features are important:

One or more communities closely relate to the ecosystems and species culturally and/or because of survival and dependence for livelihood;
The community management decisions and efforts lead to the conservation of habitats, species, ecological services and associated cultural values, although the conscious objective of management may be different (e.g., livelihood, water security, safeguarding of cultural and spiritual places).
The communities are the major players in decision-making and implementation regarding the management of the site, implying that community institutions have the capacity to enforce regulations; in many situations there may be other stakeholders in collaboration or partnership, but primary decision-making is with the communities.

For those who are familiar with the work Seacology pioneered almost twenty years ago, ICCAs sound like old news. Back in 1988 when Dr. Paul Cox, Seacology's co-founder, stepped in to help the village of Falealupo in Western Samoa build a new school in exchange for their commitment to conserve their forest, he essentially created one of the first indigenous community conserved areas - fifteen years before such a concept was finally legitimized. Since that time, Seacology has established and supported numerous reserves helping preserve some of the most threatened biodiversity on the planet, simply through our support of indigenous communities on islands around the world.

There remains much more for Seacology and other organizations to do in order to truly cement the concept of indigenous community conservation into the vernacular of the dialogue on the environment; but support is growing every day. The Ford Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world, just announced an $85 million commitment to advance indigenous peoples land rights, promote community management of resources, and help bring indigenous peoples to the mainstream of the global response to climate change. As the concept of ICCAs becomes more widely known and accepted, more foundations will undoubtedly follow this example.

The community of Barangay Bagong Bayan, Roxas, Palawan in the Phillipines offered to protect and conserve 2,039 acres of their forest (including 124 acres of mangroves) in perpetuity, in exchange for the rehabilitation of a micro-hydro power generator for their village.

Tragic Fire in Madeira

2010-08-20T19:43:20Z

Though in some ecosystems, forest fires can be a necessary element of the ecology, fires are often devastating events that can destroy the homes of humans as well as wildlife. Tragically, Seacology's project in Madeira recently suffered the effects of a forest fire, as seen in the photos below.

]]> Madeira is a small island in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Formed by an underwater volcano, it was discovered by Portuguese explorers in the fourteenth century and has been under the jurisdiction of Portugal ever since. Originally covered with lush forests (Madeira means "wood" in Portuguese), much of the island was cleared for farming. Today, only a few forested areas remain. In 2001, Seacology began collaborating with the Ecological Park of Funchal, located near the island's capital city. Park officials at the 1,000-hectare park were working to reforest its highest mountain, Pico de Arreiro, which had been adversely affected by erosion and deforestation. The project solicited hundreds of volunteers to replant a 12-acre area with indigenous tree species. Tragically, this entire area has now been devastated by the fires.

Below, left, the park prior to the fire. At right, the park after being burned.

Though much of Portugal has been ravaged by wildfires this season due to heat and high winds, it is believed that the fire that affected Funchal was caused by arson. Seacology received a letter from Raimundo Quintal, President of the Association of Friends of the Ecological Park of Funchal, which described the deathly stillness that has come over the region where the majority of plants have been burned to the ground, leaving surviving animals to seek out new homes. A translated version of part of his letter from August 14, 2010 is below:

Unfortunately, between 2 and 4 in the morning the fire destroyed almost everything. The house was destroyed. Many thousands of small plants disappeared completely. The vast blanket of heather and the growing vines saw only the remaining skeletons between the blocks of black basalt. The butterflies and birds flit disoriented in a landscape where this morning hung the silence of death.

Witnessing years of effort and habitat recovery destroyed overnight is truly heartbreaking, and we can only imagine what the many staff and volunteers at Funchal are experiencing. Our thoughts are with them as they process this tragedy and begin again with a plan for recovery. The blog for the Association of Friends of the Ecological Park of Funchal can be found here, in Portuguese: http://bisbis.blogspot.com/

Whale Sharks In Mexico

2010-08-12T17:35:51Z

Next time you are in Mexico and someone asks you to play with dominoes, you may be in for a very large surprise. Due to the many white spots that mark their gray bodies, in Mexico the common nickname for whale sharks is "dominoes." Indeed these gentle giants do resemble dominoes - very, very large ones, that is. At up to 48 feet in length and weighing up to 25 tons, whale sharks, or Rhincodon Typus as they are known to scientists, are the world's largest fish. Despite their enormous size, comparatively little is known about them. One of the reasons for this is that there are not large numbers of them left in the oceans and for much of the year they are solitary animals.

Less than ten years ago, marine biologists discovered that during the months of June to September the world's largest aggregation of whale sharks takes place off the coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. In recent years they can be found north of Isla Mujeres, a small island just off the coast of Cancun. A smaller number can also be found off of Holbox Island near the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. Whale Sharks are listed on the International Union of the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN's) Red List of Vulnerable Species, meaning their future is in danger.

]]> Along with Seacology Fellow Daniel Grunberg, I recently visited Mexico to see how Seacology might help protect these mighty creatures. Our guide was Rafael de la Parra, who used to work with whale sharks for the conservation arm of the Mexican government. He has participated in whale shark tagging and research for many years. There are few people in the world who have had more direct experience with whale sharks than Rafael. As an added bonus Rafael and his son Emilio are great people and great guides (his email is grampusr@hotmail.com if you are interested in a trip!).

For several weeks before our trip, Rafael was giving me reports on whale shark sightings. One day 30 would be seen, the next day 100, and the following none. So we had a mix of excitement and trepidation when Rafael picked us up in his boat from our hotel on Isla Mujeres for the 80 minute ride to the whale shark aggregation area. Would we see any whale sharks? If so, could we really observe them closely?

Our worrying was for naught. When we arrived we counted 170 "dominoes" from our boat. This blew our minds until we came back the next day and counted over 300 of them. It took us all of 30 seconds to don our snorkel masks and fins and slide into the water. We were surrounded by whale sharks in every direction, as you can see in the photo above. All we had to do was wait until a few swam by us. This never took very long because whale sharks are filter feeders and must always keep swimming with their very wide mouths open both to eat and force water by their gills so they can utilize the oxygen.

In proportion to their enormous bodies, whale sharks have very small eyes which would follow us as they swam by. Other than this subtle movement they seemed oblivious to our presence, often swimming just a few feet away from us. Occasionally while looking in one direction I would turn around in the water to find a whale shark only inches away from me which was rather startling, as you can see in the photo above. While several whale sharks were swimming by us, Rafael yelled down from his boat "Welcome to my office!" It is easy to see why he has one of the most enviable jobs in the world and has a wonderful personality to show for it. But the most satisfying aspect of his work has to be the knowledge that he is helping to protect whale sharks. Indeed it would be hard not to spend two days with these fantastic fish and not want to help them survive and flourish. In the course of our two day trip we had many conversations on how Seacology could best help. Rafael indicated that several times a week huge cargo ships come by this area which does not contain demarcation buoys warning ship captains to stay clear because of the vulnerable whale shark population in the water. Rafael would like to deploy a series of large state of the art demarcation buoys complete with GPS transponders, etc., which would warn ships to stay clear. Once these buoys are deployed official navigation charts would also denote the area as a whale shark reserve.

Rafael suggested that if Seacology could come up with half of the funds required for this project many of the local hotels and whale shark tour operators could match this contribution. Seacology will give this proposal very serious consideration and hopefully will be able to play a role in protecting these majestic but threatened behemoths. One doesn't have to be an expert in dominoes to connect the dots and see that this would be a worthwhile effort.

The photos here, and at the top of the page, are taken by Seacology Fellow Bob Heil. Above, the massive size of a whale shark compared to a human; right, the impressive whale shark surrounded by a school of fish.

Conserving the Comcáac Territory

2010-08-05T17:18:05Z

Seacology recently partnered with the Comcáac nation, a tribe of Native Americans living in the Gulf of California. One of the most distinct native tribes of Mexico, the Comcáac fled to the region in the early twentieth century when they faced persecution by the government. Today, the Comcáac inhabit Tiburón Island and nearby areas, maintaining the traditions and environment of their forefathers. Unfortunately, like many islands, Tiburón suffers from the problem of waste management. Its beaches are scattered with waste from both the island and the mainland, and the Comcáac community lacks the resources to properly dispose of the waste. Seacology is collaborating with them to address this problem, funding waste and recycling facilities as well as signage to educate the community and visitors about environmental and waste issues.

In exchange for Seacology's support, the Comcáacs will conserve both Tiburón and nearby Canal Infiernillo, which runs between the island and the mainland. The area provides one of the most intact examples of Sonoran Desert habitat, and it contains an abundance of species that are already rare or have disappeared from the mainland. The waters around this island host 34 marine mammal species, including sea lions, blue and fin whales and the world's most endangered cetacean, a small porpoise called the vaquita. Five species of sea turtles thrive in these waters, and green turtles nest on these beaches.

Seacology's Executive Director Duane Silverstein recently visited Tiburón with Field Representative Jose Angel Sanchez-Pacheco to meet the Comcáac and tour the island. Seacology's newest video tells the story of their visit, the history of the Comcáac, and Seacology's project on Tiburón.

Seacology Remembers Charles Chieng

2010-07-30T21:48:18Z

It is with great sadness that the Seacology staff announces the passing of Chief Charles L. Chieng, executive director of Yap Community Action Project (Yap CAP) and coordinator of four Seacology projects on the Micronesian Island of Yap. "King Charles" worked within the chiefly system and at the grassroots level to encourage communities on this very culturally intact island to preserve their natural resources. His tireless commitment to conservation resulted in the establishment of a forest reserve, three mangrove reserves and multiple marine protected areas on and around both Yap proper, and the outer islands. Chief Chieng involved community members in all facets of conservation activities and successfully sought funding to allow them to be trained in planning, monitoring and enforcement activities. He also was an integral part of several Micronesia-wide conservation initiatives, and was influential in the establishment of strong environmental statutes for Yap, providing a model throughout the region and beyond.

Chief Chieng was a true island conservation hero whose leadership, humor and wisdom will be greatly missed.

For more information, contact Seacology Program Manager Karen Peterson (karen@seacology.org).

Seacology Island Expeditions

2010-07-23T18:08:52Z

If our new island projects made you wistful for an island adventure of your own, why not consider joining Seacology on one of our upcoming trips? Seacology trips visit some of the world's most pristine and remote islands, combining rugged adventure with luxury travel for the experience of a lifetime! Our trips include stops at Seacology sites, where we meet island villagers and tour the projects and reserved we've helped fund. Read on for more information on our upcoming trips, and we hope you can join us!

]]> Azores, Morocco and Canary Islands - May 4-20, 2011

Seacology is pleased to announce our upcoming expedition and cruise to Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, The Canary Islands, and the Azores. The cruise is run by Zegrahm Expeditions one of the world's leading expeditionary cruise companies. The voyage takes place from May 4 - 20, 2011 aboard the 110 passenger, luxury adventure cruise ship, the Clipper Odyssey. Highlights will include: the world famous Alhambra in Granada, Spain; the 1,400 foot high Rock of Gibraltar at the entrance of the Mediterranean; Casablanca and Taroudant ("Little Marrakech") in Morocco; the bizarre volcanic landscapes and geological wonders of the Canary Islands; wine tasting in Madeira, and incredible views from the world's second largest sea cliff; whale watching in the Azores; bird watching throughout the cruise; and a presentation from the director of the Seacology funded project in Madeira in which local disadvantaged youth are working to reforest a 12 acre area on the highest peak of the Ecological Park of Funchal. We hope you can join us!
Full Trip Brochure

Crossing the Equator with Seacology Cruise - September 6 - 21, 2010

This will be Seacology's second voyage aboard the 50 cabin exploratory cruise ship, the Clipper Odyssey. Seacology is again co-sponsoring this cruise with Zegrahm Expeditions. This expedition will tour Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Fiji and will include a Seacology project visit in the remote island nation of Tuvalu. The voyage will feature diving, snorkeling, hiking, birding, cultural visits as well as lectures from marine biologists, ornithologists, and anthropologists. The diving, which promises to be fantastic, is limited to the first 16 divers who sign up. This cruise is equally suitable for divers and non-divers alike. Reservations should be made with Zegrahm Expeditions.
Full Trip Brochure

Vietnam and Cambodia - October 30 - November 11, 2010

After a few days of sightseeing in Hanoi we will cruise Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage Site off the coast of northern Vietnam. While there, we will visit Seacology's Cat Ba langur project, where we are helping to save one of the world's most endangered primates. Afterwards, we will travel to Cuc Phoung National Park for an opportunity to view several other rare and endangered primate species. From there, we will fly down to Ho Chi Minh City, a.k.a. Saigon, and visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels where guerillas lived for months on end during the Vietnam War. We conclude the trip in Siem Rep, Cambodia, and explore another World Heritage Site, the famous Angkor Wat temples. Availability is limited on this trip which we anticipate will sell out quickly. Reservations should be made directly with Seacology.
Full Trip Brochure

Dive the Philippines - January 11-25, 2011

Join Seacology as we explore the beautiful waters and pristine reefs surrounding the Philippine islands. Our first 10 days will be spent aboard the Philippine Siren (pictured), one of the region's most luxurious liveaboards. The final 4 days will take us to El Nido Lagen Island Resort, located on the gorgeous El Nido Lagoon. Our trip will be spent diving and snorkeling in the beautiful Philippine waters, which abound with coral reefs, sharks, rays, and many types of fish. Non-divers are welcome to join us for the second portion of the trip. Reservations should be made with Reef and Rainforest.
Full Trip Brochure

New Seacology Projects!

2010-07-16T17:23:45Z

Seacology recently approved 12 new island projects, protecting mangroves, reefs, and forests on islands from the Caribbean to Micronesia. Read on for our new project summaries:

ANTIGUA - Waste recycling baler and bins. Antigua and Barbuda is a politically stable nation in the West Indies. The Antigua & Barbuda Waste Recycling Corporation (ABWREC) is a not-for-profit corporation and a project of the Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown in partnership with the government through the National Solid Waste Management Authority. Littering, overflowing landfills and the burning of garbage (including plastics) are serious problems faced by Antigua and all islands throughout the world. ABWREC provides the following services at no cost to the public: collection of recyclable materials; initial processing and exportation of recyclables; education and public awareness about recycling, waste reduction and management; tours and demonstrations of the recycling facility (approx. 3,000 students per year); and distribution of recycling bins and short term loan of recycling bins for special events. In addition to providing the only waste recycling service in the Eastern Caribbean, ABWREC also provides a unique social service in the community. Five of the company's seven staff are recruited though local drug rehabilitation centres, offering them the chance to re-enter the workforce. To assist ABWREC with the growing demand for its services, Seacology is providing funding for the purchase of a waste recycling baler and 36 100-gallon recycling bins for distribution to schools and commercial centres.

Federated States of Micronesia - Community hall, water tanks and toilets in exchange for the protection of a 15-acre pristine upland forest as a no-take area in perpetuity, Onongoch, Fefen Island, Chuuk. Marked as a top conservation target for the island state of Chuuk for its health and significance, and known as a sacred area for generations, the Chunuf forest area is part of the West Fefen Area of Biodiversity Significance. The forest is home to several endangered and threatened bird, plant and tree species. A number of mounting threats to the health of the area are of concern to the Onongoch community, including the cutting of indigenous trees by people from other islands and villages. With a population of over 400 the Onongoch community on Fefen Island has, due to traditional practices and certain chiefly taboos, conserved and worked around the forest for many years, and want it to be officially recognized as a conservation area. The Chuuk Conservation Society is providing assistance in the creation of a management plan for the new forest reserve. Seacology is funding the construction of a meeting hall with office space, as well as 10 500-gallon water tanks and 10 toilets for the neediest members of the community, in exchange for an agreement to protect 15 acres of pristine upland forest as a no-take area in perpetuity.

GRENADA - Acquisition, construction and installation of interpretive materials to promote protection and conservation of Leatherback turtles, Bathway Beach, Northern St. Patrick's Parish. Grenada has one of the largest nesting populations of critically endangered Leatherback turtles in the Caribbean, which nest on Levera and Bathway beaches, located within 450-acre Levera National Park along the island's northern coastline. Literally thousands of people visit the nesting beaches every year in an effort to see the turtles, which has resulted in some unwelcome practices on the beaches, such as littering, noise pollution which disturbs both emerging and already-nesting animals (often resulting in abandoned nesting efforts and/or premature return to the water), and physical interference with the animals. In response to requests for help, the Fisheries Division has passed new legislation to help protect the habitat and nesting turtles, and has also allocated space in the Levera National Park Office, located at Bathway Beach, for an interpretation and staging area for tours and visitors to the park. Seacology is providing funds to Ocean Spirits, a local NGO, for the purchase, construction and installation of a variety of interpretive display materials to be housed at the turtle interpretation center within the park office building. These materials include interpretation display props; shelving, counters and display cases; office furniture; and electronic display equipment. This center will relieve some of the pressures on the beaches, especially during the nesting season.

INDONESIA - Community building in support of 1,977 acres of no-take rainforest in Banjar Anyar, Desa Sangkitan, Bali. Banjar Anyar is a small farming village positioned 2,200 feet above sea level on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. The majority of the 380 residents grow small plots of coffee, cacao, fruit and rice. Their village is adjacent to Sarinbuana Village, where Seacology funded a library, music and dance building, instruments and equipment in 2006 in exchange for village endorsement of a 1,975-acre permanent no-take rainforest reserve. The forest of Mount Batukaru is home to a variety of birds, the increasingly rare pangolin and leaf-eating monkey. Traditionally, the people of Banjar Anyar have been the de facto custodians of an approximate 1,977-acre portion of this rainforest above their village. Seacology is providing Banjar Anyar with funds to construct a village community building where meetings, Balinese dance and music practices, and youth activities can take place, in support of their commitment to protect 1,977 acres of rainforest in perpetuity.

Indonesia - Village health clinic in exchange for the creation of 74 acres of no-take coral reef and in support of an additional 27 acres of no-take coral reef, Kahuku Village, Bangka Island, North Sulawesi. Desa Kahuku is a village located on the island of Bankga, about six miles offshore the North Sulawesi mainland and about 24 miles northeast from the nearest large town of Manado. About 75 percent of the 1,012 inhabitants are involved in small-scale fishing and about 25 percent are engaged in subsistence farming. The village had a health clinic built for them in 1994, which is in a crumbling state as salty beach sand was used in the concrete mixture. As a result, the metal re-bar has rusted into flakes and the brickwork is soft and sodden, causing the building to be structurally unsafe. Also, the building has no beds or medical equipment, and receives very little support from the local health department save for a health care worker who is stationed in the village. The villagers wish to set aside and protect approximately one mile of fringing coral reef, totaling approximately 74 acres as a no-take zone for 10 years. The reef has had considerable pressure put upon it from destructive fishing practices over the past decades, especially from outside villages using cyanide to catch lobster and reef fish. Seacology is providing funding to Kahuku Village for the reconstruction of their health clinic (with clean sand), as well as beds and medical equipment, in exchange for the village's creation of a 74-acre no-take coral reef and in support of an additional 27 acres of no-take coral reef. *

Madagascar - Construction of two primary school classrooms with furnishings and a restroom block in support of an agreement to stop all new shifting cultivation within 988 acres of biologically diverse low-elevation humid forest for a duration of 15 years, Antanandava Village. Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, has been recognized as one of the world's top eight mega-biodiversity countries and one of the top five threatened biodiversity hotspots. Since the nation's political crisis peaked in March 2009, local communities have struggled more than ever as poverty, joblessness and crime have increased, while access to basic social services has become even more difficult. The Makirovana-Tsihomanaomby forest complex in northeastern Madagascar consists of 20 square miles of low-elevation, fragmented, humid forest. It has been identified as a national priority area for plant conservation by the Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG), and is already in the process of being formally recognized by the government as a new protected area. Numerous locally endemic and threatened plant species are found there, and animal diversity is robust as well with 60 species of reptile and amphibian, 75 bird species (including the endangered Madagascar red owl) and six species of lemur (including the endangered Sanford's brown lemur). The forest is threatened by bushmeat hunting, selective rosewood logging, and especially by slash-and-burn agriculture. Shifting cultivation by the slash-and-burn method ("tavy") is the traditional and predominant land use practice in eastern Madagascar where remaining forests are found. It is the primary cause of deforestation and upland forest degradation, and has heavily contributed to the loss of approximately 90 percent of Madagascar's original forest cover. Since 2008, the MBG has been working with the people of Antanandava, a community of 1,092 to the south of the forest, to reduce these threats and conserve the area. Seacology is funding a new primary school to replace their deteriorating and small bamboo and wood school rooms in support of an agreement to stop all new shifting cultivation within the 988 acres of the Makirovana-Tsihomanaomby forest complex.

Panama - Waste management system for Carti Island communities, Kuna Yala Archipelago. Kuna Yala is an autonomous territory or comarca in Panama, inhabited by the Kuna indigenous people. Kuna Yala is 924 square miles and has a population of 36,487 people (2004). About 36 of the comarca's 365 islands are inhabited by Kuna communities, with an additional 13 communities located on the mainland coast. Kuna Yala also houses a biosphere reserve, the Narganá Protected Area, which covers 386 square miles. Kuna Yala´s beaches are one of the least impacted and best protected nesting grounds for the critically-endangered Leatherback sea turtle. Carti, a group of island communities totaling about 1,000 residents located in the western side of the Kuna Yala Indigenous Territory, is just three hours from Panama City via a four wheel drive vehicle. Relatively easy access to Carti and the incredible beauty of its white sand beaches are the main reasons that tourism has significantly increased in Carti. Tourism has brought a problem: a major increase in garbage. Currently there is no disposal system for this increasing problem, other than to leave the trash in improvised landfills. Seacology is provided equipment for a comprehensive waste management and recycling system for the five island communities where the Kuna have installed homestay facilities. In exchange for the equipment, the Kuna Indigenous Congress along with the Carti community leadership will draft waste management regulations for the immediate vicinity of Carti, comprising more than 7,413 acres of marine, island and coastal habitat. It is expected that the improvised landfills and the pollution they bring will begin to disappear, helping secure the long-term survival of this mostly pristine natural environment and turning tourism into a more sustainable and less polluting economic activity.

Papua New Guinea - Community health clinic in exchange for the establishment of a 988-acre no-take coastal marine conservation area within an existing Wildlife Management Area, Tavolo, Pomio District, East New Britain Province. Tavolo is situated west in the Pomio District of East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea. The area has extensive fringing coral reefs on the coast and a pristine forest on the mainland. Approximately 500 people live around the Tavolo area in small hamlets. Tavolo provides an abundant area for flora and fauna habitat that remain undisturbed. The primary threats to these two ecosystems are from large-scale logging and over-fishing by an increasing population. In 1997, an eight square mile Wildlife Management Area was gazetted under PNG's Flora and Fauna Act. The community is working towards establishing an extension of the conservation area, to cover a total of 124 square miles. Local NGO Melkoi Local Environment Foundation wishes to develop and strengthen the locally-based conservation of the entire area. Within this very large area, the community would like to set up a 998-acre no-take reef and lagoon conservation area. Regardless of the continuous pressure and threats to their natural resources, the community of Tavolo, with the assistance of another local NGO, Mama Graun Conservation Trust, is committed to protecting their environment and will continue to refuse large-scale development proposals. Tavolo is situated about a day's walk to the nearest government station for medical assistance, and is separated by a few rivers, making it too difficult for the community to reach. Seacology is providing funding to build a community health clinic in exchange for the community's establishment of a 988-acre no-take coastal marine conservation area.

PHILIPPINES - Micro-hydro power generator and fruit tree nursery in support of the protection of 6,178 acres of watershed forest within the 18,150-acre ancestral claim of the T'boli and Manobo tribes, Sitio Lobo, Barangay Ned, Municipality of Lake Sebu, Mindanao Island. Lake Sebu is within the southern Tiruray Highlands of Mindanao Island at an altitude of almost 1,000 feet, and is under the protection of the National Integrated Protected Area System Act (NIPAS Act), which was passed in 1992. It is surrounded by rolling hills and forested mountains, and is home to the T'boli, a highland tribe known for their colorful costumes, intricate beadwork, woven work and brass ornaments. The Manobos, who also live in the region, inhabit the river valleys, hillsides, plateaus and interiors. The lake and the surrounding rainforest are a natural habitat to Philippine cockatoos, egrets, swallows, kingfishers, herons, kites and migratory birds, as well as wild boar and Philippine deer. The community of Sitio Lobo has a total area of 18,150 acres; within this area is a watershed of 6,178 acres. While the watershed is already protected by the NIPAS Act, the tribes have committed to work with Barangay Ned for the issuance of an ordinance declaring the watershed as a no-take zone. The community also plans to organize a forest guarding program and undertake reforestation activities. Sitio Lobo does not have electricity; Seacology is providing funding for a 30-kilowatt micro-hydro power station in support of their efforts to protect their watershed for a minimum of 30 years. Technical assistance will be provided by partner NGO YAMOG, who also coordinated the Seacology-funded project to provide a micro-hydro system and fruit tree nursery to the Mindanao community of Old Bulatukan in support of the protection of 744 acres of watershed.

Tonga - Refurbishment of an existing community hall and its facilities in support of the protection of two Fish Habitat Reserves totaling 368 acres for a duration of 10 years, Felemea Village, 'Uiha Island, Ha'apai Islands. Felemea Village is one of two villages on 'Uiha Island in the Ha'apai island group. In January 1995, the entire Ha'apai group was declared as a Conservation Area in principle by the Tongan government under the South Pacific Biodiversity Conservation Program. The project helped to raise awareness about the issues of marine resource depletion and the option of community-based management of inshore fisheries. The marine area near Felemea used to be abundant in marine resources such as clams, sea slugs, seaweeds, crab, lobster and a variety of reef fish. Most of these resources are of high commercial value and have been threatened due to overfishing. The community has indicated a willingness to more aggressively protect its marine resources. Like all community halls, Felemea's is the main venue for village events such as meetings, training workshops, women's meetings and weaving, youth activities, pre-school, etc. Seacology is funding the refurbishment of the hall, including a new floor with tiling, doors, window frames and louvers, electrical repairs, repainting, installing of a plastic water tank and guttering, and the provision of tables and chairs for meetings. In return for Seacology's support, the people of Felemea will actively manage the two Fish Habitat Reserves for minimum duration of 10 years. *

UGANDA - Solar-powered refrigerator for medicines for the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Lake Victoria. Uganda's Lake Victoria, at 26,600 square miles, is Africa's largest lake, the largest tropical lake in the world and the Earth's second-largest freshwater lake. The original homes of chimpanzees are the forests of Equatorial Africa; their range formerly extended over 25 countries (of which Uganda is one), but are now extinct in four of those 25, with an estimated fewer than 150,000 remaining in the wild. Without strenuous efforts to conserve these great apes, populations could decline by as much as 80 percent in the next 30 to 40 years. The myriad threats to chimpanzees extend beyond habitat loss to poaching for commercial bushmeat and exotic pet trades, infectious diseases and armed conflict. One hundred-acre Ngamba Island has been home to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary since 1998. The Sanctuary was established by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) to implement a long-term strategy for conservation of chimpanzees through care and welfare of entrusted animals, while conserving the ecosystem of the island. Locally-run CSWCT is a leader in the conservation of chimpanzees, contributing to public awareness of this flagship IUCN Red-Listed great ape species, and engaging with communities living alongside chimpanzee populations. Ngamba Island provides an excellent habitat for the chimpanzees and other wildlife species including fruit bats, spiders, fish eagles, hippos, otters, a crocodile and monitor lizards. The approximately 50 chimpanzee residents are rescued animals that cannot be returned to the wild. The Sanctuary provides conservation education through ecotourism, with approximately 200 visitors to the island per month. Seacology is providing the CSWCT with funding to purchase a solar-powered refrigerator to hold medicines for the chimpanzees at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

VANUATU - Construction of a community hall with two guest rooms and a water tank in exchange for the establishment of a 163-acre marine reserve and 178-acre mangrove reserve for a duration of 10 years, Isavai Community, Aniwa Island. Aniwa is a remote, low-lying island located in southern Vanuatu to the west of Tanna Island. Isavai is one of the more populated of the four villages on the island, with approximately 140 inhabitants. The population of Aniwa very much depends on marine resources for their livelihoods. The increasing population of the Isavai community means people are using more of their natural resources on both land and sea, leading to decreasing fish stocks and upsetting the productivity of marine species that support the community's livelihood. Climate change is another concern in the community. The erosion of shoreline and dying vegetation have brought grave concern to the community. The community had previously declared a marine protected area of approximately 100 acres for a duration of five years. Now the people of Isavai are willing to preserve a marine area of 163 acres as well as a mangrove habitat covering 178 acres for a duration of 10 years. In exchange for this commitment, Seacology will fund construction of a community hall with two attached guest rooms and a water tank. The community considers this important infrastructure to be very beneficial to the community of Isavai by enabling it to host village meetings and visitors, women's activities, workshops, etc.

* Support for asterisked projects is provided fully or in part by the Nu Skin Enterprises Force for Good Foundation.

Summer with Seacology

2010-07-09T18:35:08Z

Seacology at Young Frankenstein

With summer in full swing, you may be busy navigating vacations and family reunions, or just relaxing by the pool or backyard. If you are in the Bay Area next week, it's not too late to join Seacology at our special Young Frankenstein benefit evening, next Tuesday, July 13. We will attend a performance of Young Frankenstein, a musical based on Mel Brooks' Oscar-nominated motion picture. Following the performance, our guests are invited to an exclusive reception featuring Young Frankenstein cast members. For further details and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.seacology.org/news/display.cfm?id=4226

Seacology and Trazzler

Have you been on any special summer vacations yet this year? Are you planning any meaningful trips? Do you think traveling can change the world, or make us better people? If any of these questions intrigue you, consider entering Trazzler's Smart Travel contest. Trazzler is an online travel website that provides unique travel recommendations. Trazzler and Seacology are teaming up in the Smart Travel contest to reward travel writing that answers the question - "Can travel make us better people?" Anyone is eligible to enter, and two winners will be selected to join Seacology on an expedition to swim with humpback whales in Tonga! To enter, visit the Smart Travel website here: http://www.trazzler.com/contests/smarttravel

Gulf Coast Oil Spill: An Update

2010-07-02T19:45:13Z

In the weeks since I first wrote about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the situation seems to have gone from bad to worse. While Seacology has no projects in the Gulf, there are many islands in the region, and many more marine and costal wildlife and ecosystems similar to those Seacology protects in other areas of the world.

The disaster is officially the worst oil spill in US history, spewing 140 million gallons (and counting!) of oil into the Gulf. To get an idea of how massive it really is, visit this site and see how large the spill would be if it was in your neighborhood.

Though BP has tried everything from a top hat to diamond saws to stop the spill, it continues to gush. A containment cap is now collecting some of the oil, and BP hopes to have a permanent cap in place by August, though some believe it may take much longer.

Meanwhile, the Atlantic hurricane season started on a gloomy note, with Hurricane Alex disrupting the cleanup process in the gulf. The oil is now affecting even Florida's coast, with tar appearing all over its beaches.

What effect is the spill having on wildlife and the gulf's ecosystems? Many species are being affected, from recently endangered pelicans to threatened whale sharks to sea turtles being burned alive, and everything in between. Wetlands make up much of the coastal areas around the gulf. These inherently fragile ecosystems are nurseries for many small fish and other sea life, and could be ruined by the oil. Nearby, another sensitive ecosystem is found in Florida's coral reefs, which may also be harmed by the spill.

Another environmental concern is the effect the chemical dispersants being used by BP will have on the region's wildlife. Since little is known about the dispersants, it is yet to be seen whether they will do more harm or good to the spill.

As the spill continues to flow, politicians are debating the future of oil drilling, and the nation wonders about the ultimate aftermath of the disaster. Only time will tell.

Image from Flickr

Seacology Project Updates

2010-06-24T23:23:02Z

Seacology is currently supporting almost 200 projects on islands around the world. Below, we have updates on two of our recent projects. Visit our website to see news on all Seacology's projects.
Pemba Island, Tanzania - Infrastructure and trail development, information and marketing materials, and ecotourism initiatives for community conservation of the Pemba flying fox.
Off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa, the island of Pemba is part of the Zanzibar archipelago. The island is home to the endemic Pemba flying fox, a threatened species found nowhere else on the planet. The fox is threatened by loss of their forest habitat and by hunting. With Seacology's support, the Pemba community is promoting conservation of the fox and its habitat. Project components include a new tourist information center, signage, trails, and a tour guide program. The project is also promoting ecotourism and alternative livelihood ventures that include basketry, pottery, and bead making. The Seacology project has inspired other conservation programs in nearby communities on Pemba. We are optimistic that with so many efforts, the Pemba flying fox population will remain healthy for years to come.

Umbu Langang, Sumba Island, Indonesia - Freshwater system in support of the protection of 7,414 acres of rainforest and savannah for a minimum duration of 10 years

On Indonesia's Sumba Island, Seacology is working with Umbu Langang Village to protect over 7,000 acres of rainforest and savannah. The protected area borders Manupeu Tanadaru National Park, which contains rare sandalwood habitat for several endemic frog, butterfly, reptile, and bird species. Umbu Langang borders the park, and has agreed not to expand their farms, protecting 5,931 acres of forest and 1,483 acres of mixed savannah. Seacology originally agreed to support the village's conservation efforts with a critically needed fresh water system. When that project was completed under budget, Seacology approved the remaining funds to be used for a "living kitchen," or community garden, which will be supported in the dry season with the new fresh water system.

As of June 2010, the fresh water systems continues to run smoothly and provide many benefits to the village. Additionally, 100 village women are involved in the "living kitchen," farming small plots of land near their homes and adjacent to the fresh water pipes. Many of these women are on their second plantings, and many of the vegetables have flourished, including cauliflower, water spinach, tomatoes, and chilies. Villagers report that routine patrols are being conducted in the national park. Although there was once instance of monkeys being trapped, the conflict was resolved and the rangers are continuing to patrol with vigilance.

Caribbean Karen!

2010-06-18T18:02:01Z

Seacology's Senior Program Officer, Karen Peterson, recently traveled to the Caribbean to meet with Seacology's Field Representatives in the region. Below, she shares stories and pictures from her trip.

Late April is the close of the dry season in the Caribbean. Water rationing and brush fires are common. This year, the region was drier than ever after typical occasional rains between December and Easter never occurred.

Grenada is located in the southeastern Caribbean, close to Venezuela. Its land area of 133 square miles is home to approximately 100,000 people. The island is known for its rugged landscape, beautiful historic capitol city of St. George's and colorful, laid-back atmosphere. I traveled to Grenada as Seacology's Senior Program Officer to meet with our field representative for the island, Tyrone Buckmire. Tyrone has made a long career in conservation, education, human services, education and ecotourism, and is Secretary/Executive Director for the Grenada Fund for Conservation, Inc. Tyrone is one of four Seacology field representatives in the Caribbean region, all of whom were hired in 2009: the other reps are Mykl Clovis in Antigua, Krishna Desai in Jamaica, and Lenin Riquelme in Panama. Seacology staff is thrilled about launching new island projects in the Caribbean.

]]> The Caribbean is a different island region for Seacology in several ways. Unlike project areas in regions such as Southeast Asia and Polynesia/Melanesia, communities do not have control over their natural resources as land is either privately or governmentally owned. Additionally, conservation projects can be very complicated and involve multiple governmental and nongovernmental partners. Also, as in many locales throughout the world, it is all too common for conservation interests to be brushed aside in favor of short-sighted development projects that do not have the best long-term interests of habitat, threatened species, or local communities in mind.

Fortunately, our very part time field representatives in the Caribbean, four of 18 total in Seacology's program, are now acting as our eyes and ears on the ground in these islands.

While in Grenada, Tyrone and I toured the island and looked at various types of habitat: unspoiled, degraded and in the process of being rehabilitated. In particular, we saw some remarkable sea turtle nesting beaches. In the Caribbean, as elsewhere in the world, turtles are under pressure from poaching, egg-gathering and incidental bycatch (by being caught in fishing nets). Luckily there is increased awareness in Grenada regarding how special these beaches are, and that many people, both visitors and residents of Grenada, would love an opportunity to see the magnificent spectacle of turtle nesting. There is a strong push to create guidelines for responsible guiding on the part of tour operators. Another current area of focus in Grenada at present is the preservation of the island's mangroves. Mangrove habitat is extremely important to a variety of species, and acts as an important natural buffer - critical to the hurricane-prone Caribbean in general, and to Grenada, where damage from 2004's Hurricane Ivan is still evident.

Antigua & Barbuda is a nation in the Leeward Islands in the West Indies. Antigua is relatively small in size - 108 square miles - and has a population of approximately 70,000. Antigua is a very popular tourist destination, with some three quarters of its residents reliant upon the industry for their livelihoods. Though affluent compared to other Caribbean nations, Antigua has received relatively little attention from conservation organizations. With our Antigua Field Representative Mykl Clovis as my guide, I had a busy two days on the island learning about its treasures and threats, and how Seacology might be able to help. I toured the Antigua Barbuda Waste Recycling Corporation in the capitol of St. John's. This project of the Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown is a truly remarkable model for not only the Caribbean, but for islands throughout the world. Waste management is a universal problem for islands, where space is limited, resources for proper management are often lacking, and the logistics involved in processing and facilitating recycling are often insurmountable (more on the facility from http://www.abwrec.com/index.php).

Mykl and I also toured the island's highest point, Mt. Obama; the mountain, previously Boggy Peak, was renamed in August 2009. The forested mountain offers beautiful panoramic views of the Caribbean, and is in the process of being turned into a national park with trails and other amenities. We also took a boat to tiny Great Bird Island, aptly named for its profusion of birds as well as home to the world's only population of the Antigua Racer snake.

The dry weather had finally broken in Antigua a few days prior to my arrival, so I was treated to a wonderful display of birds arriving in great flocks to fresh water areas on the island. Mykl's extensive knowledge of the ecology of the island, as well as close connections to local conservation organizations and like-minded individuals, made my stay in Antigua a productive and enjoyable one indeed.

My final stop in the Caribbean was Jamaica. Unfortunately, I had less than 48 hours to spend on this large, fascinating, and diverse island. The focus of my trip was to the 460,000-acre Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA). Only an hour from Kingston, this area contains the largest mangrove system in the country, along with extensive seagrass beds and coral reefs. The terrestrial area is vast as well, and is populated by 50,000 individuals residing in 44 communities. Approximately one fourth of Jamaica's fishers live and fish within the PBPA, the largest concentration in the country. I visited the PBPA with Krishna Desai, Seacology's Jamaica field representative. We went on a boat tour of the waters and mangrove areas with members of the local NGO C-CAM as well as members of the local fishers cooperative. C-CAM is working with the Fisheries Division to create three new "no-take" marine areas within the PBPA, with the close involvement and consultation of the fishers coop. It was fascinating to tour this very mixed-use protected area, and talk with the C-CAM and fishers coop representatives about their hopes for this important, habitat-rich area so close to the major urban hubbub of Kingston.

My only disappointment was that I did not see any of the area's large crocodile population. However, this was mitigated by the satisfaction I always feel after visiting with Seacology field representatives in their respective regions; our successes in identifying, launching and monitoring island projects is very much due to them. Thank you, Tyrone, Mykl and Krishna, for showing me your wonderful Caribbean islands!

World Oceans Day

2010-06-08T19:19:55Z

Happy World Oceans Day, everyone!

From food, to weather, to biodiversity, to beauty, the ocean is unparalleled in its importance to humans and all life on Earth. In 2009, the United Nations designated June 8 as an international day to celebrate oceans and all they provide for us.

]]> Here are some impressive ocean facts to get you inspired:

Oceans cover 70% of the Earth's surface, and contain 97% of our planet's water.
Oceans support the life of more than half of all Earth's species.
Oceans provide food and income for hundreds of millions of people around the world.

But we humans have an odd way of thanking the oceans. Today, oceans worldwide face countless threats. Most recently, we've all been watching the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which is wrecking havoc on the region's marine life, as well as the livelihoods of many who live near the Gulf. Oceans are also being dangerously overfished, with some species, like bluefin tuna, rapidly approaching extinction.

Ocean ecosystems are severely threatened by climate change through the process of ocean acidification, which is impairing the ability of coral reefs, crustaceans, and other marine life to survive in increasingly acidic waters. These and many other threats mean that it is more important than ever to celebrate World Oceans Day--now, and every day.

How can we become better ocean stewards? Seacology's Scientific Advisor and ocean expert Sylvia Earle has some ideas. Winner of the 2009 TED prize, Sylvia's wish is that we "use all the means at our disposal - films, expeditions, the web, new submarines, and more - to ignite public support for a global network of Marine Protected Areas - hope spots large enough to save and restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet."

Seacology is helping to make Sylvia's wish a reality. We have protected millions acres of coral reef and other marine habitat surrounding islands around the world. Our projects include everything from preserving Palau's Helen Reef, to conserving the Lakshadweep Archipelago in India, to safeguarding the marine habitat of Mexico's Guadalupe Island.

Join us in protecting the world's oceans, and from all of us at Seacology, happy World Oceans Day!

Can Travel Make Us Better People?

2010-06-04T18:24:41Z

Do you think travel can make the world a better place? Is it possible to make a positive contribution to a community just by visiting?

With our global scope, Seacology is a big fan of travel. Our board members, supporters, and staff frequently travel to islands around the world to visit Seacology project sites and meet with communities we've helped.

Now, Seacology has teamed up with Trazzler, an online travel website that recommends personalized travel experiences to its users. Trazzler allows you to submit personal, one-of-a-kind trip descriptions, and then share and suggest them to other Trazzler users. Trazzler promotes Smart Travel--trips that are more than just a visit, but instead allow you to truly explore the world around you as an active, rather than passive, traveler. Trazzler believes that travel can be a good thing in the world--that it can make the planet a better place to live, and make us more conscientious people and global citizens.

Seacology is helping Trazzler put this idea to the test. Trazzler users can enter the Smart Travel contest and submit their own trips. Two lucky winners will be selected to join Seacology on an ecotourism adventure to swim with humpback whales in South Pacific island of Tonga. Tonga is one of the few locations in the world where humans can swim with humpback whales. The 10-day trip will begin in Nuku'alofa, Tonga's capital and continue north to the Ha'apai island group, where travelers will have the opportunity to swim with humpback whales. In addition to up-close whale encounters, the trip will include opportunities for snorkeling and several night dives amidst Tonga's pristine coral reefs--and a visit to the Seacology project in the Ha'apai islands, where Seacology is establishing a marine reserve.

So what do you think--can travel make us better people? Join Trazzler today and share your life-changing trip experiences in the Smart Travel contest!

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Seacology Japan: Off the Beaten Path

2010-05-27T21:44:44Z

One of the many things that sets Seacology apart from other nonprofit organizations is our roster of international affiliates. We now have branches in Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. Recently, Seacology's Executive Director Duane Silverstein and Development Director Susan Racanelli traveled to Tokyo for a memorable visit with our good friends at Seacology Japan. Here's what Duane had to say about his trip:

Our first stop in Japan's capital was speaking at a seminar in front of 300 people. This seminar was brilliantly organized by Seacology Japan cofounder Akemi Yoshida. After my speech was completed it was a rather unusual experience to be surrounded by large numbers of people wanting my autograph or asking to have their picture taken with me (a photo with some supporters appears below). Some were so overcome with emotion they were even moved to tears. I don't think what I said or how I said it inspired them so much as the people of Japan having a strong affinity for Seacology's important work: the wonderful island people we help as well as the beautiful island species we protect. Whatever the reason we can only say domo arrigato - thank you very much!

]]> Before Susan and I were called upon to give another speech -- this one organized by Takemi and Michie Sekiguchi -- the Sekiguchis took us to the Old Tokyo (Edo) Museum. We were very fortunate that this museum has English speaking volunteer docents, one of whom spent an hour with us explaining the terrific exhibits. Besides enjoying ourselves we learned a lot. I did not know Japan was one of the first nations in the world to have bookstores available to the general public and that hundreds of years ago the publishing industry there was more active than its counterparts in the west. After a quick sushi dinner it was off to make our second speech of the day. This time it was Susan who was surrounded by crying admirers.

Early the next morning we headed north to the small village of Tadami where Seacology Prize recipient Koichi Kariya helped preserve an endangered ancient beech tree forest. (At right, a photo of us with the sign to the new Seacology path.) Tadami is quite remote and not easy to access, particularly in the winter as it receives more snow than any other village on Japan's main island of Honshu.We left bright and early on the Shinkansen, or bullet train, which travels at speeds of up to 185 mph. The ride is so smooth you have no sense you are traveling that fast. To say the shinkansen is efficient is an understatement. A few years ago, 160,000 Shinkansen trips were surveyed and the average Shinkansen train arrived within 6 seconds of the scheduled time!

Before we knew it we arrived at the station where Mr. Kariya picked us up. From there we had a two and a half hour drive to Tadami. The views of the snow capped mountains and rivers and lake below were spectacular (see photo below).

At Tadami we stayed at the Yurari Hotel. This is a very traditional inn. Most rooms were Japanese style with very little furniture, though the Yurari has a few western style rooms mostly for the younger generation of Japanese travelers. Susan and I were told that we were only the 9th and 10th westerners to stay there in the last year. When in Rome do as the Romans do, and when in Tadami do as the Tadamians do. And what the locals do here is take traditional Japanese baths in the mineral rich hotsprings. Men and women bath separately and do so au natural. Cleaning yourself off with a shower nozzle while sitting on a low stool before entering the baths is mandatory. After having visited the local hotsprings I can now see why this is such a popular custom in Japan. These springs are where the village members get together after a long day of work and not only relax in the hot water but share stories and bring each other up to date on the goings and comings in the village. I am sure tongues were wagging after my visit as very few westerners have ever visited this particular onsen (Japanese spa.)

That night, wearing the same traditional robes we wore to the onsen, Susan and I were the guests of honor at a Japanese banquet (see photo below). I don't know how many courses were served but I think I stopped counting at ten. The mayor of Tadami joined us and it was good to meet him and find out that he is a big supporter of Karyia san's work to protect the local forest. Akemi Chiba, the president and co founder of Seacology Japan, led the toasts and presented the mayor and us with gifts. Susan reciprocated on behalf of Seacology. After our remarkable dinner, the mayor invited us to join him in the adjacent karaoke bar. I have never sung karaoke before but it is impolite to say no in Japan. Since the mayor was asking, and we wanted to thank him for his support in saving the nearby forest, I took one for the team. Let's just say that my rendition of ABBA's Waterloo made up for in enthusiasm what it lacked in talent.

The next morning Karyiya-san led us on a four and a half hour hike of the surrounding beech forest, much of which would have been logged if not for his successful efforts to protect it. He is an inspiration to anyone who meets him and a terrific illustration of how one person can indeed make a huge difference. The hike was exhilirating and exquisite in its pristine beauty. The highlight was seeing the forest path now officially called Seacology Road.

We were only in Japan for four nights but we accomplished much. We recruited many new Seacology supporters, rekindled the excitment of existing Seacology supporters, visited the beech forest and Seacology Road and spent time with Kariya-san strategizing how he might continue to protect the forests that are so dear to him and such a precious natural treasure of Japan. It is nothing short of amazing to see how much Seacology Japan has accomplished in its short existence.

Protecting the Malaysian Rainforest

2010-05-21T17:48:57Z

The third largest island in the world, Borneo is politically divided between Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. In the northern half, the Malaysian state of Sarawak harbors extensive rainforests. Recently, however, many of these forests have been threatened by logging and tree and palm oil plantations. Malaysia is currently losing rainforest faster than any other nation in Asia, with the rate of deforestation increasing by a staggering 86% in recent years.

]]>

In the mountainous region of Belaga, Seacology is funding a project to ensure the protection of Malaysian forest. Belaga's Kenyah community is one of the last indigenous tribes that still depend of natural resources for their livelihood. The village of Mudung Abun, which means "Cloud Mountain" in the Kenyah language, lies in the Belagan mountains, and is home to a small community of hill paddy farmers.

With the support of local NGO partners, Seacology is collaborating with the community of Mudung Abun to construct a micro-hydro energy system. The system will harness the kinetic energy of a local stream to activate a generator and produce electricity. The energy from this system will provide electricity for the village's homes, community center, a women's cooperative shop, food processing center, and blacksmithing and welding workshops. It will also replace the diesel fuels currently used to power several generators and rice-milling machines, which are polluting and expensive. Switching to renewable power is expected to save the Mudung Abun community over $275,000 in fuel and maintenance costs over its lifespan.

In the spirit of community, Mudung Abun villagers have been collaborating to construct their new electrical system. Having cleared a trail to the stream, they are installing the pipes and erecting the weir (or dam) and forebay (area for holding water). The NGOs have also held workshops to educate the community about conservation and sustainable use of resources as well as the construction and benefits of the water system.

In exchange for Seacology's support of their micro-hydro system, Mudung Abun is setting aside a 1,236-acre area of watershed, guarding it against cultivation, logging, road construction, and other development. With this project, Seacology will be adding to the small but growing number of protected rainforest acreage in Malaysia. Stay tuned for news and pictures from the completed water system!