June 2011 Archives

Want to help Seacology protect islands? Now just one click can make a big difference: If you "Like" Seacology's nomination here, you can help us win a Classy Award. Dubbed the Oscars of Philanthropy, The Classy Awards recognize top philanthropic achievements around the United States. Winners receive national exposure and more than $150,000 in cash and prizes. To be considered, Seacology needs 100 Facebook Likes before July 24. Please help us help islands by Liking our page here and sharing the link with your family and friends!  http://www.stayclassy.org/stories/seacology-saves-islands

Above, villagers in Terian, Borneo, present a sash to Seacology in thanks for funding of a micro-hydro power system. 

Seacology's Board of Directors recently approved seven new island conservation projects. Our work can now be found on 120 islands in 45 countries around the world, protecting over 1.9 million acres of coral reef, mangroves, rainforests, and other island ecosystems. Below are brief summaries of our new projects; stay tuned for more photos and details in the future.

 

Indonesia - Misool Area, Raja Ampat

Community building in support of a 40,300 hectare (99,583 acre) no-take marine area.

 

Indonesia - Pelilit Village, Nusa Penida Island, Bali

Funding for planting 33,900 tree saplings and construction of a turtle guard post in exchange for the creation of 33.5 hectares (83 acres) of "no-take" forest and a one-half hectare (1.2 acre) "no-take" turtle-nesting beach.

Jamaica - Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary

Establishing a furnished field office and providing equipment for the enforcement of the 150 acre Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary.

Mexico - Isla Natividad, Baja California

Cabin for ecotourists, surfers, and scuba divers, in exchange for the protection of a 1,120 acre protected area, including three islets.

 

Papua New Guinea - Wanang Community, Papua New Guinea

Permanent classroom facility in exchange for the expansion of a community conservation area from 1,100 hectares (2,718 acres) to 2,200 hectares (5,436 acres) for a minimum duration of 25 years.

 

Philippines - Barangay Malhiao, Municipality of Badian, Cebu Province

Boardwalk and viewing deck in support of a 73 hectare (180 acre) mangrove area.

 

Tanzania - Bumbwini-Mkokotoni Bay, on Unguja Island, Zanzibar

Alternative livelihood and mangrove planting in support of the conservation and protection of 610 hectares (1,507 acres) of mangroves for a minimum duration of 14 years. 

Above, a community member in the local mangrove on Unguja Island in Zanzibar. 

Worldwide, scientists have identified ecological "hotspots," or regions with significant biodiversity that are facing dire threats from humans. With their abundance of unique plants and animals, islands are often numbered about the planet's hotspots, but now one set of islands is calling itself "the hottest of the hotspots."  The Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia containing over 7,000 islands, is one of the world's most diverse places, but because of human activity, the rate of species is extinction is about 1,000 times the natural rate, said Undersecretary Demetrio Ignacio of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In the Philippines, as in many islands, the primary threat is from habitat loss due to deforestation and coral reef destruction. It is estimated that less than six percent of the Philippines' original forests remain intact, along with only five percent of its marine habitats, and these practices continue to destroy the remaining environments. At least on land, the country is seeking to stem this tide of biodiversity loss, with reforestation programs. But the country lacks cannot afford to adequately protect all its marine and coastal areas from destruction, and threats to both forest and coral reefs continue to multiply.

   

Above, two of the Philippines' many endangered species: the Philippine Eagle and the Balabac Mouse-Deer.