Recently in Cook Islands Category
Seacology recently celebrated the completion of our project in Muri in the Cook Islands, where we are protecting the region's fragile coral reef and surrounding lagoon.
Scattered across central Polynesia, the Cook Islands contain hundreds of miles of coral atolls and tropical lagoons. Inhabited by Polynesians since the 6th century, the islands were not discovered by Europeans for several more centuries, and were named after the 18th century explorer Captain James Cook. Formerly under the jurisdiction of New Zealand, the Cook Islands are now independently governed.
The largest of the fifteen islands, Rarotonga is encircled by shallow
lagoons and coral reefs. Home to numerous fish, seabirds, invertebrates, and
other species, coral reefs like those on Rarotonga are marine metropolises. The
corals themselves are small animals whose deposits of calcium carbonate make up
the foundation of the reef ecosystem. It is on these layers of hardened coral that other species build their lives (see picture
below). A rich variety of fish inhabit coral reefs, feeding off the many
smaller fish, invertebrates, and plants that thrive in reefs, using the
structures for habitat and protection. Some, such as the clownfish and
parrotfish, are known for their vibrant colors and patterns. Numerous
invertebrates, such as sea urchins and sponges, as well as seagrasses and
algae, also populate reefs. With such abundant life, larger animals, including
seabirds, marine turtles, dolphins, barracuda and sharks, live in or frequently
visit coral reefs, depending on them for sustenance.
Worldwide, coral reefs are among the most threatened of all ecosystems. High in biodiversity, they cover less than 1% of the world's oceans but contain about 25% of all identified marine species. Corals are highly susceptible to many environmental hazards, such as pollution, destructive fishing practices, and the harmful effects of climate change, particularly ocean acidification. With reefs disappearing so rapidly, it is imperative that intact reefs, such as those in Muri Lagoon, receive as much protection as possible.
Close to the reef is Muri Beach, a popular tourist destination that
features beautiful beaches and lagoons as well as coral reefs (see photo, below). Muri's corals were
recently threatened by preparations for the 2009 Pacific Mini Games--plans
included clearing a large portion of the lagoon for boating events. With the
local community adamant about conserving their lagoon and natural resources,
this development was soon halted, and the village sought to establish permanent
conservation restrictions for the area.
"Dollar for dollar, pound for pound, Seacology gets more output than any conservation group that I've seen. They're not giving money away, they're not making grants, they're making deals."
These signs act as an important reminder to the communities that the needed infrastructure we provide is not a handout; it is part of a trade-off in recognition of a commitment to conservation of their precious natural resources.
I thought I'd post photos of some of these signs.
The sign at left is on one of 11 schools in Madagascar's Mangoro region that received Seacology-funded repairs in exchange for community agreements to protect the last remaining habitat of the Mangoro Flying Fox. Due to hunting for bushmeat, uncontrolled fires and logging, just a few pockets of forest remain as roosts for these large bats. Seacology is also funding repairs to local municipal offices, and an educational component, with a conservation art competition scheduled to begin in early 2008. The winning artists will be awarded by members of the Seacology 2008 expedition to Madagascar and South Africa. Information on this trip can be found here. Click here for more information regarding the Mangoro project.
