SEACOLOGY E-NEWS UPDATE

Project Updates

TANZANIA, Pemba Island
Infrastructure and trail development, information and marketing materials, and ecotourism initiatives for community conservation of the Pemba flying fox (bat)
Seacology received a report from Pemba Island, Tanzania, outlining project progress in Kidike (northern Pemba) and Makoongwe (southern Pemba). Seacology funded the construction and maintenance of visitors’ centers and restrooms in both regions, as well as a trail through the forest and an eco-tourism project for the island. The visitors’ centers are still mid-construction and the restrooms are functional in both regions. The Kojani trail has been demarcated, constructed, and mapped. The maps include flying fox roost sites, cultural sites, trees, and mangroves.

The eco-tourism component of this project includes producing leaflets for visitors and identifying t-shirts for the trail guides. Local community members are also producing pottery and jewelry for sale as part of the eco-tourism project (pictured). Jewelry is available for sale at local hotels, with profits going to the Pemba Island community.
Full Project Description

INDONESIA, Waigeo Island
Solar power and radio for Araway Village; solar power for Beo Village; paved footpaths for Go Village, Kabilol Village, Kalitoko Village, Lopintol Village, Waifoy Village and Warimak Village; and public toilet and bathing facilities for Warsamdin Village in support of a 123,553-acre marine protected area
Arnaz Mehta, Seacology’s Southeast Asia field representative, sent a progress report on Waigeo, Indonesia last month. In Araway village, solar cells have been attached to power three lamps in each house. In Kabilol, the concrete path (pictured) is complete, and the connecting path in Waifoy village is also complete. Remaining work includes the completion of the concrete path (which eliminates mosquito breeding areas) in Warimak village and the wooden path in Kalitoko village.
Full Project Description

Save the Date

Thursday, October 2: Seacology Prize Ceremony, Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco
The Seacology Prize is awarded annually to an indigenous islander for exceptional achievement in preserving the environment and culture of any of the world’s 100,000-plus islands. This year we honor Ómar Ragnarsson from Iceland. Mr. Ragnarsson has spent years in a tireless struggle to bring global awareness of destructive dam projects taking place in the remote interior of his home island. At great sacrifice he has challenged one of the world’s largest aluminum companies as well as local, regional and national governments, to protect the pristine wilderness of Iceland.

Tuesday, September 9: Seacology Reception, New York City
Saturday, October 4: Seacology Reception, Los Angeles
Wednesday, October 15: Seacology Reception, London

Saturday and Sunday, October 25-26: Marin’s Glorious Glass Pumpkin Harvest, Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael
Please join us for this second-annual community event, celebrating the fall harvest and two non-profit organizations: Seacology and Falkirk Cultural Center. Hand-blown glass pumpkins of every size, color, and whimsy will be displayed across the Falkirk’s expansive lawn, creating a spectacle of amazing color and artistry. Thousands of fanciful glass pumpkins – each one an original work of art – will be on display as if grown on the center’s grassy slopes. Glass-blowing demonstrations and hand-blown marine creatures will be available at this year’s event! Proceeds from this weekend event will benefit Seacology and Falkirk.

Upcoming Seacology Travel
Red Sea, November 10 - 19

This Fall Seacology will be cruising the Southern Red Sea aboard the Royal Evolution (right), with seven full days of diving opportunities. Trip participants will visit Wadi El Gemal (Valley of the Camels) National Park to see Seacology’s project installing mooring buoys to protect coral reefs. The Red Sea’s large variety of healthy coral and its frequent shark sightings are just two of the reasons that the Red Sea is one of the most popular dive destinations in the world. Please contact Seacology if you are interested in joining this fantastic trip. More details can be found on our website. Please note that divers must have logged at least 50 dives to participate in this expedition.

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.

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.

Please note that as a courtesy to our most dedicated donors, board members and Fellows will receive trip invitations first. All other invitations will follow, space permitting, after the initial mailing. For information on our Fellows programs and other special benefits available to our most committed supporters, please contact Development Director Susan Racanelli at susan@seacology.org.

GlobalSave Supports Seacology with Customer-Designated Gifts

Seacology is pleased to announce a partnership with GlobalSave, a company started by two artists who take delight and inspiration from the beauty of nature. The artists encourage and support active efforts to protect and preserve precious natural resources. Their artwork is inspired by nature and displayed on a selection of environmentally responsible products.

GlobalSave's featured products are Fair Trade, Certified Organic 100% Cotton Heavyweight Shirts and Tote Bags, all meticulously printed in exquisite detail with water base inks. The artists and owners of GlobalSave have selected Seacology as one of the conservation organizations they support. When you purchase one of the artists' products, please designate Seacology as the recipient organization; we will receive $2.00 per purchase (approximately 20% of the net profit) from GlobalSave.

New Partnerships for Seacology

Seacology is pleased to announce new partnerships with GiveBackAmerica and Go Green Travel Green. With GiveBackAmerica, you can shop hundreds of stores - from Amazon to Zappos - and a portion of each purchase will go to Seacology. With Go Green Travel Green, search for flights and hotels on the eco-sensitive site and Seacology will receive a portion of their profits!

Seacology Around the Web

Seacology's Island Environment Blog