2020 Annual Report Why islands?

Seacology is dedicated to protecting island environments around the world. eacology focuses only on islands Our approach tackles both environmental because in the last 500 years, more threats and humanitarian challenges. than half of all animal extinctions Our projects create marine and terrestrial have occurred on islands. They are crucial reserves on islands while improving the Sto preserving the Earth’s . quality of life for local people. From coral reefs to forests, We start by asking islanders what the world’s islands house a multitude of land or sea area they want to protect. unique habitats. Then they identify a communal need can provide, such as a school But island communities are under or a freshwater delivery system. It’s a increasing pressure to boost economic win for the environment and for the development, even at the cost of people who depend on it. environmental damage.

Message from the Chair...... 3 Finances...... 9 Travel...... 26 Who we are...... 4 Project highlights...... 10 Seacology Prize...... 27 Where we work...... 5 New projects...... 21 Our supporters...... 6 Seacology in the news...... 25

2 Progress in uncertain times

emarkably, 2020 was a year of progress in Seacology’s mission to protect precious terrestrial and marine habitats on islands by partnering with . As a small not-for-profit organization headquartered in Berkeley, California, Seacology has had Ra disproportionately large impact on island conservation throughout the world. Residents of Setāfaō Saipipi, Consider Kangaroo Island, southwest of the city of Adelaide in South , lay the . Wildfires raged uncontrollably across this 4,400-kilometer2 foundation for a Seacology-funded island, nearly half of which remains in primary vegetation because community center. of its isolation from mainland Australia. While global sentiment was properly focused on the unique mammals there, including kangaroos and koalas, at Seacology we sought to identify keystone species— species that hold the entire together—and became deeply concerned about the endemic green carpenter bees, which are major pollinators. Since the 2020 bushfires destroyed most of the trees that the bees nest in, we joined forces with the Wheen Bee Foundation to construct artificial nests for were recognized by the visit of the Cook Island Prime Minister to the these unusual bees, providing nesting space Seacology offices in Berkeley. sufficient for four years during the crucial fire recovery period for the vegetation. That way From to the to the Dominican Republic, the bees can continue to pollinate the plants the generous gifts of people like you have allowed us to extend our that provide the basis of the ecosystem and all conservation efforts to islands in 65 different countries. Our message other species on the island. of win-win solutions in which indigenous peoples covenant to protect precious island habitats in return for schools, medical clinics, solar In the South Pacific, Seacology has provided electrification and other needed community improvements has been major funding in support of the largest well received. I invite you to explore Seacology’s successes in this marine reserve in the world, Marae annual report, and to consider joining us as we continue to conserve Moana, in the Cook Islands. Here, some of the most fragile and important in the world. the indigenous Cook Islanders play a key role in making this reserve Cordially, a reality. Seacology is partnering with the Cook Island Voyaging Society, which takes traditional sailing craft throughout the islands to teach schoolchildren the conservation wisdom of , Ph.D. their elders. Seacology’s efforts Chair, Seacology Board of Directors

3 Who we are

Our team

Board of Directors Field Representatives Paul Alan Cox, Ph.D. Chair Africa Donald M. Arntz Dishon Lionel Murage East Africa Scott S. Halsted Douglas Herst President The Americas David Holland Mykl Clovis Fuller Antigua & Shanna Jamieson Treasurer Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Masayuki Kishimoto Kitts Barbara Meyer Claudio Delgado Chile Ken Murdock Vice Chair Leida Buglass Dominican Republic Kimberly Myers Hewlett Vice President Tyrone Buckmire Grenada Peter Read Krishna Desai Jamaica Kristin M. Reed Vice President Marcio Halla Brazil Michael Staffieri Enrique Michaud Peru Sandie N. Tillotson Vice President Marisol Rueda Flores Mexico Sonia M. Toledo Cecilia Suárez Uruguay Jake Walker Marcos Terete Guatemala Michael Ward Crystal Vance Guerra Honduras Marsha Garces Williams Scott Wilson Europe Former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna, center, visits Seacology’s office to meet with our staff, Marilen Enseñat Spain board members, and Fellows in January 2020. Indian Ocean Staff Vineeta Hoon India and Bangladesh Duane Silverstein Executive Director Erik Patel Madagascar Kevin Claassen Accounting Manager Leela Padmini Batuwitage Joseph Clerici Communications Associate Erin Coyne Institutional Giving Officer Pacific Ocean Amanda Kirkhart Program Assistant Tuaine Tuara Cook Islands Karen Peterson Senior Manager of Pettine Simpson Special Initiatives Simon Ellis Micronesia Mary Randolph Program Manager Sam Moko Papua New Guinea Michael Scott Individual Philanthropy Manager Sione Faka’osi Tonga

Southeast Asia Scientific Advisory Board Pisit Charnsnoh Ferdinand Marcelo Philippines Paul Cox, Ph.D. Irman Meilandi Indonesia , Ph. D. Christopher Wright Malaysia , Ph.D. Thomas Elmqvist, Ph.D. Robert Jansen, Ph.D. Affiliates John McCosker, Ph.D. John Ogden, Ph.D. Seacology Japan Elizabeth Pierson, Ph.D. Seacology Germany William E. Rainey, Ph.D. Seacology UK Field Representative Chris Wright, second from right, and Program manager Mary Randolph, right, Peter H. Raven, Ph.D. sign a conservation agreement with community representatives in Malaysia. Edward O. Wilson, Ph.D.

4 4 Our global reach in 2020

Iceland 2

Ireland 1 Germany Wales 1 United States Spain Portugal 2 1 Japan 7 China 4 The Bahamas 1 Federated States of Micronesia Mexico 1 Turks & Caicos 21 Cuba 1 6 Dominican Republic 1 Cayman 8 1 India Egypt 1 Taiwan Islands 1 1 U.S. Virgin Islands 9 2 Tuvalu 3 1 South Belize 5 2 St. Kitts and Nevis 1 Bangladesh Honduras 4 3 29 Philippines Pacific 3 Antigua Cape Vietnam Islands Verde Thailand Guatemala 1 Nicaragua 1 2 1 Dominica 3 Palau 1 Colombia 8 French Costa Rica 1 5 Grenada Uganda 1 13 Polynesia 1 1 Panama 4 Jamaica 9 Kenya 6 Malaysia Papua New Guinea Cook 3 1 Sri Lanka Ecuador 49 9 Islands 3 Indonesia 7 8 Seychelles Peru 2 11 Madagascar # Number of projects 1 Australia 4 3 American Field representative Chile 7 8 Samoa 6 2 Uruguay Samoa International affiliate 26 5 Fiji Seacology Prize recipient Tonga Seacology headquarters 1 Argentina Solomon 1 Islands

337 projects • 64 countries • eight full-time staff • 24 field representatives 5 Our supporters

CHIEF ULU FELLOWS ISLAND FELLOWS SEACOLOGY FELLOWS ($25,000 or more) $10,000-$24,999 $2,500-$9,999 Robert Dion and Mary O’Malley Anonymous Yvonne Adams and Jeremy Green John and Marcia Goldman Judy Rosenthal Robert Epstein and Amy Roth Albert Chao Carl Anderson Freya Hermanson and Kenneth Jozef Ruck Maja Kristin Terri Hearsh Yumi Ando Mahaffey Joseph Scalzo Stephen Silberstein Bob and Rosie Heil Larry Barels Michael Hofman and Janet Moyer Rand and Carol Selig Arthur Kern Renee Boicourt Cynthia Hubach Elizabeth and Noah Silverman Murray and Jeanie Kilgour Iain Boltin Reed Kathrein and Yuliya Wiseman Duane Silverstein and Marcia Stewart Judah Slavkovsky Pete Boyce John and Janet Kister Howard and Ann Sohn Anne Symchych Michael Burbank Kris Knoernschild Greg and Liz Sparks Paul and Leigh Tischler Daniel A. Carroll Annette Leckie Gilda and Warren Sprung Greg and Patti White Craig Chiappone Valerie London Barbara Sweet Karen and Burt Yarkin Yvon and Malinda Chouinard Rabbi Brian and Caroline Fromm Lurie Christine A. Symchych and Virginia Coogler Mary Love May and Paul Gabrielson James P. McNulty Dina Cowan Barbara Meyer Cherri and Randall Tom Virginia and Peter Dimsey Taka Moriuchi/Axe Taka, Inc. Cindy and Richard Troop Cheryl Disque Michael Neidorf Sally and Ron Wackowski Robert and Michelle Friend Dana Nojima and Elaine Lyford-Nojima Jake Warner and Toni Ihara Markus Fromherz and Heike Schmitz Rachel Orman Jacqueline Wender Ed Herbert and May Fung Tom and Jamel Perkins Julissa and Wayne Westerman Theodore Geballe William S. Price III Mary and Harold Zlot The Goldberg Family Buffy Redsecker and Alan Chung

Seacology is fortunate to receive many gifts under $2,500 and we deeply appreciate every contribution. Each gift we receive is important to our efforts to protect the world’s islands.

CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Anonymous Hellman Foundation Ray and Dagmar Dolby Fund In 2020, all Seacology Board members made generous personal gifts. Board 11th Hour Racing Jamieson Foundation The Eucalyptus Foundation contributions represent a significant portion of Seacology’s total fundraising. We are Argus Fund Mariposa Fund The Margot Marsh Biodiversity most grateful for the generosity and leadership of each Seacology Board member. Arntz Family Foundation Moore Family Foundation Foundation Bernard Osher Foundation Newman and Zeneth Ward Family The Rose & David Dortort Foundation Flora Family Foundation Foundation The White Pine Fund Hamill Family Foundation Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation Yerba Buena Fund

6 6 Our supporters

CROWDFUNDING DONORS These individuals and several anonymous donors contributed to our 2020 crowdfunding campaign, helping us to far exceed our goal. The money raised is allowing us to provide several years worth of artificial nesting materials on Kangaroo Island for the endemic insects, which lost most of their natural habitat to wildfires.

Anonymous Matt Kelly John Alcock Kevin and Cynthia Kirkhart Elisa and Russ Berger Amanda Kirkhart Peter and Linda Bernhardt Larry and Joy Knicl David Blockstein Rachel Lee Iain Boltin Lisa Lefebvre Ilona Bray Helen Logie Erin C. Gregg Mayer Kevin and Jennette Claassen Shane Meyer Russ Cohen Katharine Milton Paul & Barbara Cox Bob Moffatt Chris Curtis and Beverly Galloway Dana & Elaine Ann Danforth Ohio Bee Fan Fran Dever David Peattie Elizabeth D. Karen Peterson Emily Doskow John Pohlman Gail Drulis Susan Racanelli Jon Eager Michael Scott Sandra Easley Cora and Margot Smith Naomi Feger Stephanie Shain Artificial nesting stalk installed by our local partners, the Wheen Bee Foundation. Winnie Fu William and Judy Shepherd Frederica Gamble Julie Shimko Steve Gardner Duane Silverstein Ms. Eliot Girsang Keaton Snyder Glenn Steiner family Laura Graye Cindy W Nan Guslander Selby Walker Dawn Hawk Jake Walker Doug & Leni Herst Wayne Westerman Sharon Hotham Wild Earth Expeditions Janna Katz Lindy Williams Jeff & Karin Cate Wolfe Judith and Gareth Scott Z.

© James Dorey

7 Our supporters

ISLAND LEGACY SOCIETY Anonymous Hank and Jane Goichman Mark Murzin* and Krista Knoernschild Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Selig Frank W. and Margaret B. Adelstein Fund* Mr. G. Morgan Griffin Dana Nojima and Elaine Lyford-Nojima Duane Silverstein and Marcia Stewart Marie-Louise Ansak Craig Grube Matsuno Kuhara Patrick Rose & Arthur Silverstein Memorial Fund* Larry and Wendy Barels Charitable Remainder Trust Scott Halsted Mickey Petersen Charitable Fund* Mr. Lindley S. Sloan Michael Burbank & Cindy Roberts Doug and Leni Herst Karen Peterson Michael and Marilyn Staffieri Family Trust Kimo Campbell* Michael N. Hofman and Janet Moyer Peter Pistor Sandie N. Tillotson Foundation Paul and Barbara Cox The Hotham Family Trust Robert D. Plotnick and Gay L. Jensen Cindy and Richard Troop Rosalind Douglas Trust* Cynthia Hubach, Shari Sant Plummer James L. Walker, IV Graham Farrar Living Trust in honor of Richard A. Hubach, PhD. John C. and Susan C. Racanelli Alex Weinstein, MD and Betty Helton, MD Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Feigenbaum* Carlton A. Hubbell Trust* Gordon Radley Erin West Kathryn Fox-Winokur Shanna Jamieson Kristin Reed Herbert A. West Susan Friedman Dr. Kimberly Johnson Judith Rosenthal Greg and Pat White Christy Gavitt Sara Katz James and Gretchen Sandler Marsha Garces Williams Eliot Girsang & Richard Wilson Masayuki Kishimoto Guy and Jeanine Saperstein Kathleen Goetten* Mr. Raleigh Klein Joseph and Catherine Scalzo * in memoriam Ken Murdock

Members of the Island Legacy Society have made a commitment to protecting islands for future generations to enjoy by making a planned gift to Seacology. To join the Island Legacy Society:

• Make a gift to Seacology in your estate plan through your financial advisor. • Contact Seacology’s Development Department at (510) 559-3505 or islands@ seacology.org, and we will send you a Letter of Intent to complete and return to us.

8 Finances

eacology’s ongoing commitment to majority of our spending went directly to Statement of financial activity Sfinancial efficiency resulted in another our projects. More details and documents January 1 through December 31, 20201 year of top marks from charity-rating are available at seacology.org/about/ services. In 2020, the overwhelming annual-reports. Support and Revenue Foundation grants $ 653,900 Donations and bequests $ 2,093,786 Expenses Public support SBA Payroll Protection Program Grant $ 132,300 In-kind contributions $ 90,857 Total public support $ 2,970,843

Expedition Income, net of expenses $(8,995) Event income, net of expenses $(129) Interest/investment income $1,095,275 Miscellaneous $ 1,816 Total revenue $1,087,967 Total support and revenue $4,058,810

Expenses Program services $1,808,085 Management and general $146,790 Fundraising $316,659 Conservation programs (80%) Donations and bequests (71%) Total expenses $2,271,534 Management and General (6%) Foundation grants (22%) Fundraising (14%) In-kind contributions (3%) Change in net assets $1,787,276 SBA Payroll Protection Program (4%)

1These figures are unaudited. To request copies of previous years’ audited financial statements prepared by Doran & Associates, Certified Public Accountants, please contact the Seacology office. The 2020 audited financial statements will be available in June 2021.

9 9 Project highlights

Working in a new world just to name a few. And we will soon begin Seacology’s second nationwide n March 16, 2020, along with project, which will protect mangrove millions of our neighbors ecosystems across the Dominican in northern California, Republic. Seacology’s staff entered a new Oreality when health officials issued The pandemic has greatly a stay-at-home order. We quickly complicated our work, of course. packed up computers, files, and Many of our field representatives personal items in our modest — the two dozen people around Berkeley office and moved daily the globe who work with island operations into our homes. None communities to develop Seacology of us expected that we wouldn’t be projects — have been unable to visit together again for more than a year. project sites. Supply chains have been disrupted, delaying the delivery We also had no idea how the of building materials. People in pandemic might affect our projects partner organizations have fallen ill around the world. But we’re proud with COVID-19 but have, thankfully, to say that Seacology has not only recovered. made do under these unprecedented circumstances, but that we’ve been In some cases, we’ve been able to delighted by the progress we’ve seen directly help communities cope and the continued generosity of with the fallout of the pandemic. Seacology supporters. Many island communities suffered devastating economic losses when During 2020, we launched 19 new international tourism dried up or projects and finished several existing foreign markets were cut off. To ones successfully. We expanded provide other sources of income, our work into new countries and several recent Seacology projects territories, including Spain and focus on local , offering a Bonaire. We rallied support to save lifeline to places historically reliant on an endangered bee species whose foreign visitors. habitat was decimated by bushfires in Australia. Working with dedicated To the many generous Seacology local partners and organizations, supporters who helped keep our our projects protected in work going strong, we are deeply the Philippines, in Borneo, grateful. and endangered in Palau,

10 Project highlights

Australia In late 2019 and early 2020, bushfires raged across crowdfunding campaign (see page 7), we were Australia, countless endemic species. One such able to provide critically needed artificial nesting case was the green carpenter bee, found only in materials on Kangaroo island, offering the Kangaroo Island two small areas of the country. burrowing pollinators a temporary home while Thanks to many contributions to our 2020 their natural habitat recovers.

11 Project highlights

Chile Members of the indigenous Mapuche-Huilliche Archipelago. Seacology is supporting their efforts community are working to establish a huge by funding a waste-management facility to help new marine reserve that will protect more than the islanders combat plastic waste and other Autení Island 700 square miles of pristine waters in the Chiloé pollution in the area. Project highlights

Cook Islands The Cook Islands has taken the unprecedented support is critical for any ambitious conservation step of declaring the entirety of the nation’s waters plan to succeed, so Seacology is supporting a marine reserve, called Marae Moana (“sacred this initiative with a nationwide awareness and Marae Moana ocean”). Experience has shown us that local education campaign.

13 Project highlights

Dominican Republic Working with the local fishing community, this new fishing promote sustainable multifaceted project helps protect a diverse livelihoods, develop ecotourism, and organize the coastal ecosystem, including mangroves, local community to keep the wetlands thriving Boca Chica beds, and coral reefs. The project will help a and free of pollution.

14 Project highlights

Federated States of Micronesia This atoll in the state of Chuuk is surrounded by target for poachers. more than 25,000 acres of legally protected waters A Seacology-funded ranger station on the and high biodiversity. Unfortunately, the lack of previously uninhabited atoll will allow for full-time Kuop Atoll consistent enforcement made the area a frequent monitoring of the expansive marine reserve.

15 Project highlights

Fiji A community hall funded by Seacology served reinforced building offered shelter and safety to an unintended—but essential—purpose for this families forced to flee their homes. The people of village just months after it was completed. As Koroleuvu continue to honor their commitment to Korolevu Village Cyclone Yasa, a category-5 storm, swept across protect nearly 3,000 acres of land, marine habitat, the country causing widespread destruction, the and mangroves.

16 Project highlights

Indonesia In exchange for a pledge to protect 128 acres materials and provide jobs. The processed of rainforest, Seacology funded a bamboo- bamboo is both a valuable export and useful for processing facility to help this village on the local infrastructure, like this livestock pen. It’s our Mandalamekar island of Java to produce sustainable construction second successful project with the community.

17 Project highlights

Madagascar Marojejy National Park is a World Heritage Site to combat these threats through ecotourism: that is home to at least 10 species of lemurs and by renovating accommodations, it increases other endemic wildlife. Unfortunately, like much of the presence of visitors, which deters illegal Mandena, Manantenina, Madagascar’s forests, the park is under increasing cutting. It also helps combat poverty, a major pressure from logging and encroachment from driver of deforestation in the country, by offering and Ambohimanarina agriculture. employment as guides, porters, and housekeepers, Our project supports a two-pronged strategy to local people. Villages 18 Project highlights

Philippines A 250-meter boardwalk built along the edge of Several members of the community received Busuanga Island’s mangrove forest offers visitors training and certification to work as guides as part unparalleled views, and provides a perfect vantage of our project, which protects hundreds of acres of Barangay Bogtong point for birdwatchers and hikers. the mangroves.

19 Project highlights

United States of America Our first project in the Pacific Northwest supports and germinated seeds of carbon-trapping, erosion a novel method of seagrass restoration in the San fighting eelgrass and deposited them in degraded Juan Islands. Working with a team of experts from areas. It’s a first step toward repairing a foundation Westcott Bay the University of Washington, the project collected of the ecosystem after decades of decline.

20 New projects

Location Conservation benefit Community benefit

Australia Protection of 874-acre island for Solar power to replace Big Dog Island, 10 years diesel generators Tasmania

Australia Artificial nesting stalks for green carpenter bees, threatened with Kangaroo Island extinction

Bonaire (Caribbean Protection of last individuals of the critically endangered Bonaire Netherlands) palm

Cook Islands Community support for Marae Moana, the world’s largest marine Marae Moana park Seacology began

Dominican Republic Protection of a 13-acre marine Support of new Boca Chica area including mangroves, Fishermen’s Ecotourism seagrass, and for 15 Coop, including training years and equipment new19 projects Funding provided by Nu Skin Force For Good Foundation in 2020

21 21 New projects

Location Conservation benefit Community benefit

Dominican Republic Protection of a 66-acre area Mangrove nursery and El Tablón Ecological consisting of lagoon, mixed planting, bird feeders Park vegetation, and mangrove and nesting structures, habitat for 15 years apiculture facilities, and infrastructure and equipment for ecotourism

Honduras Restoration of five acres of Repair of 1,500-foot Guanaja Island mangroves and one acre of mangrove walkway; new watershed welcome center at airport

India Protection of four kilometers of Resource and ecotourism Wandoor Village coastline and 50 acres of forest training center South Andaman Island for 10 years By late 2020, Indonesia Protection of 7,660 acres of Facility to raise baby crabs Sungai Nibung Village, mangrove forest for 20 years for release into forest; our projects had Borneo drone, walkie-talkies protected Malaysia Conservation of 950 acres of Trails and shelters Rungus Nahaba Village, community forest watershed for for ecotourism; Borneo 15 years documentation of traditional knowledge acres610,737 of terrestrial Funding provided by Nu Skin Force For Good Foundation island habitat. 22 New projects

Location Conservation benefit Community benefit

Mexico New 939-acre no-fishing area Lobster shelters to Cayo Alcatraz for five years (then subject to promote sustainable renewal) fishery; composting toilets

Palau Permanent protection of 400 Shelter and composting Ngerkeklau Island acres of seagrass toilet for park rangers; floating dock

Philippines Protection of 277-acre marine Community center, Alabat Municipality, area and 47 acres of mangroves boardwalk for ecotourism Luzon Island for 20 years and environmental education

Philippines Protection of 969 acres of 200-meter mangrove forest Bogtong, mangroves for 15 years boardwalk and interpretive By late 2020, Busuanga Island signs our projects had protected Jeff by Photo Samoa Protection of 40 acres of marine Expanded conservation Setāfaō Saipipi Village area for 25 years building, perimeter for 781,689acres of marine Funding provided by Nu Skin Force For Good Foundation island habitat. 23 23 New projects By the end of 2020 Seacology had Location Conservation benefit Community benefit launched

Spain Seagrass protection Mobile app that lets Formentera Island boats avoid anchoring on seagrass 337projects Thailand Protection of 494-acre island and Conservation and on islands in Tang Len Island two islets for 10 years education center

United States Reseeding of 13 acres of seagrass Westcott Bay, San Juan Island countries.64 Wales, United Replanting of seagrass areas damaged by mooring chains; Kingdom new eco-moorings Porthdinllaen Village

Funding provided by Nu Skin Force For Good Foundation

24 24 Seacology in the news

New Indian Express, January 6, 2020 “Tamil Nadu local body polls: Seaweed collector to Panchayat union”

Commonwealth Club of California podcast, January 8, 2020 “Henry Puna, Prime Minister, The Cook Islands” (moderated by Seacology’s Duane Silverstein)”

CNN, February 6, 2020 “How Sri Lanka’s mangrove forests can save lives”

New Internationalist, April 14, 2020 “Saving Rivers, Saving Lives”

Icarus Complex Magazine, June 16, 2020 “Resilience is about learning to thrive under uncertainty”

Planetary Health Alliance, June 18, 2020 “Coastal Conservation Takes Root”

Cook Islands News, July 15, 2020 “Marae Moana receives $160k grant”

Cook Islands News, August 21, 2020 “Into the teeth of the wind”

Economynext, August 28, 2020 “Courts orders investigation into “wilful destruction” in Anawilundawa sanctuary”

Mongabay, November 3, 2020 “Colombia: illegal parrotfish fishing puts Seaflower reefs in check” (translated)

Around the Buoy, December 16, 2020 “EP 52: 11th Hour Racing and Clean Oceans”

Be A Wave Maker: 24 Inspiring Stories About Ocean Protection © 2020 Vera Kruithof

25 Travel

Our guests enjoyed a week of dives across the archipelago. Members of our expedition helped plant trees on Ngerkeklau Island.

n February, a group of shipwrecks, and enjoyed close Palau’s pristine environment and Dive with us in Seacology staff, board encounters with the area’s helping plant native trees raised Imembers, field representatives, thriving marine life. in a Seacology-funded nursery. and their guests set sail on the Palau Ocean Hunter liveaboard and On the island of Ngerkeklau, the Within days of our guests embarked on a week of dives group visited our latest project returning from the expedition, February 20-29, 2020 across the Pacific archipelago site in the country, meeting the the COVID pandemic would of Palau. The group explored inspiring local conservation make international travel Seacology invites you to join us for a unique diving leaders working to preserve impossible for more than a year. experience in the tropical archipelago of Palau. expansive coral reefs and

Our local partner, the Ebiil Society, welcomes the group at a local aquarium and interpretive center.

26 Seacology Prize

OurOmar 2020 recipient Abdallah has set aJuma powerful example for community-led conservation along Kenya’s coast

ast Africa’s coast and islands are home to thriving coral reefs, dense mangrove forests, and seagrass beds–all of which have been strained by rapid population growth, overfishing, and poor regulation. Kenyan communities are responsible for Econserving their local marine resources, but historically, few of them took action.

In recent years, however, communities have stepped up, thanks in large part to the efforts of people like Mr. Juma. He brokered lasting conservation partnerships between Kenya’s government, NGOs, and the communities of Wasini Island.

A lifelong resident of the island, Mr. Omar, as he’s known locally, was an early proponent of a community marine reserve there. As a leader of the Wasini Beach Management Unit (BMU), the community organization that manages local marine resources, he worked for years with island residents, government entities, and local environmental leaders, including 2014 Seacology Prize recipient Ali Shaibu Shekue, to establish a 2700-acre marine protected area. The reserve stabilized local fish populations and has become a model for locally managed conservation.

About the Seacology Prize Many foundations recognize exemplary achievements by scientists, educators, business leaders, and other individuals who work toward conservation. Seacology has chosen to recognize heroic achievement by people who seldom receive any publicity: indigenous leaders who risk their own lives and well-being to protect their island’s ecosystems and culture.

The Seacology Prize is underwritten by Ken Murdock, Vice Chair of Seacology, in memory of his mother, Lalovi Fish Murdock.

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