Island Update Spring/Summer 2015 • VOL. 17, NO. 1 SEACOLOGY Protecting the unique habitats and cultures of islands worldwide

IN THIS ISSUE

Letter from the Chair...... 2

Featured Project: ..... 3 Photo: Teng Wei Teng Photo:

Project Updates...... 4-5

New Projects...... 6

New Personnel...... 6

Seacology Fellows...... 7 Miraculous n the nearly quarter-century since Seacology’s farms. In some poor nations like Haiti, local people Save the Date founding, we have led dozens of projects around lacking other economic opportunities have cut them Our annual Seacol- Ithe world to preserve and restore down to sell as firewood. In Sri Lanka, the proliferation ogy Prize Ceremo- habitats. With several new projects, including the of shrimp farms and damage caused by a decades long ny is scheduled for launch of the largest project in Seacology’s history, civil war destroyed portions of its mangrove habitat. Thursday, October designed to protect all of the mangrove habitats in It’s estimated that worldwide, more than half of the 8th at the David the nation of Sri Lanka (see page 3), we’re taking this planet’s total mangrove acreage has been lost in the Brower Center in important facet of our work to the next level. past 50 years. Berkeley, Calif. We’ll be announcing The ecological importance of mangrove forests is widely Seacology is leading efforts to reverse this trend. In the winner in a recognized across the conservation community. These Sri Lanka, we aim to protect 21,782 acres of existing couple of months at seacology. resilient trees, which take root in the mud below shallow mangroves and replant another 9,600. In Haiti, where org/about/seacology-prize. brackish water, provide shelter from predators for the we’ve just launched our first project in more than 20 young of many reef fish species, replenishing fisheries years, we’re helping plant 100,000 mangrove seedlings and supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on and funding alternative livelihood training to curb the them. They dissipate the force of tropical storms and re- deforestation. On the island of Kosrae, Micronesia, we’ve iSLAND duce damage to coastal communities. And perhaps most helped establish a 1,468-acre no-take Marine Protected importantly, mangroves sequester even more carbon Area containing pristine mangrove and reef habitats. StewardsSeacology monthly donor program from the atmosphere than terrestrial , playing a key role in efforts to mitigate . This progress is possible thanks to dedicated local communities and partner NGOs on the ground, doing But unfortunately, mangroves are under threat. the day-to-day work of protection and restoration. In Protect Islands Year-Round particular, we would like to acknowledge the critically Around the world, countless acres of mangrove habitat important role that the Mangrove Action Project plays This spring, Seacology launched Island Stewards, our new monthly have been cleared for coastal development or shrimp in protecting mangroves throughout the world. giving program. For as little as $10 a month, you can help keep Sea- These success stories are just a few recent examples cology’s work going strong all year of how your support for Seacology helps us preserve long. Island Stewards will receive these essential habitats for future generations. special recognition in future an- Thank you! nual reports and a unique gift from Haiti one of our project sites for each Kosrae The green areas show the year of membership. For more distribution of mangrove forests information and to sign up, visit Sri around the globe. Adapted from seacology.org/islandstewards or Lanka map by Chandra Giri, USGS call (510) 559-3505.

1623 Solano Avenue • Berkeley, CA 94707 • USA • Tel: 510/559-3505 • Fax: 510/559-3506 • [email protected] • www.seacology.org 2

From the Chair Dear friends, Mangrove forests, which typically encircle tropical islands and coastlines, represent truly unique . SEACOLOGY First, mangrove trees are some of the few plants in the world that give live birth: the seeds of many mangrove species germinate and produce seedlings while still hanging on their parent trees. Second, Board of Directors as the interface between the sea and the land, mangroves play a crucial role as the protective nursery Donald M. Arntz for fish, seabirds, and even rare orchids. Third, mangroves are some of the most beautiful ecosystems Michael Burbank, President , Ph.D., Chair in the world. Whether you are paddling a kayak in the Florida Keys or walking along a scenic board- Scott S. Halsted walk in Micronesia, mangroves, with their beautiful stilt roots and red bark, are some of the most Douglas Herst, Vice President awe-inspiring forests in the world. Suzanna Jamieson, Treasurer Masayuki Kishimoto Unfortunately, mangroves are also the most endangered forests in the Barbara Meyer Ken Murdock, Vice Chair world. Mangroves are often bulldozed away to make room for garbage Kimberly Myers Hewlett dumps, shrimp ponds, industrial yards and other ill-conceived coastal Shari Sant Plummer, Vice President developments. Sometimes they are harvested for firewood, or burned for Peter Read their tannins. Over half of all of the mangrove forests in the world have Kristin M. Reed Joseph Scalzo been destroyed in recent years. Michael Staffieri Nadine Tang From its inception, Seacology has focused on protecting mangroves. To- Sandie Tillotson, Vice President gether with the Force for Good Foundation, we helped Taiwanese school- Jake Walker children to plant 24,000 mangroves seedlings, and returned seeds of two Marsha Garces Williams endangered species of mangrove to the Taiwan government. In villages ranging from , to , to the islands of Micronesia, we have partnered Scientific Advisory Board with in protecting and replanting precious mangroves. Paul Alan Cox, Ph.D. , Ph.D. In the 26 December 2004 that destroyed coastlines throughout the Indian ocean, villages , Ph.D. with intact mangrove forests suffered much less destruction and loss of life than those villages that Thomas Elmqvist, Ph.D. had unwisely removed their mangroves. Robert Jansen, Ph.D. John McCosker, Ph.D. This was particularly true in Sri Lanka. In 2000, Seacology funded a mangrove reserve and an eco- John Ogden, Ph.D. Elizabeth Pierson, Ph.D. tourism center, with handicrafts and foods sold by young women who had dropped out of school William E. Rainey, Ph.D. or been ejected from their families. The Kiralakele Mangrove center was dedicated in 2001 and the Peter H. Raven, Ph.D. store completed in 2002. We continued to support the villagers after the 2004 tsunami by giving them E.O. Wilson, Ph.D. canoes and fishing supplies that had been lost or damaged in the waves. Over several years, we worked with Sri Lanka to come up with an audacious goal: What if Seacology Staff could save all of the country’s mangroves in return for providing microloans to coastal women to Duane Silverstein establish their own ecologically sensitive businesses? We think if just one island nation adopted a Executive Director comprehensive mangrove-preservation policy, this conservation spirit could rapidly spread to many Kevin Claassen other countries throughout the world. Accounting Manager As you will read in these pages, Seacology’s vision was embraced by the President of Sri Lanka. Over Joseph Clerici the last several years, we have been quietly raising funds to accomplish this goal. Communications Assistant We are moving forward, but we need your help. Please consider the case presented in this historic Christina Oraftik Administrative Assistant newsletter, and join with us in a historic effort to save the world’s most endangered forests. Karen Peterson Sri Lanka Program Manager Mary Randolph Program Manager Aaron Rashba Development Director Paul Alan Cox, Ph.D Chair, Seacology Board of Directors

Seacology 1623 Solano Avenue Berkeley, CA 94707 USA Tel: 510-559-3505 Fax: 510-559-3506 [email protected] www.seacology.org 3

Our new initiative to comprehensively protect all of FEATURED Sri Lanka’s mangroves is both the most ambitious and PROJECT potentially important project Seacology has ever undertaken Nationwide Leadership n May 12th, Seacology announced the launch of the Sri Lanka Mangrove Conservation Why Mangroves? OProject, the largest single initiative in our These unique forests, at the edge organization’s history. of land and sea, provide: In partnership with Sri Lankan NGO Sudeesa (formerly Food. Microorganisms and known as the Small Fishers Federation of Lanka), crustaceans turn mangrove Seacology is funding the first-of-its kind effort. With leaves and woody matter into our combined 42 years of expertise—Seacology’s more palatable fragments for in environmental protection and Sudeesa’s in bivalves and fish. microfinance and alternative-livelihood training—the Shelter. Shellfish, sponges, and two organizations have developed a five-year plan to: coral grow on mangroves’ roots Above, Sri Lanka Secretary for the Ministry of Environ- and trunks, and the roots trap ■■ demarcate all of Sri Lanka’s mangroves and ment, Eng. Nihal Rupasinghe and Seacology Executive fine particles, creating soft soils protect all 21,782 acres of existing habitat; Director Duane Silverstein after signing the historic that mollusks and crustaceans agreement. Photo: Sudeesa burrow in. Mangrove forests also ■■ establish three mangrove nurseries to support serve as nurseries, where juve- the replanting of an additional 9,600 acres; Below, women who received microloans from Sudeesa nile fish are safe from predators pass by a mangrove-conservation display in Sri Lanka. before they move to offshore Photo: Teng Wei ■■ build a job-training center that will also serve habitats such as coral reefs. as a national mangrove conservation museum Stability. Mangroves stabilize and provide alternative job training for 15,000 shorelines, reducing erosion impoverished Sri Lankans; and and mitigating storm damage.

■■ offer microloans to support newly created Water quality. Mangroves re- sustainable businesses. move pollutants from the water by trapping sediments and The initiative is a true Seacology win-win agreement. absorbing excess nutrients. Following more than two decades of devastating Carbon sequestration. civil war, many of Sri Lanka’s coastal environments Mangroves sequester orders and communities are just beginning to recover. The Duane Silverstein, Seacology’s Executive director of magnitude more carbon job-training component of the project will provide a sees the project as not only a milestone for per acre than other types of path out of poverty to thousands of the coun- Seacology, but a potential trendsetter for mangrove forests, and keep it out of the try’s most vulnerable residents (many who conservation in general. atmosphere for longer periods were affected by the conflict), all while of time. helping its mangroves rebound to “We are very excited to be working with Sudeesa Coral protection. Studies the healthy, vital ecosystems they and the Sri Lankan government to make that nation have shown that corals that once were. the first in the world to effectively protect all of its grow adjacent to mangrove mangrove forests,” Silverstein says. “Mangroves not forests appear more resistant to “Sri Lanka’s mangroves—21 spe- only harbor orders of magnitude more carbon than bleaching, a phenomenon that cies in all—harbor a diverse array other types of forests but their global warming- threatens more and more of the of plant and animal life. The coun- ameliorating impacts last far longer than other land- world’s coral reefs. try’s small coastal communities based ecosystems. This project can serve rely on them for sustenance, as as a model for nations throughout well as for protection during the world.” coastal surges and storms,” says Seacology’s Karen Peterson, who is managing the project. 4

With dozens of active projects around the world, PROJECT things are happening all the time. Here are UPDATES just a few highlights of the past several months.

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ORACABESSA BAY, JAMAICA Furnished field office and equipment for the enforcement of the 150-acre Oracabessa Bay sanctuary

In January, Seacology made a small grant for construction 2 of a wooden roof over the Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary field office, which was constructed from used shipping containers. The roof has since been completed.

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CURACO DE VÉLEZ, QUINCHAO ISLAND, CHILE Security and locking system equipment for environmental and handicrafts center, in exchange for the continued conservation of migratory birds and coastal wetlands RANOBE , Construction of an welcome center, restrooms, With an additional grant, local craft sellers have added secu- guardian hut, cooking hut, and signage in exchange for rity equipment to their Seacology-funded ecotourism center. protection for 20 years of 4,448 acres of threatened south- Now, the merchants can securely leave their wares at the cen- western dry spiny forest ter each night. Their group, the Artisans Association of Curaco de Vélez, has become an active player in the conservation of Construction is well underway at the two sites where coastal wetlands, and members are giving daily talks about Seacology is funding infrastructure. The northern site shorebird conservation and environmental awareness. (Ambalaboy) is expected to be done by September, although this is somewhat contingent on weather. The southern building, at Ankilibe, is about 80% complete and should be finished in mid-June. 5

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RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS 4 Renovation and upgrade of the village meeting house and reroofing of the health clinic in Muri Village, in exchange for establishment of a 413-acre conservation area for 10 years 3 Cook Islands Field Representative Tuaine Tuara reports that 6 renovations to the Muri Village community center and health clinic 5 are making progress, with a new hot water system and sliding door installed, and all other supplies materials for the project procured. Construction was delayed by wet weather, but she expects it to be completed by early summer.

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SANOA, EFATE ISLAND, Construction of a community hall in exchange for a 12-plus acre no-take reserve for coral reefs, shells, and fish for 10 years AWAK , POHNPEI, MICRONESIA Youth development and education center, in exchange for According to Field Representative Josiah Kuatpen, who a 308-acre forest reserve as a no-take area in perpetuity visited the site after the devastation of Cyclone Pam in March, the reserve Seacology helped establish in 2007 is The Awak Youth Organization (AYO), with the support of the still being respected by the community. There was some Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP) and other partners, is minor damage to the community hall built in exchange continuing awareness-raising activities in Awak to prevent any for the protected area, but it stood up well and served further deforestation in the watershed-conservation site and as a shelter for more than 100 community members left surrounding areas. There is good support to completely stop homeless by the storm. the planting of crops in the designated traditional watershed reserve. In the coming months, AYO will extend this awareness work to neighboring communities. 6 New Projects Mangroves and migrating birds are among the species protected by our eight newest projects, already under way. For details on all of our projects, visit seacology.org/projects.

Country Island Community Benefit Environmental Benefit

ANTIGUA AND Antigua Women’s livelihood initiative conservation BARBUDA

BAHAMAS San Salvador Signage and touch tanks for visitors Support of 17,000-acre San Salvador Island Protected Areas

CHILE Alejandro Selkirk Island Environmental education and Environmental education program and volunteer center elimination of invasive plants

FEDERATED STATES Kosrae Meeting house and recreational 1,468-acre no-take marine and mangrove reserve OF MICRONESIA huts

FEDERATED STATES Pohnpei Solar power system for ranger Support of making four marine protected areas, OF MICRONESIA station on Ant Atoll totaling 8,388 acres no-take zones in perpetuity

HAITI Caracol Bay Environmental education and Mangrove and rehabilitation sustainable livelihood initiatives

INDONESIA Borneo Nut oil processing machine, Conservation of 247 acres of lowland forest communications equipment, and for 10 years construction of a small building

PHILIPPINES Luzon Repair and improvement of the Support of a 2,471-acre fish sanctuary Taal Lake Conservation Center

SRI LANKA (nationwide) Sustainable livelihood training, Comprehensive protection of all of nation’s mangrove nurseries mangrove forests

Four new members of our board, staff, and Seacology welcomes... field team joined Seacology in recent months. Kimberly Myers Hewlett Harriet Nimmo Christina Oraftik Mary Randolph Board Member Field Representative Administrative Assistant Program Manager

Our newest Board mem- In her previous life in the Born and raised in the Mary works with Seacol- ber, Kimberly brings UK, Harriet was CEO of Bay Area, Christina brings ogy’s worldwide network a rich foundation and Wildscreen for eight years experience from a wide of field representatives to nonprofit background and was responsible for range of fields including develop and monitor our to Seacology’s leader- developing the award linguistics, hospitality, projects. Mary earned a B.S. ship. She is treasurer of winning ARKive.org— equestrian sports, Indian in ethology and - the Myers Family Foundation, a board the world’s leading digital databank of classical dance, and environmental and ary biology at the University of Illinois, and member of the Flora Family Foundation, film and photos of endangered spe- social causes. Since receiving her degree her interest in environmental policy led her and treasurer of the National Center for cies. In 2011 Harriet relocated to South in Language Studies from UC Santa to law school at the University of California Family Philanthropy. She is also a corpo- Africa, wanting to work more closely Cruz, she has lived and worked in many at Berkeley. While there, she served as rate and foundation relations officer at at the front lines of conservation. She places up and down California, but is an editor for Ecology Law Quarterly and the Stanford University Medical Center. now works with various South African happy to be back home in the Bay Area. worked for the National Wildlife Federa- Hewlett received her undergraduate conservation NGO’s. She has traveled When not at Seacology, she enjoys hik- tion. She came to Seacology from Nolo, a degree from Stanford University and an extensively throughout Southern Africa, ing California’s beautiful coastal areas, mission-driven publisher of legal materials MBA from the Kelley School of Business and is a passionate naturalist, birder and cooking, crafting, linguistic research, for nonlawyers, where she oversaw the at Indiana University. recreational diver. and volunteering. editorial and production departments. 7 Seacology Fellows* Chief Ulu Fellows Fellows ($25,000 or more) ($2,000-$9,999)

Anonymous Anonymous John and Janet Kister Argus Fund Yvonne Adams and Jeremy Green Henry and Carole Klyce Lancy Foundation John and Betty Ann Altman Lang Foundation James and Gretchen Sandler Larry and Wendy Barels Annette Leckie Newman and Zeneth Ward Family Foundation Renee Boicourt David and Valerie London Pete and Ginny Boyce Mary Love May and Paul Gabrielson Peter and Mimi Buckley Brian and Caroline Lurie Katie Budge Mark Murzin and Kris Knoernschild Island Fellows Kerry Tepperman Campbell Allen Meredith ($10,000-$24,999) Mike and Jeanie Casey Matsuno Kuhara Patrick Craig and Nana Chiappone Buffy Redsecker and Alan Chung Anonymous Yvon Chouinard Wen Rosencrance and Eugene Crocilla Peter and Mimi Buckley Dana DiCarlo and Scott Plank Rand and Carol Selig Roy Disney Family Fund Virginia and Peter Dimsey Lana Shapiro Robert Epstein and Amy Roth Glenn and Bettina Duval Ruth Shapiro Phyllis K. Friedman/Friedman Family Fund Sally Faulkner Duane Silverstein and Marcia Stewart Mariposa Fund Gordon Firestein and Doris Lang Mr. and Mrs. Randy Solakian Esmond Harmsworth Charitable Foundation Kathryn Fox Greg and Liz Sparks Arthur Kern Robert and Michelle Friend Gilda and Warren Sprung Taka Moriuchi/Axe Taka, Inc. Markus Fromherz and Heike Schmitz Cyrus and Barbara Sweet Jane Napier Theodore and Frances Geballe Christine Symchych and James McNulty Guy and Jeanine Saperstein Ian Glascock Maria Taft Stephen Silberstein John and Marcia Goldman Laura Tietz Anne Symchych Terri Hearsh Paul and Leigh Tischler Robert and Rosemary Heil Joel and Kathy Tranmer Wolcott Henry Cindy and Richard Troop Michael Hofman and Janet Moyer Jake Warner and Toni Ihara Cynthia Hubach Todd Werby and Nonie Greene Wendy E. Jordan Herbert and Jan West Reed Kathrein Wayne and Julissa Westerman Bruce Katz Gregory and Patti White Suzanne Keith Scott Wilson and Lucy Cummings Murray and Jeanie Kilgour

*Seacology would also like to thank the members of our Board of Directors for their ongoing generous contributions to the organization. NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID BERKELEY CA SEACOLOGY PERMIT #1324

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Printed on 100 percent post-consumer waste recycled paper using soy-based inks.

Since our founding in 1991, Seacology has protected more than 1.2 million acres of combined terrestrial and marine territory.

That’s 2,022 square miles, an area of island habitat larger than the state of Delaware.

Seacology helps protect island habitats and local communities by offering villages a unique deal: if they agree to create a forest or marine reserve, we’ll provide funds for something the village needs, like a schoolhouse or health clinic. SEACOLOGY