Seacology Expeditions

What better resolution to make this New Year then by supporting the efforts of Seacology to help preserve islands throughout the world? In the last 400 years, the majority of the world’s plant and animal extinctions have taken place on islands, which is why Seacology is committed to preserving the highly endangered biodiversity of islands throughout the world.

Seacology’s island expeditions are a rare chance for adventure travelers to visit exotic destinations and observe unique wildlife like whale sharks in the Galapagos or Komodo Dragons in Indonesia. During each trip, travelers combine a trip-of-a-lifetime vacation on far flung islands with the opportunity to help local communities and preserve the environment.

Seacology specializes in tackling a host of problems, ranging from species decline, over-fishing, acidification, rainforest depletion, habitat destruction, and global warming to poverty, overpopulation, and poor schools, and medical facilities. The non-profit organization accomplishes this through “win-win” agreements that provide islanders with tangible benefits for establishing marine or forest reserves that protect their surroundings. Since indigenous people are often faced with the dilemma of choosing between protecting their precious natural resources, and economic development, Seacology ensures that both the local environment is protected and that the islanders receive a benefit.

One of the recent Seacology projects was the installation of ceramic EcoReef units in the fishing ground off el Nido on Palawan Island, Philippines. Since most of the coral reefs have been destroyed by blast fishing, the EcoReefs help new coral reefs grow. Local villagers assembled the EcoReef units which were installed with the assistance of volunteer divers from Seacology. In return for the purchase of the EcoReefs, El Nido declared several hundred acres of the surrounding marine area a no-take (no-fishing) reserve.

Seacology projects have saved an astounding amount around the world: 161,476 acres of island terrestrial habitat and 1,812,720 acres of coral reef and other marine habitat. In exchange, Seacology has built or funded 86 schools, community centers, water delivery systems, and other critically needed facilities, as well as 36 scholarship programs, vital medical services and supplies and other crucial support for island communities.

Adventurous travelers are lining up to join Seacology’s upcoming island expeditions. For more information or to reserve a place on Seacology’s upcoming India expedition, please call (510) 559-3505, or visit www.seacology.org