NGO Makes Deal for Conservation in the Marshall Islands
Seacology,a non-profit organization with the sole purpose of protecting island habitats and cultures, announced its first project in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Board of Directors, in its June 4, 2007 meeting, approved eight new projects including terrestrial and marine conservation on Ailuk Atoll.
The NGO plans to provide help to the Marshallese community on Ailuk by completing a solar-powered airport terminal and guest lodge in exchange for conserving 215 acres (six acres terrestrial and 209 acres marine) for a minimum of 10 years. The project focus is at the Enije Channel and Enije Island turtle nesting area.
"Located 230 nautical miles north of Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands, remote Ailuk Atoll is characterized by traditional communities who rely primarily on their marine resources for a subsistence lifestyle.
The Ailuk community has elected to conserve two important areas, totaling 215 acres, which are in danger of over-exploitation due to their proximity to the main settlement, Ailuk Ailuk.
The first is Enije Island, where the highly endangered Pacific Green turtle and Pacific Hawksbill turtle come to nest. The second site is the Enije Channel, a traditional fishing area which is home to large populations of the endangered Humphead wrasse, Humphead parrotfish, grey reef shark, reef white tip shark and reef black tip shark.
In exchange for establishing these two no-take reserves totaling 215 acres for a minimum of 10 years, Seacology is providing funding for completion of its airport terminal and guest lodge building, and a solar system to power it."
According to the Seacology website, there are projects in 41 countries and on 90 islands worldwide. Sixty-five schools, community centers, water delivery systems and other critically needed facilities have been built. In exchange for island conservation, twenty-four scholarship programs, vital medical services and supplies, and other crucial support for island communities have been established. These projects have saved 101,446 acres of island terrestrial habitat and 1,780,486 acres of coral reef and other marine habitat, according to the Seacology website.
"Saving the world, one island at a time," is the non-profit's mission. Chairman Dr. Paul Cox stated in the organization's annual 2006 report that this mission is accomplished by "listening to and working closely with indigenous peoples on islands throughout the world."
"Our business plan is equally simple – we make deals with island peoples to protect their coral reefs, mangrove area, rainforests, and other precious habitats in return for our funding projects they choose which are of value to their entire community," said Cox.
by Aenet Rowa, Yokwe Online, June 19, 2007
