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Saturday, September 27, 2014

Stop development of the Mexican Everglades

 Mexican Everglades Threatened


A great threat looms over EVERGLADES NATIONAL largest mangrove area in the Mexican Pacific due to the interest of building the project: Canal Centenary and hydroelectric Las Cruces, in the state of Nayarit. Please spread this open letter to the President of the Mexican United States where we request the cancellation of the project.  


President of the United Mexican States

Organizations of civil society, local communities, fishermen and women, researchers and activists from twelve countries in Latin America, built at the International Redmanglar make an urgent call to cancel immediately final and revoke authorizations granted and construction of the Canal Centenary and hydroelectric Las Cruces, in the state of Nayarit. These projects threaten human populations that depend on important natural systems and threatens the integrity of the largest mangrove area in the Mexican Pacific as is the system of mangroves and wetlands of Everglades National. The diversion and damming of rivers that feed would generate serious impacts on the biodiversity of this area containing a quarter of Mexico's mangroves, affecting the Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance Ramsar site EVERGLADES NATIONAL.
 
National Wetlands are the heritage of all Mexicans citizens and world heritage due to its international ecological importance. You should know the serious problems facing humanitydue to climate change and its effects, so the conservation and protection of these ecosystems, it is becoming essential to ensure the medium and long term, Mexico will have natural buffers in good condition, to extreme weather events and thereby increase the capacity survival of the most vulnerable human populations. 

Supporting conservation EVERGLADES NATIONAL represents a clear message to local communities, for the same country and the international community that there is interest in protecting the rights of the population and to prioritize the common and collective good instead of special interests and business. 

We at the International Redmanglar wsh to make our call to you as President of the United Mexican States to respect the rights and demands of the people and wixárika náyeri, native peoples and sovereign over their territories, who reject the construction and imposition of these works that threaten the destruction their livelihoods, their lands and traditions and culture. 

We express also our greatest concern about the way in which these projects have been launched; an unclear and behind peoples back is undertaken in the region: disguising briefings consultation process, ignoring their territories, forms of organization and livelihoods, clearly violating the rights of indigenous peoples that the Mexican state has assumed constitutionally and internationally protected in Convention 169 of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Alarm that the opinion of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) issued by the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) authorize the works assuming that the environmental impacts are reversible and social impacts invisible, when the technical and scientific opinions SEMARNAT collected the same say otherwise.

The arguments of the Federal Electricity Commission project developer, expressed to communities also demonstrate a lack of understanding of the environmental and social impacts that such projects entail. Express that "we must prevent the river water flowing into the sea waste" denotes ignorance of ecological processes in watersheds expressions fit within a single logic of misrepresentation and manipulation of information, we joined the rejection of these processes. Finally as civil society and the international movement We ask you in your capacity as President of the Mexican nation: Remove the political support for this project by severe impacts; canceled immediately and permanently revoked the authorizations granted and construction of the Canal Centenary and hydroelectric Las Cruces, in the state of Nayarit.

Support and comply with the decisions and wishes of indigenous peoples to live harmoniously in its territory meets the voices as the Intercommunity Council for Sustainable Development Rio San Pedro, the Indigenous Council Nayeri and at least 20 fishing cooperatives, who have rejected the project by threatening their livelihood. so a
lso express the International Redmanglar, together with our allies and members as Redmanglar Mexico, look forward to following this case. We endorse and support náyeri ancestral towns and wixárika, and generally to Mexican neighbors and fighting for the defense of their heritage. 

Twenty-ninth day of September Redmanglar International
Executive Secretariat Redmanglar COGMANGLAR International - Executive Secretariat 2011 - 2016 City of Guatemala. Central

Redmanglar Internacional 
Secretaría Ejecutiva Redmanglar Internacional COGMANGLAR – Secretaría Ejecutiva 2011 – 2016 Ciudad de Guatemala. Centroamérica 
(502) 24768663 
Países miembros: 
Brasil, Colombia, Cuba, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, México, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Perú. 

Thursday, September 25, 2014

MAP-Asia Hosts China Mangrove Conservation Network Field Study Tour to Thailand

Mangrove Tour at Leeled CBT

By: Ms Piyapat Nakornchai, GNF Project Manager, Mangrove Action Project

Seven staff from China Mangrove Conservation Network (CMCN) and one representative from Shenzhen Spring Environmental Protection Volunteer Association (SENGO) visited Thailand 16th-25th August 2014 for a field study trip to learn about mangrove and coastal conservation efforts in Thailand. During this 10 days trip, the team, led by the founding director – Dr. Liu Yi, visited numbers of places in Thailand, including MAP-Asia Office and EMR sites in Trang Province, Leeled Community-based Tourism in Surat Thani Province, Kao Sam Roi Yod National Park in Prachuab Khirikan Province, the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park (SIEP) in Petchaburi Province, Amphawa District in Samut Songkram Province, IUCN Asia Regional Office (IUCN ARO) and UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (UNEP/ROAP) in Bangkok, as well as Sea Turtle Conservation Center Royal Thai Navy in Chonburi Province.

The members visited MAP – Asia office in Trang in the morning of 17th August to exchange their experiences about mangrove with MAP – Asia team, and to understand about the different aspects of MAP’s work, as well as threats to mangrove in Thailand. The CMCN group was welcomed by the MAP Asia Coordinator, Jim Enright who led the group in a lively and interesting exchange. In the afternoon, MAP staff Ms Piyapat Nakornchai, Global Nature Fund (GNF) Project Manager, took the group to Sikao District to explore a mangrove nursery and the 3 Community-based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR) sites in the area.  The CBEMR project is under the support of the Global Nature Fund, Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Foundation Ursula Merz and Synchronicity Earth.  The team had great fun identifying various species of mangrove found in the area with many new ones present.

MAP-Asia coordinator, Jim Enright, with the CMCN group
The next day, on 18th August, the group travelled to Surat Thani Province to spend a night at the Leeled homestay. This Leeled Community-based Tourism (CBT) team had been involved in conservation for a long time, and integrated tourism to promote their conservation activities. After a mangrove boat ride, Thai cooking experience and an authentic firefly boat tour, the CMCN had a chance to ask various questions regarding CBT management from the operating team. They also visited a shrimp paste group and walked along the mangrove boardwalk nearby the next day. Later, the group headed to and arrived at Kao Sam Roi Yot National Park (KSRY NP) in Prachuab Khirikan Province in the evening.

On 19th August, the team went on two boats to observe a fishing community near the national park, and landed on a bay to continue their hike to the famous attraction, Phraya Nakorn Cave. In the afternoon, they cruised along Klong Kao Daeng, (klong means canal) accompanied by an entertaining local guide. Hua Hin was the destination of the day.

Klong Khao Daeng Boat Tour
The following day, the CMCN members received an honor from Dr. Sonjai Havanond, the Deputy Director of SIEP, and Khun Areeporn Sittiyanpaiboon, the Head of Research and Development Group of SIEP, who welcomed the team and provided the information about SIEP’s mangrove conservation efforts, inspired by the Royal members. The CMCN group watched a video about SIEP and Royal Initiatives, walked the mangrove educational trail, and went through several environment- and energy-related exhibitions in the main SIEP building. After SIEP, the group headed to Amphawa District in order to experience another firefly tour, and spent a night there.

On 22nd August the CMCN group travelled to Bangkok to visit the IUCN Asia Regional Office (IUCN ARO), as well as UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (UNEP/ROAP). At the IUCN ARO, the group was welcomed by Dr. Scott Perkin – Head of Natural Resources Group, IUCN Asia and Dr. Robert Mather - Head, Southeast Asia Group, IUCN Asia. Then, they had a chance to learn about Mangrove for the Future (MFF) works from Mr. Raquib Amin – Project Manager of MFF Programme, and later Dr. Chamniern Vorratnchaiphan – Country Representative IUCN Thailand shared the stories of the works in Thailand. Afterward, Dr. Liu Yi shared the mangrove conservation work of CMCN to the IUCN Asia team. During this presentation by Dr. Yi, Ms. Aban Marker Kabraji – IUCN Asia Regional Director joined the IUCN team and showed interest in collaborating with the CMCN. This visit was made possible thanks to the coordination of Dr. Saroj Srisai – Programme Coordinator, Natural Resources Group, Asia.

Mangrove Restoration at SIEP
In the afternoon of the same day, the CMCN staff went to the UNEP/ROAP office to gain some knowledge about the UNEP’s works. They also shared their mangrove conservation work in China with the members from UNEP team, which include Mr. Jerker Tamelander – the Head of UNEP Coral Reef Unit, Ms. Angela Lentisco – Ecosystem Management Team, and Mr. Jinhua Zhang – Programme Officer, Science Policy Interface.

The next day, the group departed Bangkok in the morning for Sattahip near Pattaya, where the Sea Turtle Conservation Center Royal Thai Navy locates. They learned about the sea turtle situation in Thailand, and expressed that products made from parts of sea turtles and other wild animals should not be bought by tourists. The following day, some of the crew enjoyed temples in Bangkok, whereas others went to other attractions.

As an organizer of the trip, MAP hopes the team have gained valuable experiences and had a great time in Thailand. We also support the energetic team to keep up their great mangrove conservation work in China.


The following letter was received from CMCN:



Note: MAP has been networking and sharing information with CMCN for over 10 years now and in 2013, Jim Enright of MAP-Asia Coordinator was invited as a guest speaker to a mangrove workshop organized by CMCN in Xiamen, Fujian.  In 2012, Martin Keeley, MAP’s Education Director, introduced MAP's Marvelous Mangrove education curriculum to schools in Xiamen through CMCN facilitation coordination.

MAP NEWS Issue 348, Sept. 27, 2014

VerticalResponse

Partnering with mangrove forest communities, grassroots NGOs, researchers and local governments to conserve and restore mangrove forests and related coastal ecosystems, while promoting community-based, sustainable management of coastal resources.

The MAP News
348th Edition                                Sept. 27, 2014

Mangrove Action Project

Action Alerts:

Mexican Everglades Threatened
A great threat looms over EVERGLADES NATIONAL largest mangrove area in the Mexican Pacific due to the interest of building the project: Canal Centenary and hydroelectric Las Cruces, in the state of Nayarit. Please spread this open letter to the President of the Mexican United States where we request the cancellation of the project. READ MORE
EN ESPANOL


Vote yes for mangrove conservation in Madagascar!
This pioneering project has been shortlisted by EOCA to receive much needed project funding and is now through to the final round – the public vote.  We need your vote to make this project a reality, to build a sustainable future for Madagascar’s mangroves. Voting will close OCT 6. VOTE

Andy Hall could face 7 years in prison for doing something you and I do everyday -- talking about modern slavery.
Stand with Andy Hall: demand that Natural Fruit drop all charges against him and thoroughly investigate and take action to ensure there is no modern slavery or exploitation in their business. SIGN PETITION

CBEMR work on Klang Island, Krabi is Finally Underway – MORE INFO

The survival of the Sundarbans is now at peril as the government is adamant to set up a coal-based power plant (1320 mw) adjacent to the forest. VIEW VIDEO
CALLING FOR MANGROVE ART SUBMISSIONS!
A fun and exciting Art Contest for children 6 to 16 years old. We invite all primary school children from tropical and sub-tropical nations, and whose schools are located near mangroves, to create art telling us “why mangroves are important to my community and me?”. Selected winners will be published in a 2015 calendar to be distributed internationally to raise awareness of mangrove forest ecology.  READ MORE

SHARE MAP'S VISION 
CLICK HERE to watch short introductory video. Together we can work "at the roots of the sea". 

Join us in saving our beautiful country!
We hope you have been following the ongoing battle in Bimini, Bahamas.
We are in need of your help more than ever
Click here
 
Exclusive Interview with Alfredo Quarto, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mangrove Action Project - See more
  
MAP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN THAILAND VIEW REQUIREMENTS

Pre-Order your 2015 Calendar
2014cld-300x225 
 
1-20 calendars, $12 each plus shipping
21-49 calendars, $10 ea plus shipping
50-100 calendars, $8 each plus shipping.
Over 100 $7 each plus shipping
 


Save the Sundarbans from Rampal power plant – View Sample Letter to Minister
Sign the Petition
 

New information sheds clear light on shrimp-mangrove connection
Question Your Shrimp
VIEW MORE

Question Your Shrimp- Don't Buy or Sell Imported Tropical Shrimp! Sign the Petition
Donate to MAP via Paypal
Giving could never be easier
Donate.jpg
It’s the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.
 
—Mahatma Gandhi


Green Planet Fundraising Assists MAP – LEARN MORE


MANGROVE ISSUES 

View New Videos posted by MAP Asia intern, Delphine. CLICK HERE
 
The importance of restoring mangroves in an effective, long-term manner. Mangrove video - VIEW

Please view our new video for our Question Your Shrimp Consumer/Markets Campaign! It is now on our website under the Question Your Shrimp section heading. WATCH VIDEO

Mangrove Restoration in Asia – Watch Short Video
Mosaic of Life 
READ A MOSAIC OF LIFE” Peek into the underwater world of mangroves, "womb of the sea." By Liz Cunningham Photos By Wes Matweyew and Liz Cunningham

View MAP’s uploaded Videos at MAPmangrover’sChannel

“Education In The Mangroves" can now be seen on the  PhotoPhilanthropy website here!

Marvellous Mangroves – A Curriculum-Based Teachers Guide.
By Martin A. Keeley, Education Director, Mangrove Action Project
Read this 10 page history of the development of MAP’s educational curriculum VIEW DOCUMENT

FOR MORE ON MAPs AWARD WINNING CHINA MANGROVE CURRICULUM VISIT THESE SIGHTS
SLIDE SHOW
    VIMEO SHOW

Education In The Mangroves
Six minute video features discussion of Mangrove Action Project’s Mangrove Curriculum VIEW THE VIDEO
 
Article in Canada's Green Teacher Magazine -
Read More
 


"Question Your Shrimp" Campaign

Learn more about the affects of the shrimp industry on mangroves by visiting our blog

Editor’s Note: Mangrove Action Project’s Executive Director, Alfredo Quarto was interviewed about shrimp by Green Acre Radio’s Martha Baskin

LISTEN TO INTERVIEW


Join MAP on Facebook


Sign the Consumer's Pledge to avoid imported shrimp


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Help Mangrove Action Project through your recycled E-Waste.  List of Accepted E-waste Items:

Injet Cartidges, Cell Phones, Pagers, GPS, Radar Detectors, Mobile Hot Spots, Calculators, eBook Readers, iPods/MP3 players, Digital/Video Cameras/Camcorders, PDAs, iPads/Tablets/Laptops, Video Game Consoles, Handheld Video Games

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FEATURED STORY
Editors Note: For months we have been following the environmental disaster that looms over the pristine island of Bimini. In this issue we feature several news stories that seem to indicate our voices are being heard, as the natural turning of the tide slowly erodes the movement to overdevelop the island. We must continue to press for conservation and protection of this last pearl.
Anyone For Golf? Not Us, Say Biminites
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BAHAMAS - The mood in Bimini is changing to reflect that the island should not accede to the needs of tourism at all costs, Rashad Rolle writes. Amid conflict in May over the construction of a large pier in North Bimini, former Bimini Chief Councillor Lloyd Edgecombe told The Tribune that the following month’s local government elections on the island would be a referendum on whether Biminites supported recent tourism developments. He seemed sure he would be re-elected While the veteran Bimini politician led protests against similar developments on his island a decade ago because they threatened to destroy the environment, he vocally supported Resort World Bimini’s (RWB) recent ventures, even blasting critics as selfish when their opposition threatened to derail the construction of the 1,000-foot pier. After the votes were tallied, Mr Edgecombe was rejected from office, along with most members of the council who had chosen him to lead. Current local council member Al Sweeting is careful not to reduce that result to a single reason but summed it up like this: “People make changes when they’re dissatisfied.” READ MORE
 
AFRICA
 
Enhanced Elevation Data to Sharpen Global Focus on Climate Issues
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UNITED NATIONS - In Africa, accurate elevation (topographic) data are vital for pursuing a variety of climate-related studies that include modeling predicted wildlife habitat change; promoting public health in the form of warning systems for geography and climate-related diseases (e.g. malaria, dengue fever, Rift Valley fever); and monitoring sea level rise in critical deltas and population centers, to name just a few of many possible applications of elevation data. On September 23, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior) released a collection of higher-resolution (more detailed) elevation datasets for Africa. The datasets were released following the President’s commitment at the United Nations to provide assistance for global efforts to combat climate change. The broad availability of more detailed elevation data across most of the African continent through the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) will improve baseline information that is crucial to investigating the impacts of climate change on African communities. READ MORE
 
ASIA
 
Editor’s note:The Lao dam will adversely affect area mangroves as well.
Cambodians oppose Lao dam
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CAMBODIA - Cambodians staged a protest to share the concerns of more than a quarter of a million people who are calling on Laos to suspend construction of the Don Sahong hydropower project on the Mekong River. Cambodian activists hold placards and banners on a boat during the handover of petition signatures against the Don Sahong dam, in Phnom Penh. At the protest Chhith Sam Ath, country director of the World Wide Fund for Nature, said Don Sahong Dam, a 260-megawatt hydropower project, could bring about the demise of important fisheries and critically endangered Mekong dolphins. In June, Laos announced its decision to have the Don Sahong project undergo a Mekong River Commission consultation process. READ MORE
 
Editor’s Note: The importance of mangroves as a carbon sink as a buffer against climate change continues to be a growing interest.  Mangrove, seagrass and tidal marsh ecosystems sequester up to five times more carbon than tropical rainforests, say marine scientists who are calling for their protection . . .   another good reason to protect and restore mangroves.

Here are two recent news items:


Mangrove Forests Key to Carbon Sequestration and Blue Carbon. We at Mangrove Action Project have long contended that so-called "natural disasters" are better called "unnatural disasters" because of the human caused damages to the protective mangrove buffers that have tragically increased the damages and death toll from natural events that would otherwise have been mitigated by the mangroves' living bio-shield. For information, please visit MAP's website.
Mangrove Loss Exacerbated Cyclone Devastation
THAILAND - When researchers surveyed the battered coastlines of Asian countries after the December 2004 tsunami, they stumbled upon an arresting fact – that mangroves can save lives. In Sri Lanka, for instance, one village on the flattened coast revealed a tale that contrasted with the death and destruction all around. Kapuhenwala’s dense mangroves protected its residents and only two deaths occurred there when the South Asian nation accounted for 35,000 of the 220,000 tsunami-related fatalities across 12 Indian Ocean countries. The value of mangroves now haunts Burma which was hit by Cyclone Nargis in the early hours of May 3, resulting in the deaths of over 100,000 people and affecting 2.5 million others. On that night, the storm, with wind speeds of up to 190 km per hour, churned up a sea wall that rose 3.5 m and swept 40 km inland on the flat terrain of the Irrawaddy Delta. READ MORE
 
MAP-Asia Hosts China Mangrove Conservation Network Field Study
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THAILAND - Seven staff from China Mangrove Conservation Network (CMCN) and one representative from Shenzhen Spring Environmental Protection Volunteer Association (SENGO) visited Thailand 16th-25th August 2014 for a field study trip to learn about mangrove and coastal conservation efforts in Thailand. During this 10 days trip, the team, led by the founding director – Dr. Liu Yi, visited numbers of places in Thailand, including MAP-Asia Office and EMR sites in Trang Province, Leeled Community-based Tourism in Surat Thani Province, Kao Sam Roi Yod National Park in Prachuab Khirikan Province, the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park (SIEP) in Petchaburi Province, Amphawa District in Samut Songkram Province, IUCN Asia Regional Office (IUCN ARO) and UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (UNEP/ROAP) in Bangkok, as well as Sea Turtle Conservation Center Royal Thai Navy in Chonburi Province. The members visited MAP – Asia office in Trang in the morning of 17th August to exchange their experiences about mangrove with MAP – Asia team, and to understand about the different aspects of MAP’s work, as well as threats to mangrove in Thailand. READ MORE

Malaysian Sustainable Seafood Guide released
MALAYSIA - Malaysians love seafood and are the biggest consumers of seafood in Southeast Asia. However, did you know that in 40 years we run the risk of not having any seafood to eat, if we continue to consume indiscriminately? Malaysians love seafood and are the biggest consumers of seafood in Southeast Asia. However, did you know that in 40 years we run the risk of not having any seafood to eat, if we continue to consume indiscriminately? Deciding what seafood to order at the restaurant and what to purchase at the supermarket can shape the future of our global marine environment. To educate the public, we have produced a seafood guide that provides information to individual consumers and businesses to help them make sustainable seafood choices. READ MORE

AMERICAS
 
International conservationists alarmed over Bimini development
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BAHAMAS - A group of international conservation experts has expressed serious concern over the environmental impact of ongoing resort construction on and around the island of Bimini. The experts, hosted on a tour of Bimini by fast-growing social and environmental advocacy group Save The Bays (STB), said they fear the work may destroy some of the most significant coral reefs in the region and put the island’s traditional industries at risk. “The Bahamas are some of the most beautiful and wonderful places in the world,” said Marydele O’Donnely, director of international policy for the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC). “I’ve traveled extensively and I have been absolutely amazed by how the habitat looks here. READ MORE
 
Save The Bays urges government to announce Bimini Reserve
BAHAMAS – Environmental advocate Lindsey McCoy has called on government to immediately announce the establishment of the North Bimini Marine Reserve (NMBR) to protect that island’s unique ecological heritage. Noting that more than two months have passed since Bimini’s local council sent a letter asking the Christie administration to honor this longstanding promise, McCoy said there has been no response amid growing fears that the island’s sensitive mangrove forests may be under threat from development. “A recently released image showing a golf course located within the NBMR boundaries has caused serious concern among Biminites,” McCoy said. “This is an area of unparalleled ecological importance, the mangroves providing a nursery for the marine life throughout the northern Bahamas. “It must be protected at all costs, and I call on the Prime Minister to respond to the council and immediately grant their requests.” READ MORE
 
International Day of Struggle against Monoculture Tree Plantations
BRAZIL - On September 21st we celebrated the International Day of Struggle against Tree Monocultures. This date, that was launched in 2004, in Brazil, by the Alert against the Green Desert Network, serves to create a special moment in the year to denounce the serious negative impacts of the industrial model of timber production on communities and local ecosystems. Year after year, organizations and social movements carry out a number of activities during this month to give visibility to their struggles and to denounce the negative impacts plantations have on their livelihoods and territories. But above all, September 21st is a date to celebrate the resistance and solidarity and to say no more tree monocultures! READ MORE
 
Obama just created an ocean reserve twice the size of California
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USA - On Thursday, President Obama created the world's largest ocean reserve. The new reserve, an enlargement of the existing Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, nearly quadruples the total amount of US ocean territory that's protected from commercial fishing, oil drilling, and other activities. Previously, the monument — a cluster of reserves surrounding seven uninhabited islands south and west of Hawaii — covered about 86,888 square miles. The new monument will cover nearly 490,000 square miles in total, with the gains coming from extending the borders to 200 miles off the coasts of Wake Island, Jarvis Island, and Johnston Atoll. This is as far as the US government is permitted to protect, according to international law. READ MORE

LAST WORD(S)
 
Dear friends and colleagues,
 
A group of individual tourism activists and representatives of civil society groups from six continents, gathered in Istanbul from 28 to 30 August 2014 to discuss human rights, social justice and sustainability concerns in tourism. The outcome of the meeting was the foundation of the Tourism Advocacy and Action Forum as a first step to rebuild an international network and forum for courageous dialogue on tourism impacts and to develop a proactive global tourism advocacy and action platform.
 
Please find TAAF’s Istanbul Statement below.  If you endorse the Statement and you are interested in receiving regular information from TAAF, please email the TAAF Secretariat, c/o Equations, at  info(at)equitabletourism.org  and/or  tim-team at timteam02(at)yahoo.com.
 
Yours truly,
Anita Pleumarom
tourism investigation & monitoring team (tim-team)
P.O. Box 51 Chorakhebua
Bangkok 10230, Thailand
Email: timteam02@yahoo.com
Webpage:  http://www.twn.my/tour.htm
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tourism.critic


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Mangrove Action Project

Thursday, September 11, 2014

MAP News Issue 347 - Sept 13, 2014

VerticalResponse
Partnering with mangrove forest communities, grassroots NGOs, researchers and local governments to conserve and restore mangrove forests and related coastal ecosystems, while promoting community-based, sustainable management of coastal resources.
The MAP News
347th Edition                                Sept. 13, 2014
Mangrove Action Project
Action Alerts:

Calling All Storymakers! Learn. Create. Win!

Nonprofits overcome obstacles every single day. The most effective way to inspire donations, volunteering, and support is to share those stories of triumph. Our Storymakers challenge hopes to empower you with the tools and training to tell your stories, get noticed, and make an impact. Storymakers starts with free webinars and events to help you create, polish, and share your inspiring stories. It culminates in a challenge: Aug. 26 – Sept. 26 submit your digital story. A two-minute video, a short-form Vine or Instagram video, or a five-picture Flickr slideshow could land you up to $5,000. READ MORE

Your Century! Event Information
On Friday 21st November, 2014, 200 young people will go on a journey across continents, exploring environmental problems and their solutions.
VIEW DETAILS

CBEMR work on Klang Island, Krabi is Finally Underway –
MORE INFO


Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has prepared a statement to world leaders on the serious risks posed by climate change. By clicking here you can add your name.

The survival of the Sundarbans is now at peril as the government is adamant to set up a coal-based power plant (1320 mw) adjacent to the forest. VIEW VIDEO
CALLING FOR MANGROVE ART SUBMISSIONS!
A fun and exciting Art Contest for children 6 to 16 years old. We invite all primary school children from tropical and sub-tropical nations, and whose schools are located near mangroves, to create art telling us “why mangroves are important to my community and me?”. Selected winners will be published in a 2015 calendar to be distributed internationally to raise awareness of mangrove forest ecology.  READ MORE
SHARE MAP'S VISION 
CLICK HERE to watch short introductory video. Together we can work "at the roots of the sea". 
Join us in saving our beautiful country!
We hope you have been following the ongoing battle in Bimini, Bahamas.
We are in need of your help more than ever
Click here
 
Exclusive Interview with Alfredo Quarto, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mangrove Action Project - See more
  
Save the Date! XIV World Forestry Congress, Durban, South Africa, 7–11 September 2015 READ MORE
MAP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN THAILAND VIEW REQUIREMENTS


Pre-Order your 2015 Calendar
2014cld-300x225 
 
1-20 calendars, $12 each plus shipping
21-49 calendars, $10 ea plus shipping
50-100 calendars, $8 each plus shipping.
Over 100 $7 each plus shipping
 


Save the Sundarbans from Rampal power plant – View Sample Letter to Minister
Sign the Petition
 

New information sheds clear light on shrimp-mangrove connection
Question Your Shrimp
VIEW MORE

Question Your Shrimp- Don't Buy or Sell Imported Tropical Shrimp! Sign the Petition
Donate to MAP via Paypal
Giving could never be easier
Donate.jpg
It’s the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.

—Mahatma Gandhi

Green Planet Fundraising Assists MAP – LEARN MORE

MANGROVE ISSUES 

View New Videos posted by MAP Asia intern, Delphine. CLICK HERE
 
The importance of restoring mangroves in an effective, long-term manner. Mangrove video - VIEW
Please view our new video for our Question Your Shrimp Consumer/Markets Campaign! It is now on our website under the Question Your Shrimp section heading. WATCH VIDEO

Mangrove Restoration in Asia – Watch Short Video
Mosaic of Life
READ A MOSAIC OF LIFE” Peek into the underwater world of mangroves, "womb of the sea." By Liz Cunningham Photos By Wes Matweyew and Liz Cunningham

View MAP’s uploaded Videos at MAPmangrover’sChannel
“Education In The Mangroves" can now be seen on the  PhotoPhilanthropy website here!

Marvellous Mangroves – A Curriculum-Based Teachers Guide.
By Martin A. Keeley, Education Director, Mangrove Action Project
Read this 10 page history of the development of MAP’s educational curriculum VIEW DOCUMENT

FOR MORE ON MAPs AWARD WINNING CHINA MANGROVE CURRICULUM VISIT THESE SIGHTS
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Education In The Mangroves
Six minute video features discussion of Mangrove Action Project’s Mangrove Curriculum VIEW THE VIDEO

Article in Canada's Green Teacher Magazine -
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"Question Your Shrimp" Campaign

Learn more about the affects of the shrimp industry on mangroves by visiting our blog

Editor’s Note: Mangrove Action Project’s Executive Director, Alfredo Quarto was interviewed about shrimp by Green Acre Radio’s Martha Baskin
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FEATURED STORY
‘Mangrove Man’ inspired by world travel
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CAYMAN ISLANDS - He’s traveled half a million miles over the years – enough to go around the world 12 times, or to the moon and halfway back – so it’s little wonder that writer, photographer, conservationist and educator Martin Keeley continues to find inspiration for his work. Keeley’s latest trips are with the Marvelous Mangrove education curriculum, a program that teaches schoolchildren about the importance of mangroves and the eco-systems which they support worldwide, as well as training teachers to teach both students and other teachers.  The program was developed by Cayman Brac-based Keeley in 1999 and initially was incorporated into Cayman’s primary school curriculum. It is part of the Mangrove Action Project, a conservation group comprised of more than 300 scientists and academics spanning more than 60 nations.  The Marvelous Mangrove program is now in 11 countries, with the expansion this year to South Sulawesi, Indonesia, and Queensland, Australia. “For me, the mangrove trips continue to stimulate the creative process,” said the writer.  READ MORE

AFRICA

Fish Dealers Challenged to Protect Mangrove for Sustainability of Natural Resource
GAMBIA - Fatou Camara of the Department of Fisheries and Water Resources has challenged fish dealers to protect the mangrove for the sustainability of the natural resources. Camara made this call during a daylong sensitization on the importance of mangrove to fish dealers at the fishing community-landing site, in old Jeshwang. Organized by the Department of Fisheries and Water Resources, in collaboration with the National Sole Fishery Co-Management Committee (NASCOM), under the Technical Cooperation Program (TCP) support for Climate Change Adaptation in Marine Artisanal Fisheries Communities in West Africa project, it was co-funded by the West African Rural Foundation (WARF) and FAO for a period of two years. The concept of the project is to support and promote climate change adaptation among value-chain actors in the selected artisanal fisheries communities in Sierra Leone, Senegal and The Gambia. READ MORE

Whistle-blowing website wildleaks targets powerful poaching networks
Elephants roaming Kenya
KENYA - Wildleaks, a new website in the vein of WikiLeaks has set its sights on taking down powerful poaching networks and illegal logging operations. The site says it is the first anonymous and secure whistle-blowing site dedicated to wildlife and forest crime and it couldn’t come any sooner. Poaching has skyrocketed in recent years as the black market for rhino horn, elephant ivory and tiger parts has grown rapidly. A large part of these transactions are controlled by poweful networks of wealthy traffickers that have previously been untouchable. The anonymous and secure nature of Wildleaks lets people give tips on poaching activity while staying safe themselves. After it launched in February, WildLeaks received its first tip within 24 hours. READ MORE

ASIA

Mangrove plantation leader arrested
MYANMAR – A leading environmental activist has been arrested for public order offences after planting mangroves in an area devastated by Cyclone Nargis. U Tun Tun Oo, a member of Human Rights Watch and Defend Network, was charged under section 61 of the forestry law by a Dedaye township forestry officer and has been detained in Pyapon prison. The arrest, in Ayeyarwady Region, took place on August 29. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 12. U Aung Kyaw San, who joined the defendant and others in the mangrove-planting campaign, told The Myanmar Times that police had accused U Tun Tun Oo of destroying state-owned crops on a sandbank in Kyone Ka Nat village used by grazing cattle, but most of the plants were already dead. “This is ridiculous. Ko Tun Tun Oo didn’t do anything to the plants,” he said. The mangrove planters’ group met Ayeyarwady Region Chief Minister U Thein Aung and legal and forestry experts on April 9 to seek permission to plant mangroves on the grazing land. The group said it would help to protect the village from future natural disasters. “The minister gave us verbal permission,” said Ko Aung Kyaw San. Led by U Tun Tun Oo, the group started planting on May 12, and wrote to the state and regional governments to inform them when planting was complete. However, on June 3 a group opposed to the planting destroyed the mangroves. READ MORE


Editor’s Note: the following story demonstrates the importance of continuing education about the benefits that mangroves provide to mankind, and highlights the ease at which environmental issues become political.
Villagers in Lantau destroy mangrove in bid to halt 'protected status' plan
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CHINA – Dozens of villagers in northern Lantau chopped down a mangrove near an ecologically sensitive bay yesterday to protest against a government move to zone areas on the fringes of their villages as protected land. Excavators were brought in to raze trees, while machete- and hoe-wielding villagers chopped down shrubs on the coast of Tai Ho Wan, which is known for its oyster-rich mudflats and horseshoe crabs. Together with the three rivers that feed it, Tai Ho Wan is now designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), but not yet zoned as such. Statutory planning rules would ensure government departments give due consideration to conservation if the proposal was approved later this year. But indigenous villagers of the San Heung community, which includes Pak Mong, Ngau Kwu Long and Tai Ho villages, fear their rights to farm and build small houses will be restricted if the restrictive development plans are agreed to. READ MORE

Mangroves undergo change in Sunderbans
BANGLADESH – A recent study of mangrove forests in Sunderbans has revealed a change in their vegetation pattern, with the high salt-tolerant Avicennia species being edged out by Ceriops decandra, a relatively less-salt tolerant variety of mangrove, suggesting an evolution of the mangroves. The study titled ‘Benchmark Studies on the Status of Mangrove Forest’ has been conducted by the Nature Environment & Wildlife Society (NEWS), sponsored by the Sunderban Biosphere Reserve under the ‘Mangrove For Future’ theme of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. “It was earlier believed that salinity is the main determining factor for the mangroves in the Sunderbans. But the study points to pH ( which determines the acidity and alkalinity of water) also being an important factor,” Himadri Sekhar Debnath, principal scientist involved with the project and former Joint Director of Botanical Survey of India ( BSI) told The Hindu. A change in the mangrove species may lead to change in biodiversity, ecology species variation and finally to the variation in gene pool, Ajanta Dey, project director (NEWS) said. READ MORE

Coastal communities to be given awareness about disaster risks
PAKISTAN - The Mangroves for the Future (MFF) programme has decided to focus on developing shared understanding among coastal communities against disaster risks and climate change impacts. In MFF’s national coordinating committee meeting held here on Wednesday, to mark the beginning of the third phase with emphasis on regional initiatives and private sector engagement, the experts agreed that equal attention would be paid towards building resilience through capacity building among ecosystem dependent coastal communities. The NCB members decided that the new phase, from 2014 to 2018, will continue to make optimum utilization of the significant achievements realized by the MFF over the past seven years. The programme will also continue to build on its efforts to influence coastal management policy with an increased emphasis on expanding knowledge management and capacity development activities. READ MORE

AMERICAS

MAP’s Program recognized for its global impact
USA - There is no doubt that the world is losing species at an alarming rate.  That’s why the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund is focused on supporting nonprofit organizations that provide expertise and solutions to make positive conservation impacts worldwide. Today we are recognizing the Mangrove Action Project as one of these organizations, and we are proud to support your efforts to protect the planet for future generations and inspire our conservation leaders of tomorrow. Congratulations on being selected as one of 141 projects chosen this year! You can learn more about Disney’s commitment to conservation by visiting our website. READ MORE

MAP’s Program recognized for its global impact
USA - There is no doubt that the world is losing species at an alarming rate.  That’s why the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund is focused on supporting nonprofit organizations that provide expertise and solutions to make positive conservation impacts worldwide. Today we are recognizing the Mangrove Action Project as one of these organizations, and we are proud to support your efforts to protect the planet for future generations and inspire our conservation leaders of tomorrow. Congratulations on being selected as one of 141 projects chosen this year! You can learn more about Disney’s commitment to conservation by visiting our website. READ MORE
 
Climate Change Will Disrupt Half of North America's Bird Species
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USA – The Baltimore oriole will probably no longer live in Maryland, the common loon might leave Minnesota, and the trumpeter swan could be entirely gone. Those are some of the grim prospects outlined in a report released on Monday by the National Audubon Society, which found that climate change is likely to so alter the bird population of North America that about half of the approximately 650 species will be driven to smaller spaces or forced to find new places to live, feed and breed over the next 65 years. If they do not — and for several dozen it will be very difficult — they could become extinct. READ MORE
 
LAST WORD(S)

Dear Alfredo,

Thank you very much on your Kind e.mail. it is very nice to get your kind information. Still we are friendly with our hearts. We are dedicated to MANGROVES. Very recently, due to our influence, All of Sri Lanka mangroves have declared as conservation Forest in Sri Lanka by Minister of Environment of Sri Lanka. This was one of our great victory on conservation of MANGROVES.

Please visit at any time.

We are not deviated from MAP. MAP is living in our hearts.

Kind regards!

Anu
SMALL FISHERS FEDERATION of SRI LANKA (SFFL)
http://www.smallfishers.com/

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Mangrove Action Project

MAP News Issue 593, March 9, 2024

MAP News Issue #593 - March 9, 2024 Nigeria has Commenced Large-Scale Mangrove Restoraion in Ogoniland Eastern Niger Delta NIGERIA - The...