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Friday, May 29, 2015

MAP NEWS ISSUE 365, May 30, 2015

VerticalResponse

The MAP News
365th Edition                                May 30, 2015


FEATURE STORY

Why Sri Lanka’s Historic Mangroves Move Matters
Dominican_republic_Los_Haitises_mangroves
SRI LANKA - Huge news for the environment: Sri Lanka’s new government just took the unprecedented, historic step to protect all of its mangroves. The move, the first of its kind anywhere in the world, will provide long-term environmental, social and, last but not least, economic benefits to the Indian Ocean island nation, and provide a model for other vulnerable tropical nations to follow. Mangroves, which thrive in the mixture of sea and freshwater along coastlines, help maintain sea levels and hold back storm surges, forming a wall against flooding.  The hearty, shore-hugging plants encompass some of the world’s most spectacular biodiversity and form a powerful natural barrier, keeping our water clean, our beaches strong and tempering the power of tropical cyclones. The past decades have seen a massive reductions in global mangrove forests, mostly due to the expansion of shrimp farming, coastal shipping and erosion caused by development. The problem is that we need mangroves now, more than ever. READ MORE
 
ASIA
 
Environmentalist turns garbage into Tourist Attraction
JOH grey Canoe
THAILAND – For more than 30 years, John Gray has been working to educate tourists about the fragile nature of mangrove forests. Over the years, Gray has promoted Thailand tourism by inviting the world to kayak and canoe through the pristine waters of Thailand’s mangrove forests. But recently, as more plastic and garbage has collected in the tidal forests, Gray’s tour has taken a new twist. Cleanup tourism has become a welcome benefit as more and more people want to do more than just reduce their carbon footpront. Groups now come not only come to learn the environmental value of mangrove forests, but to counter the impact of the modern world. Grays “clean up kayaking” is making a difference. READ MORE
 
A man with a mangrove in hand
INDIA - More than 40 years ago when ‘environment protection’ was not a catchy slogan, a man living on the Saint Sebastian estuarine island of Ashtamudi Lake here recognised the role of mangroves in marine and brackish water ecology.  Even now, at the age of 87, former fisherman Francis Xavier is still engaged in planting mangrove saplings and tending to them, not as a mere pastime but making a significant contribution to environment protection. Forty years ago, he had brought a cluster of the Rhizophora mucronata species of mangrove saplings from Mulavukad island in Ernakulam and planted them on the Saint Sebasitan island. His idea was three-pronged — they provide a safe environment for fish conservation; they protect the island from strong winds; and their wood has many applications, especially for making oars. Years later, after the tsunami devastation of Alappad in December 2004 when the importance of the plant in coastal protection began to be highlighted, it was the saplings from those planted by Mr. Xavier that were mostly used for the mangrove afforestation programmes. READ MORE
 
Whose mangroves are they anyway?
INDIA - It is a scene of absolute destruction. Acres and acres of tree stumps that look as if ravaged by a massive fire. Just across the road, there is a similar scene with dead, black trees with patches of an unhealthy green at the centre. Migratory birds sit atop the stumps, looking perplexed at what was once home to their parents and grandparents. Migrant workers fish amidst the dead roots. That such an appalling thing happening in Kerala, in the SEZ area of Puthuvypeen in the Vembanad wetland, should be a shame not only to the Forest or Finance Minister but also to the whole Left Government. What is even more disgusting is the mode of destruction. Residents of the area allege that the mangroves were poisoned with high concentrations of a herbicide to effect a slow death. It was done in such a way that the mangroves right in the core area were first poisoned, and then in concentric circles and finally in the periphery. READ MORE
 
Beach Erosion in Vizag Due to Lack of Mangroves
INDIA - Degradation and destruction of mangrove forests in Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam districts, have been a cause of concern for environmentalists and environment lovers. Though negligible when compared to other coastal districts, both these districts having the mangrove forests in small patches spread over the coastline, are witnessing a decrease in the area over the last few years. Mangroves are found in tropical and subtropical tidal areas and play a crucial role in supporting the ecological balance. They play an important role in arresting tidal waves and tsunamis. They also support shrimp seed production and crocodile breeding. Andhra Pradesh has the second largest mangrove forests in the country, after West Bengal. Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam have mangrove forests spread over in an area of less than 60 hectares. In Visakhapatnam, mangroves plantation was once found in abundance near the Naval Dockyard extending up to Meghadrigedda reservoir on the rear-side of the airport. Two more mangrove plantation patches are found at Pudimadaka and Rambilli in the district. But, about 90 per cent of the mangroves and casuarinas in Vizag are lost due to human interference and indiscriminate deforestation of the mangroves cover for industrial development and urbanisation over the last few years. READ MORE
 
After Oil Spill, Unique Mangrove Forest Faces More Threats
1_sundarbans_nationalgeographic_1460894.adapt.1190.2
BANGLADESH - On December 9, 2014, a wrecked tanker released approximately 94,000 gallons (78,271 Imperial gallons) of heavy fuel oil into the Shela River, which runs through the Sundarbans, the sprawling and remote mangrove forest shared between India and Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal. Now another shipping disaster is unfolding, as a capsized cargo vessel, Jabalenoor, leaks 200 tonnes of potash fertilizer into the Sundarbans’ Bhola River, southeast of the earlier oil spill.   A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sundarbans is home to a variety of wildlife, including an important population of the critically threatened Royal Bengal Tiger and rare Irrawaddy and Gangetic dolphins. In the wake of the oil spill a joint United Nations and Government of Bangladesh Mission published a long-awaited report on the accident. Referring to the incident as a “serious wake up call,” the report urges a number of protective strategies. In particular, the report calls for more stringent management of water routes, noting “an immediate need” to stagger the heavy traffic of commercial vessels, to ban all passage during unsafe conditions, such as at night or fog, and to “prohibit all anchoring in the channel except in an emergency.” READ MORE
 
AMERICAS
 
Development threatens Antigua’s protected Guiana Island
mangroves-in-antigua
ANTIGUA - In June 2014, Gaston Browne led his Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party to a resounding victory at the polls with a pledge to transform the country into an economic powerhouse in the Caribbean. In their first 100 days in office, Prime Minister Browne’s Cabinet approved a number of private investment projects valued in excess of $3 billion. The largest is the Yida Investment Group, Guiana Island Project which will see the development of the largest free trade zone in the country, an off-shore financial centre, a five-star luxury resort, internationally branded villa communities, a casino and gaming complex, a multi-purpose conference centre, a 27-hole golf course, a marina and landing facilities, commercial, retail, sports and other auxillary facilities. Headquartered in western Beijing, Yida International Investment Group was founded in 2011. READ MORE
 
Thirteen corporations control up to 40 per cent of world's most valuable fisheries
USA -  Just thirteen corporations control 19-40% of the largest and most valuable stocks and 11-16 % of the global marine catch, according to new research. These "keystone" corporations of the global seafood industry critically shape the future of marine ecosystems, but have yet to assume this responsibility at the global scale.  The new study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, makes an analogy between the largest companies in seafood industry and keystone species in ecological communities. Keystone species in nature have a profound effect on the structure and function of the ecosystem and disproportionately determine the prevalence and activities of other species. For example just a small number of sea otters can determine urchin numbers, or a few grey wolves determine the size of bison, deer or elk populations. Likewise, the study found that the average annual revenues of the 160 largest companies in 2012 exhibit a distinct keystone pattern, where the top 10% account for 38 % of total revenues. The identified thirteen companies shape very large marine ecosystems around the world and are involved in both wild capture fisheries and aquaculture, including whitefish, tuna, salmon, shellfish, fishmeal, fish oil, and aqua feeds. Their combined annual revenues correspond to 18% of the global value of seafood production in 2012 (US$ 252 billion). READ MORE
 
OCEANA
 
'Citizen scientists' helping save Coast mangroves
SCN_26-05-2015_EGN_10_196208o_fct893x670_t620
AUSTRALIA – "CITIZEN scientists" are leading a grassroots campaign to protect Sunshine Coast mangroves. Armed with video cameras and GPS, volunteers are patrolling mangroves along the Pumicestone Passage to collect data that is vital to experts getting a better picture of the mangrove's health. The volunteers have been trained by leading mangrove experts Prof Norm Duke and Jock Mackenzie, of MangroveWatch, who have developed a simple but scientifically rigorous assessment tool using video recording. That ensures all data is collected in a consistent way. It's already paying dividends, with that baseline data at Bell's Creek showing about 25% of the mangroves in poor condition. Key issues identified by the monitoring include bank erosion, water quality and altered hydrology from urban drainage. READ MORE
 
Photogenic lone mangrove tree 'vandalised', photographer collecting pictures for tribute gallery
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AUSTRALIA - The well-known mangrove at Waterloo Bay was recently cut down leaving residents dismayed at the change in the outlook. The area was frequently visited by amateur and professional photographers trying to capture a striking image of the lone mangrove. Landscape photographer Kane Gledhill has created an online gallery to pay tribute to and document the history of the well-known tree. The area was often used as a photography training ground and Gledhill is asking photographers and the public to contribute their favourite images of the tree to be included in the gallery. "It has become a tribute page to keep the images alive and the memories alive ... it is part of history really," he said. READ MORE


LAST WORD(S)

Hi Alfredo
 
I have been busy recently with setting up our Australian mangrove-saltmarsh network – at least to formalise it with a new website. Please pass this message around to ask if anyone would like to check it out, and maybe also to register if they want to stay in touch with things going on in Australia. Or they could just revisit the site whenever.
 
http://www.amsn.net.auwww.amsn.net.au
 
all the best: Norm Duke
AMSN Facilittator
E: aus.msnet@gmail.com

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Please cut and paste these news alerts/ action alerts on to your own lists and contacts. Help us spread the word and further generate letters of concern, as this can make a big difference in helping to halt a wrongdoing or encourage correct action.


ACTION ALERTS WANTED: MAP News is looking for links to calls to actions/petitions and letter writing campaigns on mangrove issues, tropical coastal communities and other related topics. Not all submissions can be selected, but we look forward to hearing about your work and want to let our readers' voice be heard!
Email submissions to news@mangroveactionproject.org

Action Alerts:

STOP CHINESE DEVELOPERS – Help protect our Marine protected area

No trans shipping Port Portland Bight Protected Area, Jamaica SIGN OUR PETITION

Volunteer Opportunities with Mangrove Action Project CLICK HERE
 
STOP PLANTING MANGROVES ON SEAGRASS BEDS _ A CALL TO ACTION
 
Introducing the “refreshed” Blue Planet Links website, a go-to resource for teachers, students, and the interested public as they navigate the web for useful material about water.
 
What is CBEMR? Easy to follow fact sheet – CLICK HERE

Want to learn more about mangroves?

mangrove-action-project-presentation-1-1024.jpg?cb=1424228039
Our short presentation will give you a better understanding of the issues we are working to solve. WATCH PRESENTATION

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 Sundarbans from Rampal power plant – View Sample Letter to Minister
Sign the Petition
 
Question Your Shrimp- Don't Buy or Sell Imported Tropical Shrimp! Sign the Petition
 

Marvellous Mangroves Curriculum

MARVELLOUS MANGROVES IN BRAZIL
En Portuges

MAP%20Curriculum%20Video
Marvellous Mangroves – A Curriculum-Based Teachers Guide.


FOR MORE ON MAPs AWARD WINNING CHINA MANGROVE CURRICULUM VISIT
Education in the Mangroves - China
VIMEO SHOW

VISIT OUR "MM" WEBPAGE


Check out our presentation for more details on Marvellous Mangroves

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

Read this 10 page history of the development of MAP’s educational curriculum VIEW DOCUMENT
 
Article in Canada's Green Teacher Magazine - Read More


FREE MAP Mangrove e-cards CLICK HERE
Mangrove-Green-Turtle-Bimini-277x186

MAP’s e-Cards offer you a unique way to spread the word about MAP’s good works, while sharing beautiful photographs of the mangroves
CALLING FOR MANGROVE ART SUBMISSIONS!
Mangrove Calendar 2015 FRONT 2
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 2016 calendar to be distributed internationally to raise awareness of mangrove forest ecology.  READ MORE
 

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 MAP’s uploaded Videos at MAPmangrover’sChannel

The importance of restoring mangroves in an effective, long-term manner. Mangrove CBEMR video - VIEW

Question Your Shrimp Consumer/Markets Campaign!  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
 


"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

Information sheds clear light on shrimp-mangrove connection

Question Your Shrimp
SEE DETAILS MANGROVE/SHRIMP

 


Join MAP on Facebook


Sign the Consumer's Pledge to avoid imported shrimp


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Not yet a MAP News subscriber?
Click here to subscribe.

Mangrove Action Project

Note to Our Readers:
We strive to keep active links in our newsletter. However, due to circumstances beyond our control,
occasionally links to stories may become broken. If you find a link to a story is not functioning, please cut and paste the headline into your browser search bar. In most cases you should be able to locate the original story.




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

Visit the Mangrove Action Project recycle website Click on the recycle button then click on the Download Shipping Label, and follow the instructions.

 

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Thursday, May 14, 2015

MAP News Issue 364, May 16th, 2015

VerticalResponse
The MAP News
364th Edition                                May 16, 2015

FEATURE STORY

Sri Lanka first nation to protect all mangrove forests
_82925637_seacology-mangroves-4
SRI LANKA - Sri Lanka has become the first nation in the world to comprehensively protect all of its mangrove forests. A scheme backed by the government will include alternative job training, replanting projects and microloans. Mangroves are considered to be one of the world's most at-risk habitats, with more than half being lost or destroyed in the past century. Conservationists hope other mangrove-rich nations will follow suit and adopt a similar protection model. Commenting on the agreement, Sri Lanka President Maithreepala Sirisena said: "It is the responsibility and the necessity of all government institutions, private institutions, non-government organisations, researchers, intelligentsia and civil community to be united to protect the mangrove ecosystem." The Sri Lankan government is a joint partner overseeing the measures, alongside global NGO Seacology, and Sri Lanka-based Sudeesa, which was formerly known as the Small Fishers Federation of Lanka. READ MORE


AFRICA

Unilateral Boundary Demarcation by Herakles Farms Causes Tensions
CAMEROON – The people of Mokange village in Mundemba subdivision spotted unidentified persons conducting land demarcations of their forest. This information was conveyed to SEFE by the proposed chief of Mokange and two elites who informed SEFE of the presence of some 30 persons working for Herakles Farms who had come to the Talangaye area. After spotting the people demarcating the forest, the villagers quickly contacted the Divisional Officer (D.O) for Mundemba, who told the people that his office was not aware of the exercise. As tensions heightened, the company dispatched its Community Relations Manager, Daniel Agoons, to the concerned villages to appease the population. Danial Agoons is said to have visited the following villages: Mokange, Lipenja, Kuma, and Esoki Bima. In all four villages, Agoons made apologies to the people on behalf of Herakles Farms for demarcating their lands without consulting or informing them. Herakles Farms had previously promised to pay the villagers 50,000 frs per month, starting in 2010, following the signing of MoUs with chiefs and supporters. But they have still not started making these payments. Agoons told the villagers that these amounts will be paid as arrears without specifying when they would be made. READ MORE

ASIA

Survey on mangroves to be out soon
12TVKR_SEMINAR__12_2403291f
INDIA – A comprehensive survey report on mangroves in the district will be released soon, District Collector P. Bala Kiran has said. Inaugurating a seminar on mangrove forests in Kerala, he said the procedure for takeover of the mangrove areas by the government was in the final phase. The district has nearly 2,500 acres of mangrove vegetation spread over 32 villages, and collective efforts are required for its conservation, he said. Environmental activist Khaleel Chovva, delivering the keynote address at the seminar, called for wetlands of Kattampally to be declared as Ramser a site. Participants of the seminar included environmental experts who spoke on various issues relating to the conservation of the biodiversity-rich ecosystem in the upper reaches of estuaries, lagoons and backwaters of the coastal districts of the State. READ MORE

Mangrove crusader Pokkudan to start mangrove school
INDIA - Mangrove crusader and environmentalist Kallen Pokkudan is slowly giving a concrete shape to his long-cherished green dream a school to train the young generation about the importance of mangrove conservation. Probably this is the first such institute in the country, he says without any claim. Though there are umpteen organizations, including nongovernmental organizations, working in the field of environment conservation, there was no serious effort to protect mangroves or teach the society about its importance in preventing natural calamities and environmental equilibrium. "So, I decided that I should only venture into that mission too, as I had planted hundreds of mangroves in different parts of the state, against all odds," said Pokkudan. "When I planted mangroves here nearly 25 years ago, I was termed mad and the local CPM leaders even turned against me. Time proved that I was right. So this school has a historic relevance as it is a continuation of that mission," he said. READ MORE

AMERICAS

Gaston Browne: Don't let Chinese Developers break laws conserving our Marine Protected Areas.
jIOskYgEeoKNRVp-800x450-noPad
ANTIQUA - Recently a Chinese development company purchased some 1600 acres of undeveloped waterfront land with the intention of creating hundreds of villas, several marinas and luxury hotels, a casino, a school, a hospital, a horse racing track and two golf courses. All of it lies within an incredibly delicate marine ecosystem which is currently protected by the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda. Among several laws which aim to conserve this national treasure is a section within the Fisheries Act dealing with Marine Protected Areas. All of the coastline within this project are within the North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA) which was designated a Marine Protected Area in 2005. Despite this, plans show vast marsh lands, mangroves, flats, reefs and nesting vegetation cleared to make way for the project. This would mean laws either being broken or changed for the developer. This can not be permitted to happen. READ MORE

Half violated environment
BRAZIL -  Late 2014 and early 2015 were catastrophic for the environment in Brazil. Several media reports show how the nature has been "raped". And the eternal contradiction between theory and practice is more than this in Brazilian politics. Deforestation in the Amazon continues to grow - according to information produced by the Deforestation Alert System (SAD), the Institute of Man and Environment in the Amazon (Imazon). In the month of January 2015 were cleared 2 288 km, representing an increase of 195% over the same month in 2014. In February and March were deforested respectively 42 km 2:58 km2, representing, in relation to 2014, increases of 169% and 282%. The cumulative devastation August 2014 to March 2015 reached 1761 km 2, equivalent to an increase of 214% over the same previous monitoring period. Contrary international efforts, Brazil refused to sign the "Declaration of New York on Forests", during the Summit of Climate that took place in September 2014. This statement, considered a letter of intent was signed by more than 30 countries (United States, Canada, European Union and others), plus dozens of companies, environmental organizations and indigenous peoples. Once implemented can halve the felling of forests in the world by 2020 and zero by complete deforestation by 2030. LEA MAS EN ESPANOL

14 environmental groups raise their voices to demand a halt to the destruction of wetlands in Panama
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PANAMA – The battle for wetlands in Panama City has a new episode. Fourteen groups in defense of Wetlands of Panama made an appeal to the state to stop the destruction of wetlands and "recognize the urgent need to halt the destruction of wetlands'. In a letter that was sent yesterday and in which five points, including stringent requirements on the approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by the National Environmental Authority (ANAM) are included. In addition, the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) will require more detail to determine the cause of the destruction of mangroves and their impact on communities; the Ministry of Housing and Land Management require you to meet the standards to protect mangroves. In its request, the ANAM asked to 'act is demanding and that all projects that seek to destroy wetlands are not admitted with a lower Category Category III EIA, considering their cumulative impacts'. Another point that Community Organization Users of Wetlands he requested the authorities is to ensure public consultation with accurate and updated information, and no recurrence cases whose EIA omitted consulting the communities of several provinces. LEA MAS EN ESPANOL

Whigham Elementary’s Earth Day features mangroves and butterflies
USA - More than 400 students participated in an all-day event called “Birds, Blooms, Butterflies and Bees” as part of International Global Youth Service Days. “The event was coordinated with help from Whigham students participating in Youth Service America’s Semester of Service as part of a State Farm Good Neighbor Student Achievement Grant,” said Adrian Delesdernier, a third grade science, social studies and WAVE (Whigham Aquatic Visionary Explorers) teacher. Delesdernier and three other Whigham teachers — Sue Cummings, Dionie DeSilva and Louis Saenz — were recipients of a $2,000 grant for the 2014-15 school year to help promote service learning among 80 students. During their semester of service, students learned how to identify environmental issues and propose solutions that benefit the community. READ MORE

Marine biologist in Haiti creates a national park
051315-CAHaitianbiologistprize_2.png?alias=standard_600x400
HAITI – A Haitian marine biologist who successfully fought to create a national park to protect a large swath of Haiti's north coast has won a prominent US environmental activism prize. Jean Wiener was awarded a Goldman Environmental Foundation prize for his efforts to establish the Caribbean nation’s first Marine Protected Areas while working with local communities to promote sustainable fishing practices and preserve mangrove forests. In awarding the $175,000 prize, the Goldman foundation highlighted Wiener's efforts in overcoming extreme poverty and political instability in Haiti, a country with few full-time environmentalists and almost no government programs to protect natural resources. READ MORE

LAST WORD(S)

Hi all

I am contacting you because of your prior interest in tidal wetlands, mangroves and or saltmarsh habitats around Australia.

This message flags the launch of our first website for the Australian Mangrove & Saltmarsh Network (AMSN). The site is generously supported by Dr Damien Burrows, Director of TropWATER, and James Cook University. The url is: www.amsn.net.au. Please check it out soon.

Note that, while our network is informal, it is active and growing fast. To keep things so, we rely on individual contributions and donations from our special stakeholders. This years meeting was well attended in Wollongong. It was led by Dr Kerrylee Rogers, and hosted by UoW along with support from TNC and the NSW Dept. Environment & Heritage.

If you are interested in continuing your interest and involvement in the network, please register using the website portal. It is free! Being registered will guarantee you will get the latest news and updates from AMSN members, the best methods for habitat assessment & evaluation, the best ways to restore damaged sites, and early news about AMSN meetings. And, there is a lot more likely ... the network is as good as its memberS.

For example, as a result of the Wollongong meeting, a position paper is in preparation about national policy issues regards mangrove habitat in Australia. This professional view is much needed to emphasis further that while tidal wetlands are profoundly beneficial, they are also seriously threatened. At best, these shoreline habitats face an uncertain future.

For those who can make it to the next annual meeting, I hope to see you in Darwin next year.

Best regards: Norm Duke
AMSN Facilitator
Mangrove Biologist, TropWATER JCU
CEO Director, MangroveWatch Ltd
E: aus.msnet@gmail.com

This is Toe Aung @ Myanmar.

It is very delighted to inform you that I have been selected by the Fulbright Scholarship Program. Without your contribution, I would not have achieved this scholar. I also understand one of the strong points in my application was with the invitation letter from you. Thank you very much for your support.I will try the best to complete my program under your guidance and supervision.

For your reference, please kindly find attached my proposed theme in the application that was basically prepared by following your fields of research. In this regard, please let me know if there are anything I should prepare from my country in advance.

Since now, I may receive a couple of questions from the Fulbright program regarding my accommodation at your institution. So, let me get back to you with some points they would like to know, particularly the possible time frame and condition of office space you can provide for me.

Again, thank you very much for your support. I also never forget Jim Enright and Robin Lewis who did great efforts to introduce me with you all. Then, I will write a separated letter to them for special thanks.

I look forward to working together with you soon for mangroves as well as water.


Sincerely,


Toe Aung, PhD.
Mangrove Section
Watershed Management Division
Forest Department






BACK TO TOP

Not yet a subscriber?
Click here to subscribe.
Please cut and paste these news alerts/ action alerts on to your own lists and contacts. Help us spread the word and further generate letters of concern, as this can make a big difference in helping to halt a wrongdoing or encourage correct action.

ACTION ALERTS WANTED: MAP News is looking for links to calls to actions/petitions and letter writing campaigns on mangrove issues, tropical coastal communities and other related topics. Not all submissions can be selected, but we look forward to hearing about your work and want to let our readers' voice be heard!
Email submissions to news@mangroveactionproject.org
Action Alerts:
STOP CHINESE DEVELOPERS – Help protect our Marine protected area

No trans shipping Port Portland Bight Protected Area, Jamaica SIGN OUR PETITION

Volunteer Opportunities with Mangrove Action Project CLICK HERE

STOP PLANTING MANGROVES ON SEAGRASS BEDS _ A CALL TO ACTION

Introducing the “refreshed” Blue Planet Links website, a go-to resource for teachers, students, and the interested public as they navigate the web for useful material about water.

What is CBEMR? Easy to follow fact sheet – CLICK HERE

Want to learn more about mangroves?

mangrove-action-project-presentation-1-1024.jpg?cb=1424228039
Our short presentation will give you a better understanding of the issues we are working to solve. WATCH PRESENTATION
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 Sundarbans from Rampal power plant – View Sample Letter to Minister
Sign the Petition

Question Your Shrimp- Don't Buy or Sell Imported Tropical Shrimp! Sign the Petition
 

Marvellous Mangroves Curriculum

MARVELLOUS MANGROVES IN BRAZIL
En Portuges

MAP%20Curriculum%20Video
Marvellous Mangroves – A Curriculum-Based Teachers Guide.


FOR MORE ON MAPs AWARD WINNING CHINA MANGROVE CURRICULUM VISIT
Education in the Mangroves - China
VIMEO SHOW

VISIT OUR "MM" WEBPAGE


Check out our presentation for more details on Marvellous Mangroves

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

Read this 10 page history of the development of MAP’s educational curriculum VIEW DOCUMENT

Article in Canada's Green Teacher Magazine - Read More

FREE MAP Mangrove e-cards CLICK HERE
Mangrove-Green-Turtle-Bimini-277x186
MAP’s e-Cards offer you a unique way to spread the word about MAP’s good works, while sharing beautiful photographs of the mangroves
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 2016 calendar to be distributed internationally to raise awareness of mangrove forest ecology.  READ MORE

Order your 2015 Calendar
Mangrove Calendar 2015 FRONT 2
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

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 MAP’s uploaded Videos at MAPmangrover’sChannel

The importance of restoring mangroves in an effective, long-term manner. Mangrove CBEMR video - VIEW
Question Your Shrimp Consumer/Markets Campaign!  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


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INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHARITY BACKS GUIANA ISLAND PROTEST



Over 800 signatures in first 24 hours 
of petition against environmental law-breaking in Antigua 

An international environmental organisation has given its backing to a growing protest in Antigua against a massive development on its environmentally protected North shore. The announcement came on the same day as the Antigua Conversation Society launched a petition which gained more than 800 signatures in the first 24 hours. 

The Mangrove Action Project, which is a global network focusing on viable, long term solutions to halt and prevent mangrove destruction, says that it is deeply concerned by the plans published by Chinese development corporation YIDA. YIDA has purchased the 1600 acres of land, including mangrove-rich Guiana Island, with the intention of developing the US$1billion Singulari resort. The resort will feature hundreds of villas, several marinas, luxury hotels, a casino, school and two golf courses. 

The area is in the 3,100 hectare North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA). In order to be carried out legally the project needs an Environmental Impact Assessment being submitted under the Physical Planning Act 2003. There is also a requirement for permission to be sought from the Fisheries Division under the Fisheries Act 2006 for any pruning or removal of mangroves, which must improve the environment. 

Mangrove Action Project Chairman of the Board Roger de Freitas said: “The next generation of Antiguans will be very grateful that these laws were enforced. Mangroves are the fish nurseries for the Caribbean. It is difficult, although not impossible, to restore them. In Mexico the Chinese have just been ordered to restore a huge area of mangroves they destroyed in order to build an industrial centre near Cancun. It would be a great shame if Antigua became yet another case in a sequence of Caribbean mangrove destruction.” 

Species which make their homes in the NEMMA include many of the 182 species of Antiguan and Barbudan birds such as the endangered West Indian Whistling Duck, the Lesser Antillean Flycatcher and Bullfinch, egrets, and Carib doves. There are also Hawksbill turtles which nest on the beaches, snapper and many other fish, lobsters, coral, sponges, conch, and seagrass as well as the ecologically vital mangroves. In 2005, the NEMMA was declared a marine protected area under the Fisheries (Marine Reserve Area) Notice No 36. 

Alarm about the development is spreading in Antigua, with the Antigua Conservation Society launching an online petition yesterday (12th May) asking Prime Minister Gaston Browne not to let Chinese developers break the laws which conserve Antigua’s marine protected areas. The petition gathered a massive total of more than 800 signatures in the first 24 hours.

 The group says it believes while the majority of Antiguans support economic growth, jobs and development in the country, they don’t want it at the expense of the island’s precious environment. Director of Adventure Antigua Eco Tours and founder of the Antigua Conservation Society, Eli Fuller, said: "The Siboney were the first humans settling here in Antigua and Barbuda.

They lived in the shadows of our coastal vegetation some 4000 years ago and were sustained by the ecosystems that were rooted there among the mangroves. Tourism has been in these islands only since the 1950s, and already we have removed much of the same vegetation that sustained life here until its arrival. Only time will tell how long tourism will continue to be an integral part of our lives here in Antigua and Barbuda. It's a very fickle industry to rely upon with so many threats from so many angles that could make tourism a distant memory of the past...... just like the Siboney. 

What will happen when tourism is no longer able to provide food for our nation? It is then that we will need to rely more heavily than ever before on the natural resources and of course this will be impossible if they continue to destroy them. It's time for the words sustainable development to become more than words." Amongst those protesting the development is Antiguan-born Ziffy Tyrrell who said: “People are really alarmed at these plans and the bullying tone of some of the speeches made in regard to them, calling those of us concerned about the environment a ‘minority’. 

There has been no consultation with local people and fishermen in Parham, and no wider information about the nature of the plans given to Antiguans. Long term, we are worried about the impact on our fragile island, particularly the fishing culture which is already struggling due to the effects of climate change and the decline of our reefs.” Antiguan environmental campaigner Martin Dudley said: “Successive Antiguan Governments have sadly failed to stop our island heading for environmental catastrophe. Our landfill site is overflowing, there is no recycling system in place in Antigua, our water and electricity supplies are unreliable and already at full stretch, and vast swathes of mangroves have already been decimated by development. “

This latest project could result in the collapse of the north sound ecosystem which is now critical to Antigua’s reefs and fisheries due to the historical loss of other mangroves. We’ve had enough of our concerns being ignored, and want to work with the Government and YIDA to ensure any future development is within the law and protects our ecosystem. The new Zoning plan designates this area for “environmental protection”, this is not new news!”



Contact details:
Antigua Conservation Society -
Eli Fuller 1 268 725 7263
eliantigua@gmail.com
Ziffy Tyrrell (+1268) 721-3051
zifforahtyrrell@gmail.com
Martin Dudley 1 268 722 3564
zerowasteantigua@gmail.com

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...