Issue 30 - October 2017

Biri Initiative, a story on coral restoration

The Biri Initiative is dedicated to coral restoration on Biri Island, Northern Samar, the Philippines. Their mission is to rejuvenate damaged reefs and create alternative forms of employment to fishing. This is Richard Ewen and David Parker’s story from tourism and diving to stewards of the ocean.

The beginning of Biri Resort

The Biri Resort was completed in 2010 and soon after started hosting tourists. Visitors originally came to see the famous rock formations and were interested on happenings above the surface of the water. The new resort was well received by the community and significantly helped villagers as there was now infrastructure to cater to expatriates. We began hosting individuals from the International Medical Mission, a group of traveling doctors who care for less fortunate communities around the world. The doctors began occupying Biri Resort once a year and performed surgeries that otherwise would not have been possible on such a small island.

I met divemaster David Parker in Manila and it wasn’t long before we brainstormed opening a dive shop together at Biri Resort. This was just the start of our journey. We got the supplies and built the dive shop we dreamed of, appropriately changing our name to Biri Resort & Dive Center. The excitement was palpable and we couldn’t wait to get under the water. David came to dive at Biri Island but the outcome really was not at all what we hoped for. Until then, this was mostly unsurveyed seabed and over multiple dives that week we found a much destroyed ecosystem. In most places the coral was severely bombed and damanged. There was some intact reef closer to the coast but worst of all, there were no fish anywhere.

Blast fishing is one of the most destructive methods of collecting sea life. It is the practice of using explosives to stun or kill schools of fish for easier collection. Blast fishing is illegal in many countries and can destroy the surrounding ecosystem as the explosive charge can level the underlying habitat.

Our move towards coral restoration

In 2012 I created the Biri Initiative organization, an NGO via the Securities Exchange Commission to protect the Islands of Biri Northern Samar. Our secondary goal was to educate local communities on marine protected areas. We contacted local government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Protected Area Management Board, and all the coastal entities concerned necessary to approve the projects we wanted to implement.

As with most non-profits we looked for donors everywhere but hit brick walls time and time again. Fortunately the for-profit arm of Biri Resort was able to keep funding our projects, and Biri Initiative was able to float.

We then used unique technology to develop our Biri buds, domes made of cement, rebar, and other materials that immediately create a habitat for an array of marine species. Our Biri Buds contain biomass in their construction to promote colonisation by algae immediately after their deployment.

Biri buds opened the door for us to team-up with Holcim Cement who awarded concrete for our project. They generously also also purchased a satellite map of Biri Island so we could record our achievements. To top it off, Aquamundo Sports, a local dive supplier, offered us discounts on dive gear and we were set.

Deeper partnerships and succeeding restoration goals

Initially deploying Biri buds at Biri Northern Samar was held-up on approval from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. In the meantime, a good friend and fellow resort owner Jonathan Thorpe of Big Apple Dive Resort combined efforts and we started deployment of reef buds in the already busy dive attraction Puerto Galera. This deployment showed overwhelming results as the reef buds had bloomed better than anyone expected.

After waiting 18 months we managed to start more projects and were finally making headway at Biri proper. Our goal was to promote ocean awareness, offering education and research opportunities in the Philippines. Initiatives ranged from mangrove to beach and harbour cleanup events, to crown of thorns removal. Crown of thorns removal remains an integral practice in maintaining our ecosystem.

We were now in a position to address more marine issues with eco-tourism. We began recruiting students from around the globe to attend our voluntourism seminars. There they spend a number of weeks to study our marine protected environment. Students learn to dive while at the same time learning the fundamentals of conservation and basic surveying techniques. This lead us directly to our partnership with ReefDoctor.org collecting data, teaching surveying methods, grid mapping. We make our data and observations available to all interested parties worldwide.

Recognition rose as George Cummings, Ocean Ambassador for the World Federation for Coral Reef Conservation, sponsored and helped deploy a Biri Bud, the cornerstone of our reef restoration efforts.

Continued conservation action at Biri today

We are still extremely active with mangrove, beach, and harbour cleanups. For crown of thorns removal we invite local fishermen and pay for their services. Beach cleanups involve engaging local school children. There is a depository at Biri Resort & Dive Center where children can drop off plastic they collected. The waste is upcycled into different size building blocks and used for a variety of projects. Already they exist in public works, low cost housing construction, and outdoor toilets and showers.

We got to thinking how could we combine our Biri Bud experience with coral farming and transplant techniques. We knew with proper training we could speed the time it takes for coral to incrust our Biri Buds.

The phone calls across the globe seemed endless until we located a local marine biologist in the Philippines, Homer Hernandez. He graciously decided to teach our team the correct practices in coral transplanting. After a few training sessions our team got to work and in no time the results were showing success. Realizing we had the right ingredients of mangroves, seagrass beds, established corals that were recovering from blast fishing, and marine protected status, we made our game plan. Repair each reef one reef at a time, and thus Project 250 was born.

Over the course of 2017, Project 250 has recovered loose coral fragments from the seabed. These fragments were planted on 150 Biri Buds and attached to 100 small and large cages of iron rebar. Some cages are reserved for coral nurseries so mature clippings become transferred to dynamite damaged areas.

We hope that you will come visit, in person or online!

Although our end goal is to develop an underwater habitat, we used some creativity in the placement of our seabed structures. As a first of its kind and approval from colleagues, we developed a seascape park. Divers can see an entrance gate, “park benches,” and statues, all manufactured by the Honorable Mr. Antonio Delos Reyes Jr., Mayor of Biri. Our project is not only a wondrous niche marine habitat, but a fun dive site, a unique conservation project, and great tourist attraction.

Now, find us on social media: www.facebook.com/BiriInitiativeOrg, twitter.com/BiriInitiative

Answer your questions and get involved by e-mailing: richard-ewen@biri-initiative.org and check out our website at www.biri-initiative.org

Next, check out more of the the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here. You can take a break from your day and check out some art on the SEVENSEAS Media Gallery here. Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

Issue 30 - October 2017

SEVENSEAS Marine Conservation & Travel Magazine: October Issue

1. Letter from the Editor. Vacation in the wake of a hurricane and put your money where your heart is.

…think about it. If you are planning a vacation in the next 12 months, consider going someplace that can benefit from that money.

2. The Underwater Cosmos of Manu Bustelo.

Manu Bustelo’s diving has taken him from Thailand to the Red Sea to the Great Barrier Reef. His current home base of Andorra offers him the opportunity for diving in high altitude lakes.

3. Paris Agreement only chance for coral reef survival.

Limiting global warming to below 2°C in line with the Paris Agreement provides the only chance for the survival of coral reefs…

4. Blue carbon climate mitigation largely ignored.

mangroves, saltmarshes and seagrasses – often referred to as coastal ‘blue carbon ecosystems’ are often overlooked in national climate change policies…

5. Egypt Underwater – a photo series.

Once you get below the waves you are in store for an eruption of color and biodiversity sure to impress the most seasoned divers.

6. Feature Destination: Spirit bears bring international tourists to remote B.C.

This majestically coloured white animal – that used to be, wrongly, thought of as a rare albino – is a sacred animal to the First Nations people.

7. Feature Destination: Exploring the Great Bear Sea: New, Free Curriculum Resources.

Green Fire Productions, a non-profit organization, specializes in producing documentaries on sustainability and conservation of natural resources. The Great Bear Sea is part of the Ocean Frontiers film series on ocean stewardship in North America.

8. Feature Destination: Scuba Diving the Northern tip of Vancouver Island with MaPP.

Scuba divers come from all over the world to dive the wall at Browning Pass and other remarkable sites near Port Hardy.

9. Feature Destination: New century, new approach to marine planning in B.C.

For the first time in British Columbia’s history, First Nations have been equal partners with the provincial government in developing marine use plans…

10. Feature Destination: Coastal Stewardship Network: Collaborative Monitoring and Protection of First Nations’ Lands and Waters.

First Nations in British Columbia have effectively managed the rich resources of their territories for millennia. But the balance…

11. Feature Destination: Gitga’at Guardians: Using Science to Safeguard their Territory.

The remote, island-dotted coastal waters of the Gitga’at Nation are ideal whale habitat, including endangered species such as Orca and Fin Whales…

12. Mobile App Transforms Smartphone into Tool for Ocean Protection .

A smartphone app from the environmental organization Project AWARE® will enable scuba divers around the world to record levels of marine debris now causing increasing problems for wildlife and ocean habitats.

13. For Palauans, a healthy ocean means a healthy business!

In the waters of Palau, you can easily spot many different species of sharks, Napoleon wrasse, infinite expanses of coral reefs, manta rays, the list can go on and on. A paradise for divers and snorkelers!

14. Connect with the Global Marine Community.

In a nutshell, the Global Marine Community is a free interactive resource that gives you access to a weekly email detailing a round-up of events and opportunities in ocean conservation.

15. Florida’s Largest Ocean Conservation Awards Event.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Ninth Annual Go Blue Awards recognize ocean conservationheroes from around the globe

16. Biri Initiative, a story on coral restoration.

Their mission is to rejuvenate damaged reefs and create alternative forms of employment to fishing. This is Richard Ewen and David Parker’s story…

17. Washingtonians Volunteer in International Coastal Cleanup.

Volunteers Joined Hundreds of Thousands Worldwide during Ocean Conservancy’s 32nd International Coastal Cleanup…

18. Brazilian Government signs up to UN Clean Seas campaign.

A significant boost for global efforts to protect marine life and human health

19. Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge Acceleration Prize Winners Announced.

Paso Pacifico started with an idea for an artificial sea turtle egg that contains covert tracking devices to reveal illegal trafficking routes. They now have a functional and scalable prototype

20. Interested in advertising, contributing an article, or becoming a donor?

30 Issues, readership in 174 countries, over 15,000 subscribers, 20,000 monthly visitors…and growing.

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Panex is opening up sailing expeditions for guest crew. This is an unique opportunity to go sailing, cross an ocean, and be a part of something bigger.

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Spirit Bear Cover Image By Douglas Neasloss

Issue 30 - October 2017

Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge Acceleration Prize Winners Announced

Since its launch in 2014, the Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge has played a pivotal role in harnessing the power of science and technology to combat the international crisis of wildlife trafficking. USAID, in partnership with the National Geographic Society, the Smithsonian Institution, and TRAFFIC, has helped 16 winning innovators, chosen from a pool of over 300 applicants, to develop their solutions to fight wildlife crime. Four of these winners were awarded “grand prizes” in 2016 to support their work to grow and refine tools to fight corruption, identify poaching hotspots, and detect illegal sales online and illegal shipments in ports.

This year, to spur continued progress in advancing these promising solutions, USAID offered a new opportunity for Challenge Prize Winners to compete to win three Acceleration Prizes, worth a total of $100,000 each. These prizes utilized a pay-for-results approach to incentivize continued action and reward those who demonstrated the greatest growth in their solution. The winners were selected based on evidence of their progress in refining their solution, leveraging resources, and building partnerships over the last year and a half.

USAID is pleased to announce the three winners of the Acceleration Prizes, worth $100,000 each. While all of the Challenge Prize Winners have made great advances, these three organizations have made truly remarkable progress in turning promising ideas into viable solutions positioned for scale and impact on the ground:

TheUniversity of Washington created a solution to genetically track the illegal pangolin trade and alert law enforcement to the most heavily poached pangolin populations. Once only a concept, it is now nearly ready to be used in forensic labs worldwide. The solution includes a fully developed genetic system and flexible computer software, and can be easily transferred.
TheZoological Society of London has developed a new version of their Instant Detect system, a wildlife and threat monitoring network for the most demanding environments. The system uses remote sensors and satellite technology to help authorities identify illegal activity in protected areas in near real-time. The new system will be easier to use, easy to deploy, compatible with existing law enforcement tools, and cheaper to purchase.
Paso Pacifico started with an idea for an artificial sea turtle egg that contains covert tracking devices to reveal illegal trafficking routes. They now have a functional and scalable prototype that is the result of testing and refinement of various artificial egg designs, materials, and production processes, as well as internal transmitter and battery technology.

Congratulations to all of the WCTC Prize Winners on their impressive progress through the Challenge, and to the Acceleration Prize Winners!

wildlife crime tech challenge logo

USAID logo

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Check out more of the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here. You can take a break from your day and check out some art on the SEVENSEAS Media Gallery here. Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

Issue 30 - October 2017

Brazilian Government signs up to UN Clean Seas campaign

UN Clean Seas campaign reaches milestone 30^th country with new announcement from Brazil
A significant boost for global efforts to protect marine life and human health
Announcement strengthens Brazil’s commitment to developing a National Plan to Combat Marine Litter

Brazil has officially announced its support to the UN Clean Seas campaign in a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York with Minister of Environment, Sarney Filho, and head of UN Environment, Erik Solheim.

As the world’s ninth largest economy and a leader in environmental protection, Brazil’s declaration of support is a significant boost to the UN’s global campaign, which now boasts 30 member states and aims to “turn the tide on plastic” by inspiring action from governments, businesses and individuals.

brazil skyline

“Brazil’s support for this campaign is crucial. It underscores the size of the problem and the scale of the response that we need to see,” said Solheim. “We need more of the same political leadership – the kind that sends a very clear message: we cannot afford to continue to turn our oceans into a sea of waste.”

The announcement strengthens the Brazilian government’s commitment to developing a National Plan to Combat Marine Litter and supporting the creation of the South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary and Marine Protected Areas.

“The ecological services provided by the oceans are essential for all people and Brazil has been taking a number of measures to ensure the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems,” said Minister Filho.

Plastic has long been identified as a major cause of environmental damage and health problems. It pollutes the environment; kills birds, fish and other animals that mistake plastic for food; damages tourist destinations; harms marine fisheries and provides a breeding ground for Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya mosquitoes.

Plastic use, however, continues to grow. In 2016, 5.8 million tons of plastic products were produced in Brazil. Globally, up to 2015, mankind had produced 8.3 billion tons of plastic. Of this, 6.3 billion tons have already been discarded and some 8 million tons are dumped into our oceans every year.

Much of this waste is made up of disposable plastic, including cups, bags, straws, bottles and microplastics (tiny particles of plastic) from cosmetic products.

The Clean Seas campaign asks the support of governments through the creation of effective national laws and encouragement for businesses and citizens to develop new and more sustainable patterns of production and consumption. A recent example comes from Chile, which this week announced a law banning plastic bags in coastal cities.

By signing up to Clean Seas, Brazil joins Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Panama, Peru, Saint Lucia and Uruguay to become the 10th country in Latin America and the Caribbean to join the campaign.

Further afield, Indonesia has committed to slash marine litter by 70%, Canada has added microbeads to its list of toxic substances, and New Zealand, the UK and the US have announced bans on microbeads.

About UN Environment

UN Environment is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UN Environment works with governments, the private sector, the civil society and with other UN entities and international organizations across the world.

Clean seas logo

About Clean Seas

Launched at the Economist World Ocean Summit in Bali, UN Environment’s #CleanSeas campaign is urging governments to pass plastic reduction policies; targeting industry to minimize plastic packaging and redesign products; and calling on consumers to change their throwaway habits before irreversible damage is done to our seas.

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