At its simplest, biodiversity is the full variety of life on Earth, from the smallest microbes in the soil to towering redwoods, from coral reefs teeming with fish to migrating shorebirds crossing the ocean. Biodiversity is not just about the number of species, but about how they live, where they live, and how they interact. It includes the quiet resilience of a lichen on a stone and the synchronized movement of a school of fish. It includes differences within species too. Some animals, like blue whales, might spend their lives mostly alone, while others rely on intricate social structures. Bees work together in colonies as superorganisms, with queens, workers, and drones, while other species divide roles across a group to hunt, raise young, or guard their community. These variations are not random, they are the result of millions of years of evolution, shaping a planet that functions as a system only when its parts remain connected.

 

 

It is the small details we often take for granted: the insect that pollinates a native flower, the bird that disperses seeds, the solitary tree where a migratory animal rests. When those pieces go missing, we might start to understand how deeply everything depends on everything else. Biodiversity is what makes Earth vibrant, resilient, and alive. When we protect it, we are protecting the system that supports us all. Old news, right? This should be giving vibes from my 1999 Campbell’s Biology, 5th Edition, university textbook. 

As I reflect during Pride Month, I recognize that just as we value biodiversity, the dazzling variety of species, colors, bird calls, scents, and ecological roles- it should go without saying that we must also value human diversity. It is this diversity that makes us uniquely human. Celebrating Pride, for me, is about celebrating our differences (and the commonality between), respecting the rights, voices, and identities of all people, and taking time to honor what makes each of us unique. It is also about standing up, defending each other, and protecting what is beautiful. Two days ago a violent video was circulated on Instagram of a group of guys who violently attacked three trans women in Rome. There was kicking, punching, breaking bottles, and I’m sure a dark terror that will forever reside inside those women. When I see nature go up in flames, I make my voice heard. When people are attacked simply for existing, I do the same. Transphobia is here. Homophobia is here. A whole lot of phobias are here. But I repeat: TRANSPHOBIA IS HERE. It is not far from wherever you are sitting either. Trans people are not going away and they are part of the diversity that makes us all, together, human. 

This is why we still need Pride.

Now, because of my work, my husband’s work, my educational and career path, and my family, I have had the good fortune to live in a handful of countries, and have visited many many others. Through these experiences, I’ve become close with people across nationalities and cultural backgrounds. I’m so lucky to have been welcomed into homes and communities that have shared their recipes, stories, fears, and traditions. It is every kind of diversity, across landscapes and languages, cultures and cuisines, that is beautiful. It should be protected, respected, and celebrated just as fiercely as the biodiversity of our planet. 

On a personal level, I had a story similar to many young gay men who grew up in the 80s and 90s- navigating identity, belonging, the silence that often surrounded us, and the fear of AIDS around the corner. One of the things that made me stronger, more grounded, and ultimately successful in my life and career was that celebration diversity. I eventually learned there is no singular path or role, even though I was prescribed one. When I began working in ocean conservation well over two decades ago, my earliest mentors were all women. In a field that was still overwhelmingly male-dominated, these women lifted each other up, advocated for equity, and made space for new voices. Watching them taught me to be brave enough to be myself and to help others do the same. This also made me understand that the most effective way to make an impact in biodiversity conservation was to support the people behind it. Flash-forward, welcome to SEVENSEAS.

It is worth noting that SEVENSEAS is coincidentally owned and operated by gay people. I am proud of how this has shaped the way we work and the stories we choose to tell. SEVENSEAS Media is here to share science, promote biodiversity conservation, and support the people who make that work possible. Conservation is not just about coral and trees. It’s about the people who fight for them- and for each other.

That is why we offer publications, job opportunities, events, and volunteer connections. That is why we celebrate every person in this community and what makes them who they are. SEVENSEAS is the place for you.

This month, at the suggestion of Junior, our new Publisher, we we decided last minute to put together a special Pride in Conservation issue- highlighting some of the work of a few LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and friends across the SEVENSEAS community. 

Thanks for reading, and happy PRIDE. 

Giacomo Abrusci

Raja Ampat, 2017

 

 

Amplifying Queer Voices

“Waves of fire against a stubborn shore.”
Photograph by Victoria Migneco, submitted for SEVENSEAS Media’s PRIDE Issue #121.

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How could a Pacific island nation of just 20,000 residents create a conservation model many large countries still strive for?

Palau has married cultural pride with global leadership to create a living legacy of conservation and stewardship. Initiatives, including the Palau Pledge, have redefined what it means to travel responsibly and protect marine life; a journey here is a masterclass in purpose-driven tourism.

The Palau Pledge

The Palau Pledge is the world’s first immigration policy centred on environmental responsibility. It was launched on 7 December 2017 and requires every international visitor to sign a pledge upon arrival, stamped directly into their passport. This mandatory commitment, available in multiple languages, helps preserve Palau’s ecosystems and cultural traditions.

Uniquely, the pledge was co-created with local schoolchildren and is addressed to the children of Palau. It repositions tourism as a shared responsibility, symbolising a collective promise to future generations.

Unsurprisingly, this has had global resonance. The Palau Pledge has generated over 1.7 billion media impressions and is on track to reach more than two million signatures in its first decade since inception. It has inspired initiatives beyond its shores with other countries seeking to balance tourism and sustainability.

Palau’s Conservation Achievements

Shark Sanctuary

In a bold world-first move, Palau declared its entire exclusive economic zone a shark sanctuary in 2009. Over 135 shark and ray species have benefitted, as the sanctuary covers all waters up to 200 nautical miles from the coastline, encompassing hundreds of islands. This response to the global decline in shark populations led to a worldwide movement with 17 other countries following suit.

Palau National Marine Sanctuary

In 2015, Palau built on its conservation leadership by establishing the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, which protects 80% of its national waters. It banned all extractive activities, including fishing and mining, in an area about the size of California. It also made a groundbreaking ban on reef-toxic sunscreens to safeguard its coral ecosystems.

This move has protected over 1,300 fish and 700 coral species and safeguarded critical habitats for manta rays, whales and endangered sea turtles. Palau established locally-managed fisheries in the remaining 20% of the waters to also ensure food security for the nation.

The United Nations has praised Palau’s conservation model as it showcases how big of an impact a small island nation can make to protect global marine life.

Palau Wildlife

Marine Life

Some of the planet’s most diverse and vibrant marine life exists in Palau due to its location in the heart of the Coral Triangle. The country’s pioneering conservation efforts ensure over 130 species of sharks can thrive there, as well as manta rays, which glide through the nutrient-dense waters. Over 700 coral species live in the underwater worlds of coral reefs, and hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles have critical nesting grounds on its shores. One of the most unique species here is the stingless golden jellyfish, which occupies ‘Jellyfish Lake’ in the millions.

Land-Based Life

Palau’s land-based wildlife is just as vibrant as its marine wildlife due to millennia of isolation within rich island habitats. Dugongs are among the most rare and elusive residents; these shy, gentle creatures play a crucial ecological role in maintaining healthy seagrass beds. Palau is one of the few places in Micronesia where they graze.

Avian diversity is also exceptional in Palau. There are over 150 recorded bird species, including at least 13 endemics found nowhere else. Colorful residents bring the forests and wetlands to life, such as the Palau Fruit Dove with its soft green plumage and pinkish crown. The Palau Ground Dove, Palau Scops Owl and the Giant White-eye are further examples of species adapted to the country’s diverse habitats, which range from lush tropical forests to limestone islands.

Pioneering Responsible Tourism

The impact of the Palau Pledge extends beyond how visitors experience this island nation. It has transformed the landscape of responsible tourism and blazed a trail for other countries to follow.

At its core, the requirement for every international visitor to sign the pledge created a powerful ‘green nudge’. They must commit to protecting the environment, making stewardship a collective responsibility. 96% of visitors reported being more mindful of their environmental impact, and 65% actively used the pledge’s principles to educate others during their stay.

The Pledge has also catalysed several innovative policies and regulations, including the world’s first ban on reef-toxic sunscreens. Palau has expanded protected areas and introduced ‘Green Fees’, which channel money into local conservation projects, including marine monitoring, waste management and community-led environmental education. Tourism revenue, therefore, delivers tangible benefits to local people and nature.

“Palau is driving investment in large-scale protection to benefit people and the ocean. It is a beacon to the rest of the world.”
— Fiorenza Micheli, Stanford’s Centre for Ocean Solutions

A Model for the World

If we have learned one thing from Palau, it’s that size is not a barrier to global leadership in conservation. Palau has set a benchmark in environmental stewardship by creating the Palau Pledge and vast marine sanctuaries, alongside its unwavering commitment to fostering responsible tourism.

A visit to this Micronesian nation is an opportunity to become part of its conservation success, not just witness it. You can explore its protected seascapes through guided dives and snorkelling excursions and go birdwatching and hiking through its pristine forests. You can even witness discussions among Palau’s environmental leaders and contribute to citizen science projects and conservation monitoring.

This is a rare opportunity. Palau invites you to stand alongside them in fighting for the future of our oceans.

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Ready to Take the Pledge?

Journeys With Purpose offers private, conservation-focused journeys to Palau, with tailor-made itineraries built around your passions. Get in touch with our expert travel specialists today on +44 20 8044 9538 or at connect@journeyswithpurpose.org to find out more.