Issue 40 - August 2018

Cutting Edge Conservation Finance in the Seychelles

By Frederick Smith

NatureVest, the impact investment team within The Nature Conservancy (TNC), is spearheading a number of initiatives to retool traditional finance to benefit marine ecosystems and help local communities adapt to climate change. One innovative example is the Debt-for-Nature Swap (DFNS) that NatureVest spearheaded in the Seychelles, an island nation of 115 granitic and coral islands in the western Island Ocean.

I was fortunate to be able to meet with Martin Callow, Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaption Trust (SeyCCAT), the conservation trust created to independently manage the financial flows from the debt for nature swap for the nation’s conservation benefit.

“It is…rewarding to start seeing innovative finance routed towards helping solve crucial ocean issues and towards developing new “blue economy” business models here in Seychelles,” said Martin. “We’re starting to see new organizations and partnerships drawn to the field, a key goal of ours.”

Under the terms of the 2016 deal, the Seychelles government agreed to protect one third of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – twenty to two hundred miles offshore – as marine protected areas (MPA) in exchange for its Paris Club creditors restructuring $22 million of its sovereign debt. The payments from the debt restructuring are redirected to the SeyCCAT conservation trust to independently allocate the funds for conservation and climate adaption projects.

In February the Seychelles government designated 81,000 square miles of marine habitat as marine protected areas, including part of Mission Blue’s Outer Seychelles Hope Spot, highlighted for its ecological importance. It is currently engaged in a six-year long, multi-stakeholder spatial planning process, facilitated by TNC, which will double the size of the existing MPA network. Half of the MPAs will be no-take marine reserves, which prohibit fishing, to allow fish to replenish and restock outlying areas.

In addition to the debt-for-nature swap deal, the Seychelles government is issuing the first ever Blue Bond – a debt instrument specifically created to fund marine conservation and climate adaption projects. The DFNS and bond assets will only be routed to projects that can demonstrate alignment with robust environmental and social principles.

“SeyCCAT is excited to be co-managing proceeds from the Seychelles Blue Bond,” said Martin. “We will be co-managing US$15M to provide blended finance in the form of grants and concessionary loans.”

The additional $15 million generated from the Blue Bond sale will allow it to expand its Blue Grants by 179% to $780,000 per year and add $12 million to the Blue Investment Fund. SeyCCAT recently announced its first round of Blue Grant project partnerships.

“It is our hope that this unique financial instrument and partnership can be replicated elsewhere to support fisheries transition to sustainable practices,” said Martin. “Seychelles has taken on a pioneering role when it comes to developing innovative financing mechanisms and we are focused on demonstrating success in Seychelles,” said Martin, “so the model can be taken on by other coastal and island nations.”

While it is vitally important to continue to hold the companies accountable to environmental laws based on good science, we also need to proactively collaborate with the business community to seek solutions that are a win-win for their bottom line and the environment. Financial strategies like debt-for-nature swaps and blue bonds are powerful solutions for rewarding countries and companies whose activities help to protect marine ecosystems and fight climate change.

Frederick Smith with Dr Sylvia Earle

To learn more click here.

All photos, other than banner image, at attributed to Frederick Smith at Epic Ocean Adventure.

We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.

The mission of SEVENSEAS Media is to connect individuals and resources inside and outside of the conservation community to further the shared goal of preventing habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. Since our creation, we’ve been achieving this mission through:

Running community building projects in 174 countries
Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
Providing free scientific resources for educators
Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future

Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.

Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by: Bharamee Thamrongmas.

Issue 40 - August 2018

Green Fins #AlternativesToAnchoring Infographic release!

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By: The Reef-World Foundation

#AlternativesToAnchoring is the second Action Point of the Green Fins IYOR 2018 social media campaign! If you have been following the campaign, you might have noticed that it aims to support divers and dive businesses to take further action by sharing and providing solutions to some of the biggest threats. By doing so we will be saving coral reefs from mass extinction and the livelihoods of the more than 200 million people who depend on healthy and balanced coral reef ecosystems.

Do you know exactly how an anchor can damage marine ecosystems? What are environmentally friendly alternatives? There is no one answer when it comes to finding alternatives to anchoring, however, this campaign will serve as a platform to inspire action and change in others by sharing the stories of success gathered by more than 10 years of working with the industry.

Find ALL the solutions to these and more questions on the NEWLY RELEASED infographic:

Thanks to Dive.in magazine to help us develop the infographic!

Follow this link to share the infographic with your fellow divers!

Follow the different Green Fins social media platforms to get involved and make a change. Because if you don’t…who will?

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Deepblu

For more information on the International Year of the Reef 2018 follow this link: www.iyor2018.org

Want to be part of the movement? Find all the campaign content here.

Reef-World’s campaign partners are:

UN Environment, Fourth Element, PATA, Six Senses Laamu and Explorer Ventures.

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We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.

Running community building projects in 174 countries
Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
Providing free scientific resources for educators
Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future

Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.

Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by: Bharamee Thamrongmas.

Issue 40 - August 2018

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – August 2018 – Issue 40

1. Letter from the Editor: 40 Issues from SEVENSEAS!

Did you know that SEVENSEAS Media is run by one UNPAID individual on nearly zero revenue? I have had some great help from volunteers, writers, photographers, and…

2. “The Underwater Woman” Campaign on Ocean Acidification

…otherworldly underwater sets to convey the effects of elevated atmospheric C02 dissolving into seawater that initiates chemical reactions transforming the ocean into a more acidic state.

3. UPDATE: NOW CLOSED. Check out new arrivals in the SEVENSEAS Media store

We just opened up our first e-commerce site! Best part is 100% of the proceeds to go SEVENSEAS Media. BEACH BLANKETS FOR SUMMER ARE NOW IN STOCK!!!

4. The Global Marine Community Weekly Conservation Post

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, jobs, and announcements in ocean conservation.

5. Satellite tag study reveals Philippine waters are incredibly important for endangered whale sharks

A new scientific study has tracked juvenile whale sharks across the Philippines emphasising the importance of the archipelago for the species.

6. Feature Destination: A Misty Photo Series from the Azores

Misty and mystical.

7. Feature Destination: OCEANO AZUL Foundation Leads Scientific Expedition to the Azores

This scientific expedition is part of the Blue Azores programme and contributes to the Foundation’s objective of promoting knowledge for ocean’s conservation.

8. Feature Destination: Oceano Azul Expedition Discovers a New Hydrothermal Field in the Azores

This is the first time, an expedition organized by a Portuguese institution, led by Portuguese scientists in partnership with international partners…

13. Feature Destination: Wildscreen Exchange August 2018 Feature Image

Shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrinchus. Photographed in the Azores by Patrick Doll.

9. River Trash and the Road to Recovery in Washington, DC

The river was once deemed to be one of the most polluted rivers in the U.S. Today, it is on the road to recovery. Wildlife is returning, aquatic plants are making a come-back…

10. Cuba, Coral and Trump

I found out the only small dive resort in the area was on the administration’s list of hundreds of prohibited hotels, dive centers, marinas, tour agencies, stores, companies and ministries, so I made other plans.

11. Cutting Edge Conservation Finance in the Seychelles

12. Jack’s August 2018 Underwater Photography Feature

Thecacera pacifica is a nudibranch or “sea slug” that looks alarmingly and endearingly like the most famous of all Pokémon pocket monsters, Pikachu!

14. Surasak Nuibut, Mountain Climber, Adventurer & Travel Photographer: Koh Tao Thailand

Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist spots, famous for scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, rock climbing, and bouldering.

15. Under the Waves with Karim Iliya for August 2018

An aerial view of a dolphin in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

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

40 Issues, readership in 174 countries, 19,000 subscribers, 20,000 monthly visitors…and growing.

ECO-TRAVEL DEALS

Be sure to mention SEVENSEAS Media for special rates and discounts when making your inquiry.

1. Oceanic Society Expeditions.

See this “Senegal: African Manatee and Turtle Conservation” trip plus many others in the new 2017-2018 Expeditions Catalogue.

2. Bangkok Photo Tours.

We visit traditional sights but focus on markets, street art, and local food. All camera forward and environmentally sensitive.

3. Ever dream of swimming with humpback whales? Now you can.

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales Karim guides…

4. Isla Mar Research Expeditions – Field Courses in Puerto Rico.

A field course coordination company in Puerto Rico that specializes in organizing and hosting island ecology (marine/terrestrial) themed courses.

5. Pangaea Ocean Sailing Expedition.

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.

6. Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

Imagine roaming some of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems. Gorgeous vistas, affordable travel and amazing memories; immersing yourself in the sounds of nature.

7. SEE Turtles.

…protect endangered turtles throughout Latin America and the world by supporting community-based conservation efforts through ecotourism, education, and Billion Baby Turtles.

8. Pete Oxford Expeditions.

We offer unique, small group expeditions for travelers and photographers to remote and pristine destinations and cultures around the world.

We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.

Running community building projects in 174 countries
Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
Providing free scientific resources for educators
Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future

Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.

Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

SEVENSEAS Media Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief, Giacomo Abrusci

Conservation Photography

Under the Waves with Karim Iliya for August 2018

An aerial view of a dolphin in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Karim was published in National Geographic magazine for his humpback whale photography. He now leads his own trips so that others can swim with whales.

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales, Karim guides people in small trips between August and October every year in Tonga. Visit www.dancewithwhales.com to find out more

To see more of Karim’s work, visit his website at www.karimphotography.com

We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.

Running community building projects in 174 countries
Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
Providing free scientific resources for educators
Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future

Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.

Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by: Giacomo Abrusci