Issue 31 - November 2017

Tourism and Conservation in Vanuatu

The thumping of the bass from the deejay’s music set went on until 4am as I awoke a few times from my jet-lagged slumber. I had arrived into Vanuatu right in the midst of its week-long Independence celebration.

beach scene in vanuatu

I was originally meant to go to the Solomon Islands, the Temotu province to be exact, but due to an unforeseen event, here I was, temporarily residing on a 38’ Wharram designed catamaran in the harbor of Port Vila. I was here previously 6 years ago, volunteering as a marine biologist for a marine conservation organization that uses donated sailboats to visit remote small-island communities to help implement programs to better manage their marine resources and to build capacity.

children swimming and playing in vanuatu

The Republic of Vanuatu is a South Pacific archipelago of 12,189 square kilometers, consisting of 82 islands of volcanic origin and a population of approximately 243,000. The people of Vanuatu speak 113 Austronesian languages and each has its own traditions and customs, making this country the most culturally diverse one on the planet. There are 3 official languages – Bislama, English and French. France and the United Kingdom claimed parts of Vanuatu starting in the 1880’s and jointly ruled it until it became independent on July 30th, 1980. The capital city of Port Vila is vibrant with an amazing market, where women come from all over the island of Efate to sell their fruits, vegetables and locally made wares and spend the nights there until all of their produce is sold.

Woman selling pineapples in Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s economy is mainly agriculture with the majority being subsistence farming and the main crops being taro, yam, coconut, kumara and bananas. One specific crop, Kava Kava, has been cultivated locally for thousands of years. Kava is a root vegetable that is a member of the pepper family, has psychoactive qualities, is highly prized and signifies Vanuatu’s kastom (custom) and national identity. It is advertised to be restorative and alleviate stress and is seen in a few ways – a traditional sacred substance, a cash crop and in some villages, to join drinkers to their ancestors. Imbibing it has been described as having numb lips and like being at the dentist. Supposedly it does not influence a drinker’s ability to think clearly as the effects are more physical. Years ago, while attending a music festival in Port Vila, I drank a few coconut shells full of kava and indeed, my lips became numb and I only tripped over my feet once when I got up to get some food!

coral reef underwater in vanuatu

Fishing is both a source of income and food for a majority of the local population. Fishing communities are experiencing challenges as they face climate change impacts and increased pressure on their local coral reefs as their village population increases and modern fishing equipment are being used. There are many conservation organizations, such as OceansWatch and Island Reach, that are working with local communities (including women groups) to empower them to conserve natural resources and build environmental resilience for conservation and food security purposes.

Tourism is on the rise and tourists have many opportunities to snorkel among the many island coral reefs and witness the local kastom of the various islands. Each island is unique: Tanna has one of the most active and accessible volcano in the world, Pentecost has its land diving tradition, Aneytum has Mystery Island with cruise ships visiting this island paradise and Epi has dugong tours. Port Vila receives about 8-10 cruise ships visits per month. Many organized tours include visiting a local village and the chance to buy a locally made basket, bag or jewelry.

Development is brisk in this country and there are new construction of buildings and roads, including many high-end resorts and apartment buildings. One hopes that with the increasing development and trade, Vanuatu will be able to hold onto its traditions and environmental beauty.

noelle headshot Noelle is a huge ocean enthusiast and a marine ecologist, whose aims are to raise awareness about current ocean issues and to work alongside local fishing communities on sustainability projects (such as alternative livelihoods and managed fisheries) to build capacity and have a toolkit to better manage their marine resources.

To learn more about her and the projects she has worked on, please visit http://noellewebsite.weebly.com/about-me.html

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Sea creatures have surfaced all over BS5!

Issue 31 - November 2017

SEVENSEAS Marine Conservation & Travel Magazine: November Issue

1. Letter from the Editor. Developing Strategic Conservation Communication Goals.

Navigating the digital world may seem daunting at times, but if you know how to harness these tools effectively you can catalyze your organization’s impact.

2. Sea creatures have surfaced all over Bristol

Wildscreen placed their one-of-a-kind photography exhibition in a trail throughout BS5, which contains the work of some of the world’s best wildlife photographers and features some of its most interesting creatures.

3. Humpback Whales for November by Karim Iliya

A large male humpback lets out an explosive plume of bubbles obscuring a mother and her calf in a quick pass in the clear waters off Tonga.

4. FEATURE DESTINATION: With the right itinerary Cambodia will be the trip of a lifetime.

Pack your water, sunhat, and a camera. This is one of the most marvelous places you will ever set foot in.

5. FEATURE DESTINATION: The Irawaddy River Dolphins – More than just a tourist attraction

The Irawaddy River Dolphin is not just a tourist attraction or an additional source of income for fisherman. The Irawaddy Dolphin is a sacred animal, according to folk…

6. FEATURE DESTINATION: Eleven amazing reasons to visit Cambodia

There are countless reasons to visit Cambodia. These are a few of our favorite things to look out for when planning your trip.

7. Surasak Nuibut, Mountain Climber, Adventurer & Travel Photographer: Indonesia Up and Under.

He lives the backpackers dream. Are you ready for an adventure like this?

8. World Oceans Day Annual Report

With 1,000+ events in 100+ countries and a huge social media presence, this annual celebration of our shared ocean continues expanding in many exciting ways, creating more impact around the world!

9. ZOOFLAKES: Gift Book Promoting Animal Conservation & Awareness

The Masugas thoughtfully plan out each individual Zooflake, which depict animals such as the West Indian manatee, Bornean orangutan, toco toucan…

10. Tourism and Conservation in Vanuatu

Each island is unique: Tanna has one of the most active and accessible volcano in the world, Pentecost has its land diving tradition, Aneytum has Mystery Island with cruise ships visiting this island paradise and Epi has dugong tours.

11. Bridger Brewing has Pints with Purpose.

People who live their lives with conservation in their heart often find that their journey evolves over time. Changes at work, new acquaintances and the ongoing

12. Horseshoe Crab and Shorebirds in Delaware Bay New Jersey.

The Delaware Bay is known, in particular, for its concentrations of migratory Arctic shorebirds and its beaches where horseshoe crabs lay their eggs.

13. 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.

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

31 Issues, readership in 174 countries, over 15,000 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. Ever dream of swimming with humpback whales? Now you can.

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. SEE Turtles.

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7. Pete Oxford Expeditions.

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

Conservation Photography

Humpback Whales for November by Karim Iliya

A large male humpback lets out an explosive plume of bubbles obscuring a mother and her calf in a quick pass in the clear waters off Tonga. This large male, (roughly 13 meters, 45 feet) is covered in scars from battle for mating rights, with other males.

humback whale mother and calf

Karim Iliya

Karim is a professional underwater photographer and Aerial Cinematographer living on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Growing up in the Middle East and Asia, Karim lives a nomadic lifestyle with a focus on photographing wildlife and marine environments to help increase awareness and an appreciation of our delicate ecosystems on Earth.

www.karimphotography.com
karimiliya@gmail.com
instagram: karimiliya

SEVENSEAS Media Conservation Photography

SEVENSEAS Media publishes some of the world’s best and most famous photographers, videographers, and artists. Some professional, some amateur, some first timers, and even a growing Instagram community. We all have one thing in common, a shared goal of visually telling a story and preserving what we have left of our natural world.

If you want to publish with us, online or in monthly issue, just shoot an email to info@sevenseasmedia.org. Also follow and tag @SEVENSEAS_Media on Instagram for a chance to be featured as Photo of the Week. Contributors never loose rights to artwork.

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Feature Destination

With the right itinerary Cambodia will be the trip of a lifetime

Cambodia is going to need some planning first. One recommendation is to pick up a hard copy travel book like Lonely Planet for before and during your trip. Internet can be patchy especially if you are on the road, so sometimes it is nice to have hard copy info at your fingertips. If you have limited time, here is a rough sketch of a quick itinerary: 1-3 days around Phnom Penh on your way in and out; at least 2 full days in Siem Reap, but you can push that closer to a week if you explore a few nearby sights; and 2 days at the beach.

In and around Phnom Penh

hipster bar in phnom penh

Tourists say they would rather skip the city because of reviews dating back a few years, but if you know where to go you will be pleasantly surprised. The hipster bar and restaurant scene is something that can rival venues in any other city. Try Long After Dark (#86, St 450 Russian Market), Zeppelin Cafe (#13 St 278), Bar Sito (32EO, Street 240, down the alley), and BattBong (132 Z13, 51 St 55), pictured above, to get started but between now and next month I am sure a handful of other cool places will open their doors.

There is a short list of sights to see in town from a temple or two, the Grand Palace, museums, and some cool parks. Check them all out on a day-long walking or tuk-tuk tour. Just remember comfortable shoes and an umbrella if you are approaching rainy season.

Giacomo Abrusci Executive Director with elephant at wildlife alliance in cambodia

Outside of Phnom Penh you will discover nature like you have never seen before. Jungle, rivers, mountains, beaches, and everything in between. You will have the opportunity to get up close to wildlife but please please do your research first. Cambodia is a hotbed for wildlife trafficking. One organization I love that does some fantastic work is the Wildlife Alliance where you can do a day long behind the scenes tour of the facilities where they rehabilitate and release injured animals (commonly caught in snares or injured through poaching). From gibbons to elephants you can see your favorite animals up close and leave a lasting tribute to an organization that does so much good.

The five best beaches in Cambodia

Development has been sparse and sporadic in Cambodia – and Thailand has attracted more of the big box hotels – which offers you a much more unique experience where you get to discover your own little piece of vacation paradise. Maybe a home-stay or stretch of beach that no one has ever even written about before.

Our favorite beaches in Cambodia are:

Long Set Beach, Koh Rong
Southwestern Beach, Koh Rong
Sokha Beach, Sihanoukville
Lazy Beach, Koh Rong Saloem
Koh Thmei beach, Ream National Park

Research a little before you go just in case there is some new crazy development but to make everything easier: Just head to Koh Rong (pictured above by Aaron Bradford). It is absolutely stunning with mile after mile of uninterrupted white sand.

Siem Reap has everything you might be looking for

With Angkor Wat one of the most unique tourist attractions in the world, nearby Siem Reap has evolved to cater to the influx of visitors. From high-end boutiques to dive gay bars, you will find it all. Still with the rustic charm of unpaved roads and tropical foliage growing out of cracks in the buildings.

angkor wat cambodia The food is absolutely amazing so be sure to try it all. The markets have souvenirs at prices you will not be able to imagine – and if you have the space, by some handmade furniture to take back with you.

You can definitely spend a whole day or two or three in Siem Reap but Angkor Wat and surrounding temples are likely going to grab your attention. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world measuring 162.6 hectares (402 acres). It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple of god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire then transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. I recommend getting a guided tour no matter how much you like to explore on your own. A tour will get you to some lesser known corners and the occasional tuk-tuk ride will really be welcomed when you have been on your feet all day.

Pack your water, sunhat, and a camera. This is one of the most marvelous places you will ever set foot in.

That is just scratching the surface

giacomo abrusci executive director in angkor wat