Seacology 2022 annual report

Abstract

Seacology is dedicated to protecting island environments around the world. 337 projects, 64 countries. Seacology focuses only on islands because in the last 500 years, more than half of all animal extinctions have occurred on islands. They are crucial to preserving the Earth’s biodiversity. From coral reefs to mangrove forests, the world’s islands house a multitude of unique habitats. Most Seacology projects work with individual communities or small regions and are completed within a year or two. However, our work has recently expanded to include large conservation programs that span entire countries. In 2022 we supported two of these wide-ranging efforts. In its second year, our nationwide initiative to protect mangroves in the Dominican Republic (DR) gathered momentum. With in-person activities and meetings once again possible, the Dominican Republic National Mangrove Initiative, known locally as Campaña ManglarES, grew across the Caribbean country. Working with Dominican NGO Grupo Jaragua and several local conservation groups and communities, the five-year program seeks to build awareness of and protection for mangrove forests. It’s bringing together stakeholders from across Dominican society —students, fishing communities, tourists, and others—to achieve this urgent protection for the country’s threatened coastal wetlands.