Letter from the Chairman
The Danish philosopher and theologian Søren Kierkegaard wrote that "purity of heart is to will one thing." From its inception, Seacology has had a single mission: to preserve island habitats and cultures throughout the world. All of us who support Seacology are of course engaged in other worthwhile pursuits and charities, but we can be proud of this nonprofit organization that has always (unless the donor specified otherwise) put 100 percent of all donated funds into accomplishing that solitary mission.
Purity of purpose has helped Seacology succeed in areas where many other well-intended organizations have floundered. In a period of chaos and upheaval in Haiti, Seacology went in a built a solar-powered well to supply drinking water for the 3000 people of La Serre village. In Switzerland, when the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species was mired in arguments about African wildlife, Seacology won unanimous support from all signatory nations to protect flying foxes throughout the Pacific. In Taipei, Seacology helped the government to establish five mangrove preserves and to hold an international conference on mangrove preservation, including nations otherwise hostile to Taiwan. In Madagascar, often deemed a "conservation disaster" by experts, Seacology is establishing a small national park in a primary forest.
What is Seacology's secret? Purity of purpose plays a large role. For example, when you receive the July 2000 issue of National Geographic, note the article about the new National Park in American Samoa ñ a park that Seacology scientists and supporters conceived of and helped create. Even though we initially encouraged National Geographic to commission an article on the park, even though we advised National Geographic on the biology and folklore of Samoa, even though we proofread the article and are directly quoted in it without attribution- you will not find mention of a single Seacology scientist, supporter, or even the name of Seacology anywhere in the article. Why? Attribution would have gotten in the way of the conservation impact of the article. Instead the article highlights the conservation aspirations of the Samoan chiefs and villagers. Producing favorable press for Seacology is not our priorityñ saving island cultures and habitats is.
A non-profit organization in one sense is a machine that turns a donor dollar into a desired outcome. Some organizations are better than others at defining their missions and at efficiently translating donations into mission outcomes. Though Seacology will always remain small by design, it is unmatched in efficiency and clarity of purpose. Seacology projects often focus on a single village, forest, or reef, but these projects are deeply meaningful to island peoples throughout the world. Thank you so much for your support of Seacology. Thank you for joining us in this wonderful effort to preserve island cultures and peoples. Thank you for helping us to save the world, one island village at a time.
Cordially,
Paul Alan Cox, Ph.D.
