Letter from the Chairman
The vision of Seacology is simple: to help preserve island cultures and habitats throughout the world. Although that vision is simply stated, it is remarkably powerful. Sir Isaiah Berlin claimed that, "There exists a great chasm between those, on one side, who relate everything to a single central vision, and, on the other side, those who pursue many ends, often unrelated and contradictory." At Seacology we have a single goal — preservation of island habitats and cultures — and we make sure that everything that we do supports that central goal.
The power of Seacology's vision has been reaffirmed many times the past few months. During the recent Goldman Prize reunion in Berkeley, the Seacology staff and I met with environmental heroes from a number of islands ranging from Madagascar to Dominica to New Zealand. Almost to the person, these individuals told us how heartened they were that Seacology exists — an organization with the sole purpose of encouraging island conservation. Often island nations have but a small voice in the international community, and even those islands that are politically part of larger continental nations have environmental and cultural needs that have been overlooked. The fragility of ecosystems and the vulnerability of island cultures mean that loss of island habitats and peoples often moves at a rapid rate.
Not only is the vision of Seacology unique, but its mode of working is unique as well. At Seacology, all of us, including the board, staff and donors, believe that a single individual can make a difference. For that reason, we eschew bureaucracy, and instead wherever possible work directly with traditional leaders at the village level.
It seems to me that the very beauty and vulnerability of island peoples and habitats requires those of us who visit, live in, or dream of islands to do something to help protect islands worldwide. Seacology is a worthy vessel to forward that dream. Seacology projects and initiatives have improved the lives of islanders throughout the world. To those who have donated to Seacology's projects, I thank you for truly making a difference. Thank you joining with us to save the world, one island at a time.
Cordially,
Paul Alan Cox, Ph.D.
