Seacology

I am so impressed with this organization. Involving the local community, inspiring them to conserve their precious wildlife while giving them resources they so desperately need to both help themselves and protect the environment they live in is pure genius. Bravo, Seacology!

As a rescuer, advocate & wildlife artist in my younger years, I shall remain as active as possible as long as possible, & I love their approach, attitudes & goals������

Those of us who visit islands as tourists may think that life there is pretty idyllic, but away from the tourist areas it is often a different story. Many times the money coming into tourist areas does not find its way to outlying areas where people's basic needs may not be getting met. At the same time, those areas are often under environmental threats. Seacology has found a way to both meet the needs of local people in island communities while also helping to protect the environment. Seacology's area field reps work with local islanders to identify needs that can be met through the labor of the locals and funding from Seacology. They also then identify some local environmental resource that the local people can help to protect. This win-win approach thus improves the lives of island people while also protecting the environment. We have seen with our own eyes the huge impact this can have for very little cost. At the same time, Seacology operates very effectively with low administrative costs, ensuring that the great majority of money it receives actually goes toward improving the lives of island people while also protecting that environment.

Seacology with a relatively small staff of workers is able to have an enormous impact on protecting the environments of islands throughout the world. I have been financially supporting this organization for many years and will continue to do so in the future.

I've been a fan of Seacology for several years since I became aware of it at the Solano Stroll. I appreciate it's mission and goals. Keep up the good work!

Seacology is an impressive non-profit that maintains a small, dedicated paid staff and uses an overwhelming proportion of its funding for scores of projects worldwide consistent with it's mission of preserving the natural environment and endangered species in island settings. I've been able to observe the organization and witness specific instances of its decision making and operations. I highly recommend this non-profit for its dedication and effective use of funds.

You can really SEA their efforts to protect and repair island ecosystems.

Thanks to Seacology, different conservation projects on islands in the Mexican Caribbean, which face environmental challenges related to endangered species, fragile ecosystems and vulnerable communities, have made progress in raising awareness and involving local members in educational activities and contributing to the ecosystem health.

I have known of Seacology since their inception, watching the organization grow and develop over that time.

One of the many things that really impresses me with this organization is how they have stuck to their ideals and philosophy from the early days of their first project in Samoa in the late 1990s to today.

Unlike many other organizations which operate in this conservation/humanitarian sphere, some of whom I have been involved with, Seacology continues to deliver the best "bang for the (donated) buck". Staff and operating costs are kept to a minimum, through business sponsorship, so that your money gets to the projects. Their engagement with the local community at the early stages of project development assures it will best help that community and fosters a great sense of ownership and care.

And in return for Seacology's help, a conservation covenant is sought - whether that be forest or marine area protection, rehabilitation of degraded areas, or the like - ensuring that even if the actual premise of the project resulted in construction of a physical structure, the benefits of the covenant will be of help to future generations within the community.

This engagement with community, long-term and forward thinking is what helps make Seacology so successful.

I travel the world doing my own private philanthropic projects. On my journeys I have come across Seacology programs masking important positive impacts to many locals community needs, education programs and needed local environmental programs.

I now read about thier global impact projects and will join Seacology on a future expedition.

I have supported Seacology for a number of years and have attended several of its award ceremonies. The work they do for island ecology fills a much needed void: no other organization cares about island environments and their inhabitants. I appreciate their niche focus and their genuine caring for people, land and oceanic wildlife.

I came to know about Seacology through their stellar work in supporting the local community in the Andaman islands in the Indian Ocean. I love the way they create such partnerships around the world, that are more sustainable than just providing aid. I wish more non profits take to this path.

I love the sea and all the creatures that call it their home. Seacology helps with the sustainable use of marine resources by helping the local communities whose lives depend on the sea. More power to them!

They partner with local peoples all over the world to preserve critical underwater and above water biomes, by supporting the locals with needed infrastructure in a win-win situation.

We visited Wailevu Village, Fiji with Seacology for the dedication of a village hall to be used a kindergarten, community center & storm shelter that was funded by Seacology in return for the protection of 2,258 acres of rainforest & 937 marine acres for 15 years. The villagers came en masse to thank Seacology for their new building as they were so appreciative of the funding provided & Seacology was greatly appreciative of the stewardship provided by the villagers in protecting the natural environment. This win win approach to protecting rainforest & marine reef not only benefits the locals, but also provides carbon sequestration as well as the protection of sea life.

I am very happy to support Seacology’s work. Islands are ecologically critically important places for a vast number of marine and land species. Seacology partners with communities in over 60 countries exchanging community needs like schools or freshwater storage for the creation of protected areas. There is something uniquely fair and just about these trades: supporting island communities with the things that they need and helping them protect the natural abundance they value.
-Judah Slavkovsky

I have been on several trips to view the excellent work done by Seacology in helping to preserve coral reefs and rainforests by working with local villages and island communities.

I have been donating to Seacology for many years now and am truly inspired by their story and the amazing work they have been doing. The way Seacology partners with coastal communities to help them maintain their cultures and traditions and at the same time support ocean conservation and fight global warming is unique amongst non-profits. If you are looking for a small non-profit with a large global impact, spend some time getting to know the work of Seacology and you won't be disappointed.

Seacology’s work is impactful in so many ways. They have always worked with island communities to help improve people’s lives while protecting vulnerable island ecosystems at the same time. And now that they’ve been incorporating community-led mangrove restoration projects, Seacology is helping communities to build resilience to withstand the impacts of climate change while also mitigating climate change by sequestering massive amounts of carbon. It’s just awesome!

My wife and I have been SCUBA divers for 35 years. A few years back we decided we were not giving back to help protect the beauty beneath the surface of the seas and did extensive research about which agencies did the most for our environment.
By far the top agency we found to be was Seacology.

We have been proud donors for years and have watched with joy the wonderful things they haves accomplished for island nations and in turn our oceans and seas.
Gilda & Warren Sprung
Houston, Texas

My wife and I have been supporters of Seacology for 20 years and believe in this organization to the point that it is one of the top three organizations we support. Seacology's mission, approach and experience are top of the line and the team knows exactly what it wants to achieve: a "win/win" experience for those people who live in the areas that can be preserved and for those of us who want to preserve areas all over the world. In a very quite way, Seacology has come to the forefront of environmental/diversity organizations that can point to success after success! Bravo. We hope to continue being supporter for another 20 years!

We're pleased to have supported Seacology for over a decade. After doing our due diligence and confirming the impact it has and the approach Seacology takes, we immediately began making our annual gifts.
One one the key elements for us is that the projects are human/village scale, costing on average $25,000. Projects are based on the needs expressed by the local people, rather than by some point of view that Seacology might have.
We also appreciate that the staff is lean and supported well with field reps.
This is a great organization that we look forward to supporting well into the future.

Seacology is and has been my favorite non-profit for over 19 years now.

The dedication and commitment of our staff is extraordinary and consistently so in spite of challenging times.

I cannot express in words how rewarding it is to visit projects in person and see how much of an impact this small organization has achieved globally over the past 25+ years.

You've got to love the win-win-win projects, getting to watch the environment change and come back to balance again.

Seacology's work and success is priceless!

After much traveling and seeing the effects of climate change on island communities we did some
research to identify organizations that were working in this sphere. Learning about Seacology’s model (providing a needed benefit to a community in exchange for some sort of environmental protection) convinced us that this was a group we wanted to support. Over the years that initial feeling has been proven correct. We’re so impressed with all of Seacology’s incredible projects around the world and have been lucky to have visited some. We’ve been donors to Seacology now for several years and continue to be impressed by the work, the results, the people working at this organization. Truly a great nonprofit!

Amazing work protecting islands. I've met their staff and they are devoted and knowledgeable.

Our family has been involved with Seacology for over 10 years. We have supported Seacology for that long because they continually impress us by their organization's single minded focus on protecting some of the most fragile ecosystems on the planet. It is run by a group of smart and passionate people who have a track record of finding innovative and sustainable solutions.

Seacology is a conservation organization that has a truly unique model. This non profit approaches local communities to find out what they need. Seacology then funds a school, medical clinic, or other key need in exchange for the communities commitment to protect an area of the local environment. In this way both the environment and local people benefit. Seacology’s work is protecting island rainforests, coral reefs, and more – some of the most beautiful places on the planet. Check out their fantastic web site for more information.

I have been so impressed by how Seacology helps protect precious and diverse island ecosystems all over the globe. It is encouraging to see how they use a simple yet highly effective strategy and find solutions for both the locals and the environment. Seacology is making a positive difference for the future which as a Diver I constantly see the need for.

Such an awesome cause. I love keeping up with their projects!

This is a well run, efficient organization that funds projects that are "Win Win" in their results. The villagers get that they need and in exchange the organization is able to preserve coral reefs and rain forests. A great solution to the demands that development has in these remote islands in the world.

Every time I take a flight I make a donation to Seacology to help preserve areas of the world that are still untouched. I am proud of their innovative work. And they are so heartfelt in their thanks for our donations. I highly recommend them.

It is with great confidence and pleasure that I make a yearly donation to Seacology. More than any other organization that deals with remote problems, I know that somewhere in the world Seacology will be changing the daily lives of people who live in areas challenged by their proximity to our planet's ever-changing seas. The ways in which Seacology works with the local people, solving local problems, are varied, imaginative and impressively successful!

Laura Tietz

I have donated to numerous foundations and Seacology is the one I am most proud to donate to. The work they do is not only unique, but helps truly make the world a better place. It feels good knowing you can help as well! I highly suggest donating and learning more about Seacology and the great work they do.

Seacology may be the most cost-effective environmental nonprofit in the world! Working with field representatives in island nations around the globe, Seacology's small and dedicated team has saved hundreds of endangered species, coral reefs, and rainforests. To see their work in action, take one of the several island expeditions Seacology offers each year. The trips are a lot of fun and it is really rewarding to see the huge difference Seacology has made in people's lives.

Seacology is a great nonprofit with an innovative strategy for conservation. By working with the people, Seacology identifies what motivates the local community to protect the environment and then supports these efforts thereby making lasting change. Seacology is doing amazing work around the globe--changing lives in many places and protecting the environment.

Seacology does what every nonprofit should, and few actually do - rather than imposing their own assumptions on people they help out, instead they ask them what it is they need, and how they can help. In addition to this, they manage to directly help groups of people in need while also helping them preserve local environment. This kind of work should serve as a model for all nonprofits.

Seacology performs incredibly valuable work all over the world in the most productive methodology I have witnessed. By partnering, educating and self-empowering people, and providing incredibly valuable, tangible, physical community benefits, they are preserving the very ecosystems that these peoples need to survive on and improving the planet's environment at the same time.

My wife and I have been scuba divers for more than twenty years. During that time we have been disheartened to see the marked decline that has occurred in island environments around the world. In searching for ways that we could help prevent that decline, we ran across Seacology. As we investigated the organization, studying its Form 990 and checking donors' comments on various web sites, we became very interested in the organization, so decided to start out with a moderate donation.

The thing that initially interested us most about Seacology is their win-win approach in which they provide funding for some resource, such as a community center or a water filtration plant needed by the local island people, in return for a pledge by those people to protect some endangered part of their island environment. Rather than just giving money away or going in and telling the people to protect the environmnet, Seacology gets buy-in from those people through this quid pro quo approach.

After becoming donors, several things immediately impressed us about Seacology. For one, they did not constantly hound us seeking additional donations as other organizations have done. Second, they did not waste our contribution on slick publications that have little real content, or on cheap trinkets such as address labels or stuffed animals that do nothing to protect island environments. Instead, Seacology sends out a nice, but not overly slick, annual report that provides details about where the organization has focused its efforts and distributed its resources during the preceding year.

After giving increasing amounts to Seacology each year, my wife and I finally decided this past year to join Seacology on one of their trips. These trips usually involve some scuba diving since many of the donors, as well as the organization's director, are avid scuba divers like us, and a visit to at least one of Seacology's project sites. Our trip was to the Philippines where we visited several project sites.

For us, this trip really confirmed our belief in Seacology's activities and cemented our commitment to the organization. We got a chance to meet and spend considerable time with other donors as well as the organization's Director, Duane Silverstein, and the Field Representative for the Philippines, Ferdie Marcelo, both outstanding highly-committed individuals. However, the real highlight for us was a chance to visit project sites and see first-hand how our contributions were being put to good use. The thing that was especially rewarding for us was to actually sense the gratitude the island people have to Seacology for providing the resources they needed, and the people's commitment toward fulfilling their part of the bargain by protecting their island's natural resources.

In the future we intend to increase our support of Seacology. We would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in protecting and sustaining the world's natural environment to do the same.

What I like about Seacology is that while saving ocean and island environments, their projects often have a big educational component, so islanders (especially school kids) understand and are inspired to save their own habitats. Seacology understands that this is the only way to create lasting social and environmental change.

Our environmental non-profit's mission is to increase the number and size of Marine Protected Areas to at least 20% of the world ocean by 2020. One critical element of this mission is that all such MPAs include engagement by local communities and be supported by effective enforcement. Otherwise, they are merely 'paper MPAs'.

Seacology is one of the most effective environmental NGOs we have found in this regard: their agreements with island nations and communities ensure that habitats and environments are truly and meaningfully protected for years to come. We only wish governments could boast a similar success rate.

As a researcher in the environmental sciences, I know how much we know about the environment, but rarely do I see it actively protected. Seacology's approach to protecting crucial habitats is effective and involves the local inhabitants of the region in the protection and ownership of their unique environment. For someone who sees a lot of knowledge and little action, it is inspiring.

I have always loved the ocean since I was a child. Now as an adult, the ocean still calls. When I am affording the opportunity to take vacations, there is no other place I'd rather be then on an island.

Seacology places similar value on the ocean and its islands. They are one of the few non-GMO's that provide a perfect balance between conservation, while honoring the people of the islands. The concept is brilliant, their holistic approach innovative, and their compassion for their work commendable. The work that Seacology does on this planet is incredibly important. Thank you to those that make their work possible.

Seacology is an excellent non-profit to donate to because they've always come up with innovative ways to save islands. That's why I like donating to them - they stick to their focus, yet find extraordinary ways to incorporate new trends in geopolitics and environmental science in their projects. As an ex-islander, I appreciate what they're doing and will continue to support them.

I admire Seacology's work because this is not your traditional non-profit, which is all talk and no action. The organization's projects are backed up by meticulous research and its ideas are thoughtfully implemented across the world.

I've been working on environmental issues in Asian islands, and I've come across many communities in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea who have benefited from Seacology's knowledge and investment. It's wonderful to see a non-profit which not only targets environmental challenges, but is also involved in sustainable and culturally sensitive development of rural communities. Keep up the good work, Seacology!

Seacology is a prime example of how a few people with a brilliant idea can do so much. I give sparingly to organizations because I like to feel like I know where my support is going. But I will always give to Seacology because their approach is so very different. What I love is that they look at the whole picture, not just the reef although that is important, but the people as well. They look at the needs of the local people as they try to find ways to save ecosystems. This organization does amazing things with a small staff: read their excellent newsletter and find out more! Hey, it's a great idea to give a donation to Seacology as a seasonal gift!

Seacology epitomizes the community-based approach to achieving meaningful conservation and fills an important niche within the broader realm of conservation work. I like their focus on providing institutional and legal strength to existing relationships local people have with specific, biologically rich natural resources. Real conservation requires building and honoring sustainable connections between people and nature. In the world today where strong economic forces are pressuring even the most far-flung natural places, supporting the connection indigenous cultures have with their natural world and empowering them in the face of these forces will go a long way towards preserving their and our world. I support this work by Seacology as well as more "traditional" conservation organizations because both serve critical needs.

I have had a great love of the ocean since childhood. Sea kayaking, walking coastlines and admiring tide pools have been pastimes for as long as I can remember. Most of the islands visited have been on the east coast of the United States. However, globally, I am very aware that the oceans and fragile shorelines are changing due to human pollution, environmental changes, and economic pressures.

I learned recently of Seacology, and of the many projects they have sponsored and completed to rescue island environments and inhabitants. This is a very impressive group of highly dedicated individuals. The success they have demonstrated over the past years is both commendable and noteworthy. We should use their non-profit as a model for how things should be properly planned and efficiently carried out. Hat's off to Seacology and their leadership.

Seacology is such a great organization with the best motives and goals. The idea of buying an acre of coral reef or rainforest is so unique and worthwhile. It's great to be able to help the environment in such an important way. I am giving some of my "green" friends the gift of saving a coral reef for Christmas and I know they will be so impressed with this conscientious and thoughtful gift. Thanks Seacology for offering this opportunity to the public.

The work that Seacology does on this planet is incredibly important not only to the natural resources they strive to protect but also the individuals and communities they touch with each and every project. I am humbled by their grassroots approach and amazed at just how successful they have been in their endeavors. I recently had the honor of attending the Seacology Prize Ceremony during which they honored a Madagascan man for his single handed effort to save his local habit from destruction-- one acre at a time. Kudos to him for his life work and to Seacology for recognizing how seemingly small efforts change the lives of people and animals alike.

I am enormously impressed with work Seacology has done. I first came across Seacology when reading an article about the "best non-profit you never heard of". After doing some basic online research, I found countless stories of the good work the people at Seacology have supported throughout the world. What a great model: help people and help the environment. It is such a simple message, but really works.

Gave 5 stars for many reasons. Their projects are very special and effective in saving islands and rain forests around the world. I have donated before and I was very impressed by how the staff let me know exactly where my money went to. This was part of the save an acre program and I look forward to donating more soon. Keep up the good work!

I've been donating to Seacology for over 7 years now, and I have continued to be impressed by their win-win projects. Whether they're building a school and saving acres and acres of forest at the same time or providing villagers with a new boat and preserving coral reef environments, Seacology finds ways to make the most out of every donation they receive.

Even that it might be a good case, do NOT enter your payments info, since they didn't bother with encrypting the card data, making it easy for everyone to use your card...

I have nothing but praise and admiration for the work of Seacology. I stumbled across the organisation as the author of a non-commercial website about the Cook Islands (www.cookislands.org.uk). I read about their work to protect Lake Tiriara in the south Mangaia and kindly let me share details and photos of it on my site. They've done a fantastic job there and I'm also going to support (and promote) their fund raising efforts tor Muri lagoon on Rarotonga. It is a unique location and I am so pleased to learn of their involvement and that their efforts will extend to helping the local community centre and health clinic.

We are very humble and proud to be accepted as the Scandinavian affiliate of Seacology, the sole non-profit organization working globally to protects nature and culture of islands all over the world. The work of Seacology is unique in many ways. With the climatic changes all over the world the islands are even more voulnerable to the changes occuring in nature. From beforehand we are aware of the hard pressure laid upon local people in these small communities, e.g. by selling out their land to shortsighted though hard needed income from industry projects instead of protcting the nature on longterm perspective. By supporting Seacology by fundraising also in Scandinavia we hope to contribute to stablilize the outstanding nature and culture on islands all over the world. In a month or two we are ready to start our contributions to projects run by Seacology, for detailed informations about projects, please visit the homepage of www.seacology.com.

Beginning life with big dreams but limited resources, Seacology has proven itself to be an environmental organization that delivers major results. Idealistic yet always practical, Exec. Dir. Duane Silverstein, his staff, and the Seacology Board work diligently to pinpoint projects that will benefit ecological and human communities around the world. I have seen their accomplishments firsthand and was impressed by how Seacology can make so little money go so far... And, sometimes unusually for an NGO, Duane and his team manage to treat the local people with whom they work, as well as their donors - regardless of the amount of their contribution - with respect and appreciation. Small and unpretentious, Seacology has set as its goal nothing less than the global conservation of island and coral ecosystems - a task it's fighting valiantly to accomplish. Seacology certainly deserves to be a part of the Green Choice Campaign!

I think Seacology is a great organization. Most of their money goes toward preserving critical habitat instead of toward operational expenses. They do great work and have preserved 161,527 acres of terrestrial habitat and 1,814,314 acres of coral reef and other marine habitat. That's impressive!

I decided to get involved with Seacology because of it's conservation model. Seacology partners with indigenous islanders to protect endangered species, habitats and cultures. For example, Seacology will pay for a school in exchange for the village agreeing to protect some part of a marine reef or rain forest. I have visited villages in Indonesia, Maldives, Fiji etc. and it is wonderful how the people are proud of there new school as well as the area they are preserving. It's a win-win.

I love Seacology. I love Dr.Paul.Cox. I love Seacology. I love Dr.Paul.Cox. I love Seacology. I love Dr.Paul.Cox. I love Seacology. I love Dr.Paul.Cox.

Seacology does an excellent job in bringing positive change to island communities around the world. They identify the needs of the communities and, together with them, develop win-win projects that improve their standard of living while protecting their surrounding environment. The low sclae nature of the projects and Secology's continuous involvement ensure a high rate of success. I have had the opportunity to personally witness the positive impact they have had on local communities in Africa. Seacology's team is passionate about what they do and, above all, extremely professional.

This is a wonderful organization with two basic premises: saving vanishing lands and waters and developing win-win solutions with indigenous people who live on islands throughout the world. We're pleased to be able to support this organization for these reasons and also because a very high percentage of the money they raise goes to the programs. The combination of a very lean staff and a committed board of directors results in programs and successes far greater than their footprint!

Seacology has the model that works for global development. Preserving islands one at a time and engaging local villages in a meaningful and appropriate way makes all the difference. Having seen this first hand, I'm impressed with the relationships along with the preservation efforts in some of the most beautiful locales imaginable. Critical,sustainable work with the right no-frills approach...there is no way not to be impressed!

Unfortunately many efforts to help nonprofits build infrastructure or innovation are often like pouring money down a black hole, with little indications of having a positive impact. Our experience with Seacology was refreshingly different. A seed grant was put to work and over many years past the initial grant, we received data showing a dramatically large increase in supporters for Seacology. The initial amount of money was quickly recouped and the growing stream of donations will help Seacology continue its impressive growth and influence. The seed has turned into a healthy tree of new support. The Seacology staff and a dedicated group of supporters are bright and innovative. They share a common goal of helping & rewarding local villages to protect Underwater Sea Life, Coral Reefs and Virgin Rainforests on islands around the World.

I discovered Seacology by attending a Goldman Environmental Prize ceremony a dozen years ago. When Seacology’s founder Paul Cox Ph.D. received one of these coveted awards, we took notice. Seven years ago I joined the board of directors, which boasts so many committed and generous supporters. The mission is compelling, the leadership is remarkable, and the efficacy is extremely high. From three projects a dozen years ago, we’ve now funded almost 200. Islands are where the abundance of biodiversity resides on this planet, and we fund projects by making deals with the islanders themselves, who almost never want to destroy their own forests and reefs for gain, but who need simple things like schoolrooms, community centers, micro-hydroelectricity, basic sanitation, etc. We get them those things, and in the process allow them to preserve the sanctity of their environments. The executive director, Duane Silverstein, is A++.

Amazing to find a nonprofit, where the all the administrative fees are covered by the board members and 100% of every dollar donated goes to a project to preserve island habitits for our children to experience. Please, show me a better example of an effective charity then this!!!

As an attorney I have the opportunity to learn about many nonprofit organizations. Seacology impressed me, to the point where I joined their board, with their unique "win-win" approach - an island village obtains something tangible the indigenous people requested such as a school building or fresh water delivery system, in exchange for establishing a marine or forest reserve. This is not “paper conservation.” Seacology helps the locals conserve their highly threatened island ecosystems while at the same time preserving their quality of life, which is culturally tied to their environment. In effect, Secology is their conservation partner, with a benefit for the whole world, as species extinctions are occurring faster on islands than anywhere else. Seacology does this in a cost effective way and is run rather “lean and mean.” The conservation results are immediate, tangible and concretely verifiable. When you want to help other people, this is how you want to do it.