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The Cocos Island American Express Members Project
By Jason Heller, September 13, 2008 @ 02:00 AM (EST)
Anybody who has dived Cocos Island, Costa Rica knows that this is one of the richest marine areas in the world, often compared to the Galapagos. Unfortunately, with this rich marine life, particularly the rich shark populations, comes the potential for illegal fishing. The remote island is under-patrolled by the Costa Rica, and massive amounts of illegal fishing are threatening this world heritage site.
Underwater photographers Georgene Bradley and Jay Ireland have a long history of shooting and filming the rich marine life in Cocos Islands, Costa Rica. They submitted a project to the American Express Members Project competition, which will provide funding to the top 5 projects that get the most votes. The Cocos project is now a finalist - one of 25 noble projects from 1,190 projects that were originally submitted. The objective is for American Express to fund great ideas that may help to positively impact the world. You do not need to be an AmEx card holder to vote. Let's help them by voting for their project.
Some background on the Cocos project:
Cocos Island, lies over 300 miles west of Costa Rica (CR), one of the
earth’s last spectacular wild places. The UN inscribed Cocos as a World
Heritage Site, a place of “outstanding natural importance to the common
heritage of humanity.” But Cocos is now under threat.
We will develop a “Virtual Cocos” exhibit providing CR, the US and the
world with a breathtaking display of the beauty and the looming
environmental crisis, providing a powerful tool to help conserve Cocos.
The Problem The Projects Addresses:
Cocos is remote and expensive to visit, only accessible via a 36 hour
boat crossing. In the past this distance protected it from development
and fishing. But as our seas become more depleted, fishermen turn to
Cocos to fish illegally. Isolation makes it difficult for the
authorities to enforce current laws. CR has a strong cultural history
of fishing, and few CR citizens have visited the island and are unaware
of its importance and beauty, as a result protection laws are unpopular.
The Impact The Project Will Have:
Our permanent exhibit in San Jose, CR and international touring
display, will teach children, teachers and lawmakers about Cocos,
raising awareness and support. Thousands will be able to tour the
island remotely, without impacting the fragile ecosystem. 50% of sharks
are on the endangered species list: Cocos could represent a safe haven,
but only with protection.
People love what they know and protect what they love. Enabling them to
get to know the island, will make them want to protect it.
Summary Of The Project
Currently one of the world's most
threatened spots is also a world treasure and a UN World Natural Heritage
Site, Cocos Island continues to be significantly threatened
by illegal fishing. The Cocos
Island Project is in an attempt to counter this problem. Specifically, they are proposing
to use images and films to create a "Virtual Cocos Island" exhibit
that will "immerse the Costa Rican people in both the beauty and
importance of this World Heritage Site." Two essential components of this
project will:
1. present the importance of apex predators to our oceans
2. provide a real time database suggesting alternative jobs to the illegal fishermen
The project has been submitted to American Express for funding. Projects are selected for funding based on votes. Please take a moment to read over the information, and if you beleive in the project, please cast your vote and help make the Cocos Island Project a reality.
1. present the importance of apex predators to our oceans
2. provide a real time database suggesting alternative jobs to the illegal fishermen
The project has been submitted to American Express for funding. Projects are selected for funding based on votes. Please take a moment to read over the information, and if you beleive in the project, please cast your vote and help make the Cocos Island Project a reality.
While you're at it, Cocos is also on the voting list for the new 7 Wonders of The World. Head on over to the 7 wonders website and cast your vote for Cocos there as well.
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