Field Notes
This month, we check in with a landmark new program in the Maldives, plant some native beach vegetation in Seychelles and join two massive sea, surf and education events in Brazil
MALDIVES 🇲🇻
Ocean conservation doesn’t end at the high tide line – and our teams in Argentina, Chile, Hawaiʻi and beyond have pioneered projects involving composting, inland cleanups and native plant restoration. Now, a landmark new project in the Maldives will see our team there transforming the Gaaf Alif Atoll through a comprehensive plan to address ocean threats across the island. The ambitious goal is to create an island-level waste management system for all waste at the community level, engaging local stakeholders and community members – and to promote chemical-free agriculture through a pilot group of farmers. The waste management component will include training in waste separation and composting, compactors for the recyclable waste and community engagement. All waste will be targeted, not just rigid plastics. Recyclable plastic waste will be sent back to Malé where Parley Maldives will bale the plastic bottles for recycling and onward upcycling.
Composting, meanwhile, will reduce the amount of waste affecting the island ecosystem and coral reefs, and add fertility to agricultural soils, which may lead to increased crop production. The project will mobilize the community and create producer groups, such as Women’s Development Community, NGOs, youth associations, and farmers' groups, informing the community about the risks associated with chemical fertilizers. Awareness on income-generating activities through composting and other agricultural practices for local islands will also be provided – and if successful could be applied to other islands.
SEYCHELLES 🇸🇨
As is to prove our above point, the Parley Seychelles team rolled up their sleeves this month to help plant over 150 native trees on Mahé this month, working with the Ministry of Environment and the Landscape and Waste Management Agency. As part of the team’s World Cleanup Day events in September, they joined other distinguished guests from the government and related organizations to plant Scaevola sericea – a flowering, salt-tolerant species also known as Beach Naupaka.
“In Creole we call it Vouloutye,” explains Alvania Lawen of Parley Seychelles, “and it’s native to Seychelles. These Vouloutye will help in protecting the Grand Anse Mahé coast and roads from coastal erosion. Their roots can also help in trapping any plastics or marine debris, preventing and limiting the amount that enters the ocean.”
Brazil 🇧🇷
In Brazil, meanwhile, our crews once again teamed up with a huge range of incredible organizations in both the north and the south for an unprecedented day of ocean action, education and joy. In Rio, the day kicked off with an early-morning Ocean Awareness session, photo exhibition, hands-on lifeguarding experience and surf immersion clinic held in collaboration with local surf schools Surf Gloria and Favela Surf Club. The event brought together youth, environmentalists, athletes, ocean ambassadors and the local community to celebrate the importance of ocean protection. The second part of day, open to the general public, was an Arpoador Community Cleanup in which volunteers joined municipal workers to intercept 88 kg of waste, showing the strength of a community that loves and takes care of its environment. In Bombinhas, meanwhile, our team worked in partnership with FAMAB, ISBE and support from local collaborators to host an Ocean School event on Zimbros beach. Programming included ocean lectures with our Ambassadors, exhibitions on ocean culture and crafts from redesigned waste, on-water immersion sessions with Hawaiian canoe clubs and a coastal cleaning action that removed 217 kg of waste from the shoreline thanks to the efforts of local, artisanal fishermen and the entire community.
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