Malpelo Island

An expedition team managed by Mission Blue, a global initiative of the Sylvia Earl Alliance and a Baum Foundation supported program, traveled to Malpelo Island Hope Spot off the coast of Colombia in August 2019 to collect data on sharks’ migratory habits and document the unique triumphs and challenges involved in enforcing the local Marine Protected Area (MPA) and protecting the sensitive species that live there, including hammerhead and whale sharks. The trip offered opportunities to gain new insights about a place that has only been well explored within the past 30 years.

Sandra Bessudo, Founder of the Malpelo and Other Marine Ecosystems Foundation

The expedition was joined by Sandra Bessudo, marine conservationist and founder of the Malpelo and Other Marine Ecosystems Foundation. Through her tireless work, Malpelo became a Mission Blue Hope Spot in 2016, which she champions. Sandra was one of the first divers to explore the waters around Malpelo, in 1987.

Swimming with a Whale Shark

The team studied sharks by collecting tissue and DNA samples, as well as applied acoustic and satellite tags to sharks. “Besides tracking sharks through satellite tags, we want to understand if the populations are connected. DNA samples allow us to determine if the populations of sharks at Malpelo for example, share the same genetic pool as the sharks at Galapagos or Cocos.”

Unfortunately, due to Malpelo’s remote location (it is a 36-hour boat trip from Colombia), difficult conditions and general lack of resources, enforcing the MPA can be challenging. Marine Conservation Institute’s MPAtlas shows that 13% of Colombia’s marine jurisdiction is designated to be protected, but only 4% is in highly protected marine protected areas, where fishing is either highly restricted or forbidden. Despite the protections granted by the Colombian government, not all marine life at Malpelo Island are safe. “The biggest threat to the protected area,” Sandra shares, “is illegal fishing. It’s done mostly by vessels from neighboring countries where they come in and enter the protected area [illegally], to capture snappers, groupers, sharks; all this biodiversity.”

“Despite these challenges and poachers’ shady tactics, Malpelo’s MPA is still proving to be effective, as studies show fish populations increasing. We will continue to support driven leaders like Sandra to match poachers’ greed with determination and zeal and give hope for the future of Mapelo’s wildlife”, said Glenn Bucksbaum, President of The Baum Foundation.

For more information, see Mission Blue’s video of the expedition below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOY8K63iLc0

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To honor the legendary journey Nuñez undertook as one of the most important explorers of the twentieth century, a large number of people from all

“Un arbõl por Nuñez” parque Montebarreto

over the world who share the common goal of creating a sustainable future took part in this symbolic act of planting a tree. Thirty years ago, the expedition he led contributed to a regional focus on Carribean and preservation of its natural resources and cultrual heritage.  Núñez is recognized as an early leader of environmental protection in Latin America and the Caribbean, and his work has a renewed relevance as a catalyst to achieve harmony between society and the environment.  Photographs of the plantings were received from places like Angola, Pennsylvania, and the Dominican Republic.

“Un arbõl for Nuñez” Dominican Republic

The Baum Foundation was delighted when our intern Olivia Bergin took on the initiative to plant “A Tree for Nuñez” which she organized at her high school, The Bay School in the Presidio of San Francisco. Olivia showed her passion and diligence for accomplishing  this goal which was made especially difficult because the school is located on federal grounds in the City of San Francisco.  Olivia had to work through

numerous rounds of permissions and approval as it required her to communicate with many different entities at the high school including the school’s faculty, grounds managers, the dean of students and the chief financial and operations officer in order to secure a location and the appropriate permits for the planting.

Nunez Tree Planting, Glenn Bucksbaum (far right) Olivia Bergin (center) and Bay School Friends (2018)

Olivia was granted permission to plant a a beautiful Catalina Ironwood  on an 11” by 5” plot in a prime location in front of the school. Olivia selected a Catalina Ironwood, a tree native to San Francisco’s famous national landmark The Presidio, thus honoring both Nuñez as well as the local environment.

Baum Foundation President Glenn Bucksbaum was on hand for the planting of the tree and was deeply inspired that the youth group she organized to plant showed in support of her planning efforts.  “The tree that Olivia selected was an excellent choice, both elegant and historical.  Olivia showed true tenacity going through a lot of stages of approval to make it happen”, said Glenn Bucksbaum.  In reflecting on this experience, Olivia Bergin shared,  “Getting approval for the tree planting allowed me to learn patience and consideration for the many decisions that sometimes need to be made in order to do something symbolic like this. I will always have fond memories of the tree planting and look forward to visiting the tree throughout my life and after I graduate from college.  This Baum Foundation project presented a perfect opportunity for me to do something good so that I am later able to reflect on how much the tree has changed over the years.”

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Beach plastic. Photo by Dianna Cohen.

Palau has a long history of advocating for the environment. The Rock Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Marine Protected Area, and the country banned single-use plastic bags last year. Over the summer, Palau’s President Tommy Remengesau signed an executive order banning single-use plastics from all government offices and agencies. In early November, Palau became the first country to ban harmful sunscreens that are toxic to coral reefs.

Pamela Longobardi of Drifters Project and a PPC Support Artist Ally said “Palau was surprisingly clear of plastic in the water—nothing like the amounts we saw and removed in Indonesia in 2016, … several reasons could account for this: it’s a much smaller island chain, and Palau has made immense conservation steps in creating the vast marine sanctuary around it, which in turn has perhaps made the population more environmentally conscious.”

Pamela Longobardi of Drifter’s Project and a PPC Supporting Artist Ally collects beach plastic during the clean up and brand audit. Photo by Wayne Sentman.

Pam led a “forensic beach cleaning” training with the group, which was followed by plastic retrieval of material from hundred-meter ropes and nets down to micro-scale plastic, then sorting, counting, removing colored material for the creation of the art piece, and finally loading the bags onto the boats for transport.

“One of the most meaningful parts of the trip for me was working with the Palauan Heirs and citizens on a new version of the State of Koror flag made out of ocean plastic collected in a mass beach cleaning on a remote island this week,” said Pam.   “We worked in Palau’s Public Works woodshop where dozens of youth from local high schools, park rangers, public works employees, local artists, and expedition guests all stopped by to contribute to its construction. The completed work was presented at the Plastic Pollution forum in the State House of Koror, where it will be permanently displayed. For me, it signified Palau’s commitment to becoming a Plastic-Free Island. The flag was also shown to the President of Palau and the UN Ambassador of Palau, who were both very excited by the work.”

Wayne Sentman of Oceanic Society was similarly encouraged by the community and Palauan Heirs to Our Oceans members. “Over our time there it became obvious to us all that many of the young woman and men we worked with and got to know over the last decade are destined to become leaders in their community. As a group, they were already organizing successful efforts to reduce single-use plastics in local stores and schools, and in general promoting awareness about the importance of protecting their marine environment.”

From Baum research expeditions experiences dating back to 2003 in the region, Baum President Glenn Bucksbaum joined Dr. Sylvia Earle in recognizing the achievements of the Palau government and commending the local Ocean Heirs, and business and community leaders for their impactful work and commitment to protecting Palau’s marine and terrestrial environment.   Glenn Bucksbaum noted that, “In addition to being inspired by Palau’s youth leadership who are making a difference now, we also appreciated the opportunity to speak with President Tommy Remengesau and his ministers about their commitment to reducing plastic pollution in their homeland.  We’re looking forward to sharing more of their success stories built from the years of work underway by Heirs to our Ocean youth as the country prepares to host Our Ocean Conference 2020.”

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Glenn Bucksbaum exploring the diverse marine habitat of Maria la Gorda. (Courtesy of Michael Garland)

Within the Guanahacabibes Peninsula is the remote area known as Maria la Gorda. The region, considered to be one of the most undisturbed and well preserved of all the Cuban reefs, holds some 150 sites of scientific interest covering a rich and diverse assortment of coral and fauna, both vertebrate and invertebrate. During a dive at Maria la Gorda, the research team, Glenn Bucksbaum and Michael Garland observed walls of color with grottos of coral reaching from the bottom of the ocean to dozens of meters high. The Guanahacabibes peninsula protects María la Gorda’s leeward fringing reefs from the prevailing northeastern trade winds and from northerly cold fronts in winter.  It is believed by many scientists that further research of these healthier reefs is critical in providing future insight that could be helpful in developing coral reef conservation methods throughout the region.

Baum Foundation expedition members compared their experience from past coral restoration projects in the Grenadines with Owen Day and the CLEAR Caribbean Group to gauge the health of the Maria La Goda reefs, also noting the work of the Bellairs Institute’s Coral Research facility at Barbados.  “It’s refreshing to see first hand what a healthy ecosystem can look like such as it is in Maria La Gorda, especially when you experience reefs that are very challenged like those in the Grenadines,” says Glenn Bucksbaum. In a meeting at the International Dive Center in Maria La Gorda, team members were able to discuss the joint work being done with the Florida Aquarium’s Center for Conservation and the National Aquarium of Cuba. Both groups hope to complete a major scientific endeavor by setting up an underwater nursery off the island’s westernmost point. Beginning next year, the Florida Aquarium is planning to be collecting egg and sperm bundles as the coral spawns in Maria la Gorda.

A number of other scientific initiatives have been undertaken in this region. In 1999, Maria la Gorda was the first Cuban coral reef to have been assessed by the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) initiative, a leading champion of coral reef conservation. By 2017, the Gulf of Mexico Marine Protected Area Network, or RedGolfo was created. This bilateral network facilitates joint efforts concerning science, stewardship, and management across five important sites, including Maria la Gorda.

The word “Guanahacabibes” comes from the Arawak Indian’s language meaning “The Place of the Iguanas.”  The Guanachacabibes area benefits from the casimbos or cenotes and limestone sinkholes with natural pools and cave diving.  The Guanachacabibes Peninsula has a habitat containing 126 species of birds, which is 37% of the total number of birds living in the country, as well as four species of reptiles. Four of the six orders of mammals existing in Cuba are found here. The beaches are home to the second largest breeding population of green turtles in the country, with an average of more than 300 per nest. Numerous scientific initiatives and organizations work together to support the local turtle research and conservation efforts. Dr. Maria Elena Ibarra is working with students from the University of Havana, patrolling the beaches looking as they are able to research these sea turtles from the beach as well as their ocean habitat.

A loggerhead sea turtle preparing to nest in Guanahacabibes. (Courtesy of CMRC)

One contributing factor to the pristine nature of the Maria la Gorda region, both on land and in the ocean is the relatively small human impact. There is only one human settlement at Maria la Gorda that contains less than 150 inhabitants. Should tourism and travel to the region increase, it remains to be seen what that additional human impact will affect.  With Cuban tourism climbing 36% in the last two years, the research being done in this thriving area will be vitally important in finding a balance that embraces an increased human presence, but also works to maintain this special habitat.

With all the stories of buried treasure in Maria la Gorda, she is the real treasure, a place where the sediments of the sea continue their movement onward, guided only by the natural laws of life.

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The Youth Expeditionaries assembled during their expedition. (Courtesy of FANJ)

On April 17th, 2018, a group of young explorers journeyed through the Sierra del Rosario mountain range in Western Cuba on a mission of science and discovery, as they celebrated the legacy of legendary Cuban geographer Antonio Núñez Jiménez. This youth expedition was aimed at fostering in young people the spirit of old explorers by practicing their approach, commitment, and respect for nature, while also teaching about cultural diversity, ecological values, and universal humanism.

Under the motto of “Explore, Discover, Share: Towards a Culture of Nature,” the expedition explored Sierra del Rosario in the space between the canyons of the Santa Cruz and Tacotaco rivers. Divided into four groups, the team members meticulously surveyed the region, covering four kilometers. They were able to observe and update the registry of karst formations, a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone. In addition, new archaeological and heritage sites were identified, as well as new trails through the region.

At the conclusion of the group’s expedition on April 20th, 2018, a workshop was held at Ranchón del Campismo Garden of Aspiro, in the Municipality of San Cristóbal to share and discuss what was learned, and also to commemorate what would have been the 95th birthday of geographer Antonio Núñez Jiménez. The workshop brought together the young explorers, members of the Aspiro community, academics, scientists, researchers, the local and national press media for a series of discussions and workshops covering a range of topics. Sustainable agriculture, climate change, environmental education, and conservation were among the many issues discussed. The expedition finished with the planting of a tree and the unveiling of a special tarja, or ancient tally stick, commemorating the life of Antonio Núñez Jiménez.

Tarja (Ancient Tally Stick) unveiling commemorating Antonio Núñez Jiménez. (Courtesy of FANJ)

The Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation for Man and Nature fosters the spirit of exploration in people young and old and works to increase environmentally friendly for local solutions to environmental problems.

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The Hydrous film team using the VRTUL2 camera to capture 360 degree Virtual Reality film footage. (Courtesy The Hydrous)

The Hydrous, a non-profit organization of scientists, divers, designers, filmmakers, and technologists who love the ocean recently completed an expedition from February to March 2018 in and around the archipelago island nation of Palau. The Hydrous foundation helps people explore, understand, and engage with marine environments, especially those which are severely threatened due to climate change and human impacts. The Hydrous focuses on giving people a visual experience of ocean environments. President of The Baum Foundation Glenn Bucksbaum, one of expedition team members says, “This virtual reality technology will bring an extraordinary underwater world of wonder to many who may never have the opportunity to venture underwater.”

Glenn Bucksbaum demonstration with Heirs to Our Oceans and Palau High School students. (Courtesy The Baum Foundation)

Using emerging 360 degree virtual reality camera technology, The Hydrous group led a groundbreaking filmmaking project to film Palau’s underwater habitat; fish and coral reefs. In partnership with researchers from the California Academy of Sciences, University of Hawaii, and Oxford University, The Hydrous is planning to use the advanced VRTUL2 technology to digitally recreate the experience of diving in these environments for the purposes of educating audiences about these ecosystems and the challenges they are facing.

The Hydrous foundation places importance on ocean conservation, working closely with communities. During the expedition, members of The Hydrous group were able to meet with April Peebler of Heirs to Our Oceans who led a group of high school students that practice conservation and activism to discuss ways to usher in the next generation of ocean protectors.

Baum Foundation support provided two youth with diving certifications, a shared presentation on coral reefs at a local school, and a snorkeling trip for Palauan youth who participated in a screening of Chasing Coral at Palau high school. Results from the Hydrous filming project will spur efforts for organizers to educate, to spread awareness of the value of maintaining healthy habitats and supporting the communities that take care of them.

https://www.thehydro.us/

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Grant Korgan and guide trek across the Antarctic tundra. (Courtesy: High Fives Organization)

THE PUSH, an inspirational documentary directed by Grant Korgan and Geoff Callan tells the story of Grant Korgan, the first spinal cord injury athlete to traverse nearly 100 miles to the geographic South Pole, is set to have its world premiere at the 33^rd annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 9^th, 2018.

In March of 2010 while filming a snowmobiling segment in the Sierra Nevada back country, world class adventurer Grant Korgan burst his L1 vertebrae, paralyzing him from the waist down. After receiving his original prognosis of never being able to walk unassisted again, Grant made a choice. “I chose very powerfully to recover, no matter what the odds.”

Following 22 months of grueling recovery, physical therapy, training and introspection, Grant decided to embark on his next adventure, literally pushing himself on a sit-ski nearly 100 miles across the freezing, inhospitable tundra of Antarctica to reach the geographic South Pole. THE PUSH chronicles an incredible journey as Grant, along with his guides, face nature at its most brutal, and casts aside presumed physical limitations to push his own limits, and inspire others to make that same push.

World class adventurer, Grant Korgan. (Courtesy: Grant Korgan)

The Baum Foundation’s support for THE PUSH is aimed at sharing encouraging stories of hope and perseverance, especially in the face of complete adversity. THE PUSH will be screened on February 9th and 10th at the 33rd annual Santa Barbara International Film

Festival in Santa Barbara, CA.

Santa Barbara International Film Festival – http://sbiff.org/

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Algalita founder Charles Moore and his team look over pieces of plastic discovered recently in the South Pacific. (Courtesy: Algalita)

A Long Beach, CA based nonprofit organization, Algalita continued their fight against the growing problem of ocean plastic pollution by enacting a wide range of diverse and far reaching programs. Charles Moore, Algalita’s founder and research director states, “Only we humans make waste nature can’t digest.” As one of the leading research organizations focused on plastic pollution and its impact on marine life and ecosystems, Algalita has partnered with numerous like minded entities, both domestic and international, as they work together to reach their long term goals.

Algalita’s program includes a 1200 mile trek along a remote Chilean coastline in partnership with various Chilean universities to collect over 50 water samples to be analyzed for plastic content. This research will provide the first ever baseline data set for the northern half of the country.

Together with the American Chemistry Council (ACC), Algalita took part in a two-day “multi-stakeholder dialogue” in Newport, Rhode Island which brought together industry, government, and environmental group representatives to share perspectives. Issues discussed include the urgent need for preventative solutions, including product redesign, and source reduction. Representatives were challenged to begin creating a new paradigm, one that is redesigned to fit with a new plastics economy.

Algalita’s wave of youth-led action and awareness campaigns throughout the world are poised to reduce plastic waste by educating, motivating, and empowering youth and adults alike. During the 2016-17 school year, they were able to reach an estimated 376 teachers and 63,965 students through their educational programs.

The Baum Foundation’s President, Glenn Bucksbaum is proud to support Algalita as they continue to “embrace the complexity and take up the challenge” to raise awareness and develop practical solutions to combat the problem of plastic accumulation in the world’s oceans.

Plastic Ocean Pollution Solutions International Youth Summit (Courtesy: Algalita)

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Hank Willis Thomas’ “Love Over Rules” – photography by Mariah Tiffany

Sites Unseen, a sponsored public art project of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Community Benefit District, in conjunction with Dorka Keehn of KEEHN ON ART, unveiled Hank Willis Thomas’ “Love Over Rules” on November 9, 2017, on an exterior wall of a private building above Annie Street in San Francisco, near SFMOMA.

The large-scale animated text-based neon artwork of “Love Over Rules” is Sites Unseen’s third public art project, and Thomas’ first permanent public artwork in the United States.

Thomas graduated from the California College of the Arts’ MFA program in 2004 and has deep ties to San Francisco. The event included a presentation by the artist about this project and his practice at a free public talk at the California Historical Society, followed by the inaugural illumination of the artwork will take place at 7:00pm.

Sites Unseen received a Baum Foundation grant and works with local community partners and cultural institutions to bring dynamic arts programming to eight underused alleys in the South of Market (SOMA) area. The programs take the form of permanent and temporary artworks, performances, screenings, and other happenings. Sites Unseen will activate these neglected alleys by fostering social interaction, community pride, as well as economic opportunities while increasing visitors’ exposure to the arts.

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Isla Coiba is located off the Pacific Coast of Panama. Photo: Panama Magazine

Isla Coíba, Central America’s largest uninhabited island spanning more than 500 square kilometers and covered by lush tropical rainforest, offers a living example of rare and diverse ecosystems almost entirely untouched by human contact for more than 500 years, with the only exception being a high-security penal colony and prison established in 1919 and closed in 2004. When rising ocean waters split Coíba off from mainland Central America between 12,000 and 18,000 years ago, plants and animals on the young island became isolated and over the millennia most species diverged in appearance and behavior from their mainland counterparts.

A small fraction of the incredible diversity of Coiba’s plant seeds. Photo: Christian Ziegler for iLCP

The conclusion of the Coíba Bioblitz project was celebrated with a photography exhibition, entitled “Coíba: From Prison to Natural Reserve”, that opened on August 21, 2017 at the Plaza del Mar Multiplaza in Panama City and moved to other locations within Panama City during the following weeks. A special invitational event was held at the Riande Granada Urban Hotel in Panama City on August 27, 2017. The exhibition is in support of Coíba National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Isla Coíba, 37 other islands, and their surrounding waters.

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