Conservation International’s Post

Surf breaks around the world are cherished for recreation, yet we're only beginning to uncover the extensive benefits they provide. A groundbreaking study by Conservation International (Scott Atkinson), Oregon State University, Save The Waves Coalition, and others reveals that ecosystems near surf breaks, including forests, marshes, and mangroves, capture nearly 90 million metric tons of "irrecoverable carbon." This amount of carbon sequestration is equivalent to the emissions from 77 million gasoline cars annually. Expanding on previous findings, Conservation International identified that over a quarter of surf breaks worldwide are near vital biodiversity hotspots that lack formal protection. In response, we have successfully established 23 Surf Protected Areas in Indonesia and are actively enhancing protections in Costa Rica, Peru, and Brazil. This ongoing work is crucial, but more must be done. These recent findings will guide future conservation efforts, aiming to protect these critical natural areas more effectively. https://lnkd.in/engrM8hX

🌊 💚 🌊 💚 🌊 We’ve always known that sharing the stoke was good for the planet. Now, there’s even more science to back it up! The latest research published in Conservation Science and Practice has caught our attention, and we’re stoked to see even more proof that being part of the ocean-loving community has legit environmental benefits. https://lnkd.in/gN5Rd95J Turns out, a passion for riding waves 🏄♂️ 🏄♀️ doesn’t just fuel our souls; it’s a solid way to get people hyped about protecting our blue playground. SDG14 is our favourite!! Which SDG is yours? This research dives deep (pun intended) into how surfers, divers, and other ocean-goers are more likely to support marine conservation efforts. Why? Because when you spend your days chasing perfect barrels and soaking in the ocean vibes, you naturally want to keep it pristine. It’s all about that connection, the same one that makes you want to pick up trash on the beach before paddling out or fight to protect our favourite breaks from overdevelopment. At Synergy International, we’re all about harnessing that stoke for something bigger. We’re fired up by this research because it confirms what we’ve always believed: when you love the ocean, you fight to protect it. We’re committed to riding this "green wave" of change, supporting sustainable energy solutions, and doing our part to ensure that the ocean remains a clean, vibrant place for generations of surfers, divers, and ocean lovers to come. So, let’s keep sharing the stoke and turning that energy into action! The ocean needs us, and we’re here to answer the call—one wave at a time. #SDG14 #WorldSurfingReserve #WSR #Ericeira #ShareTheStoke #OceanConservation #SurfingForGood #ProtectWhatYouLove #Sustainability #MarineLife #SynergyInternational #GreenEnergy #SurfCommunity #ClimateAction

Catch of the week: As a keen surfer, this study by Jacob Bukoski et al. is really exciting for me! The authors examine the nexus of #climatemitigation x marine #biodiversity / #conservation x #sustainabledevelopment and identify "#surf conservation as a potential avenue to simultaneously mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable development in coastal communities." Some of the key findings: - 88.3 million tonnes of irrecoverable* carbon are currently held in surf ecosystems - Of this, 17.2 million tonnes are found in Key Biodiversity Areas without formal measures of protection - there is a huge opportunity here for nature and social co-benefits of #ocean x #climate action! *defined as carbon stocks that, if lost today, could not be recovered within 30 years' time https://lnkd.in/eRc4DQQU

Interesting new paper providing evidence of the irrecoverable carbon value of surf spots. > Using global spatial datasets of irrecoverable carbon (defined as carbon stocks that, if lost today, could not be recovered within 30 years' time) the authors identify 88.3 million tonnes of irrecoverable carbon held in surf ecosystems. > Important for considering new protections or identification of sites as OECMs: Of this total, 17.2 million tonnes are found in Key Biodiversity Areas without formal measures of protection. > The authors conclude: These results highlight surf conservation as a potential avenue to simultaneously mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable development in coastal communies. What the paper is less explicit about is the local development, culturally-insensitive tourists, flights and surf boards that have a largely negative impact on the local-to-global environment. We need to conserve surf breaks AND address unsustainable tourism and practices in the surf industry. Photo - GMed at the Olympics in Tahiti, 2024. AFP

Pack Your Trash: A Timeless Message for Environmental Conservation 🌍 Friends, let's talk about a simple yet powerful action we can all take to protect our planet: packing out our trash. This message has been crucial throughout history, we already knew in the 1960ies, and remains so today as we face unprecedented environmental challenges. I recently came across an inspiring article about how Santa Cruz surfers launched a global eco-movement with this exact message. It's a reminder that small actions can lead to big changes. 🌊 A big shout-out to Mike from Hilltromper for sharing this story. Your work in highlighting these environmental initiatives is truly commendable. Let's all do our part to preserve our beautiful planet and its biodiversity hotspots. Remember: Take only pictures, leave only footprints! Read more about this inspiring movement here: Pack Your Trash: How Santa Cruz Surfers Launched a Global Eco-Movement #EnvironmentalConservation #PackYourTrash #Sustainability https://lnkd.in/g9w5kAuf

#GOODNEWSTHURSDAY A study published in Conservation Science and Practice reveals that the #forests, #mangroves, and #marshes surrounding global surf breaks store nearly 90 million metric tonnes of “irrecoverable carbon” equivalent to the annual emissions of 77 million gas-powered cars. Key countries like the U.S., Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, and Panama hold half of this #carbon, making their coastal ecosystems critical for #conservation efforts. However, only a small fraction of these #surf ecosystems are currently protected. Expanding these protections could have a huge impact—not just in fighting #climatechange, but also in reversing #biodiversityloss. Through community-based initiatives like Surf Protected Areas, we're seeing a new wave of eco-friendly tourism, #sustainable fishing, and #cultural #preservation. These local efforts are showing us that protecting surf ecosystems benefits both people and the #planet. And closer to home, one of Subak Australia's members, Surfers For Climate, is doing critical work to empower and mobilise a sea-roots movement for positive #climateaction. Their campaign, The Final Fight for the Bight, is a major push to protect the Great Australian Bight which is home to 85% of #marine life that isn’t found anywhere else on earth, but also is a place of deep cultural significance. Protecting this national treasure honors both Australia’s natural beauty and its First Nations heritage. Join Surfers for Climate in calling for #WorldHeritageStatus for the Bight here: https://lnkd.in/g_ymN296 You can also read about the article here: https://lnkd.in/gbEhXvSg Conservation International

🌊🏄 Imagine having the waves at your doorstep, even miles from the coast. The Oceanside Planning Committee has given the green light to transform a vacant lot into OceanKAMP, a 92-acre mixed-use project featuring a massive artificial surf pool, a luxury resort, and housing. 🏖️ The plan includes a 3.5-acre surf lagoon promising perfect waves year-round, catering to surf enthusiasts, beginners, and pros looking to refine their skills. With temperature-controlled waters and amenities like hotel units, bungalows, and airstream trailers for "glamping," OceanKAMP aims to be a surf paradise. 🤿 Despite skepticism and concerns over water usage amid drought conditions, developers assure that cutting-edge technology will conserve and reuse water resources efficiently. The project also addresses traffic impacts and affordable housing, aiming to contribute positively to the community. 🚴♂️ Emphasizing walkability and community engagement, OceanKAMP plans to add bike tracks, open spaces, and upgrades to a nearby skatepark, creating a hub for locals and visitors alike. 🌟 The project has garnered a mix of support and opposition, with many excited about the prospect of revitalizing Oceanside's surf culture and creating a destination that caters to diverse interests. What are your thoughts on this ambitious development? https://lnkd.in/gmikPZ-q

Visitors to East Coast Park in Singapore can now frolic on all its beaches after the park's remaining sections reopened close to 2 months after the city state's worst oil spill in a decade. And the National Parks Board (NParks) announced on August 11, that the cleanup of the beachfront at the park is complete & people can start "non-primary contact water sports", which involve minimal contact with water. Furthermore it had been brought to notice that beachgoers have to wait a little longer before making full contact with water. And NParks had emphasized against swimming & primary contact water activities such as waterboarding & stand-up paddling in beach waters. According to the Minister for Sustainability & the Environment the clean-up operations at all beaches would be complete by September or so. #singapore #singaporeeconomy #oilspill #environment #watersports #asia #apac

A few days ago, Nirmal Jivan Shah posted about another luxury playground for the uber-rich, with potentially devastating ecological impacts. Here in Cozumel, Conservación, Investigación y Manejo Ambiental de Cozumel, A. C. (CIMAC) led by Noemi "Lupita" Martín and other local groups are fighting a similar battle. (see link to page post in comments) With cascading ecological crises and economic scarcity, how is it that we are allowing the needs of the local public and fragile ecosystems to be subverted to the interests of corporate developers and the uber-rich customers they serve? Mongabay Rhett Ayers Butler Mike DiGirolamo have you considered covering this trend? Those tagged would be excellent interviewees. ----------------------------------- Post translation to English: Cozumel says "no"! The last public beach should not be destroyed for another private "club". The people of Cozumel need access to their coastline, and the project is destructive of the ecosystem, including very important coral species. Playa Mantarraya is the last coral reef Villa Blanca, the only and last in existence on the entire island outside the marine park with public access where local divers work and the community enjoys without paying, receiving its environmental services. Cozumel does NOT need another "club," but it needs a place for THE PEOPLE and to conserve our unique nature! #Conservation #PublicAccess #OceanJustice #EnvironmentalJustice #community

SeaKeepers’ Sustainability Kits provide the yachting community with more sustainable product alternatives to support them in making positive lifestyle changes to better protect the marine environment. SeaKeepers distributes kits to all members of our/SeaKeepers DISCOVERY Yacht fleet to encourage them to become ocean stewards and follow sustainable boating practices.  Our Sustainability Kits contain locally-sourced products that are made in an eco-friendly manner, and champion environmental awareness and ocean health. The UK Sustainability Kits include items from environmentally responsible brands, such as: Cano Water® (Re-sealable canned water) Ethical Yacht Wear (Sustainably sourced clothing) WASHDOWN (Pollutant-free, harmless cleaning solutions) Propspeed (Foul-release hull coating to limit harm to biofouling species) ecostore (Environmentally safe product alternatives, ranging from boat wash to skincare) The UK kits feature reusable products that can be used to limit unnecessary marine plastic pollution, such as reusable water bottles, metal straws and everything within the sustainability kit comes in a reusable mesh bag which can be used to collect marine litter or other purposes. Further advice on sustainable boating is provided in SeaKeepers’ Green Guide to Boating, available below. This guide provides best practice guidance on how to safely use the oceans while limiting harm to the marine environment. Find out more about the UK Sustainability Kit products, https://lnkd.in/eNT2mEw2 and Seakeepers Green Guide to Boating, https://lnkd.in/ehHRyVnN