The Foundation worked with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to inform marine spatial planning in Fiji, Tonga, and the Solomon Islands using data collected on the Global Reef Expedition. IUCN’s Oceania Regional Office worked with countries to implement marine spatial planning as part of their Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Management in Pacific Island Countries (MACBIO) project. The Foundation shared all of the data we collected during the GRE in these countries. Our research helped to fill critical gaps in knowledge in these remote areas that were integrated into MACBIO’s South Pacific marine spatial planning processes.
From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey
Some students I remember for their grades, their quick answers, or a moment that made the whole class laugh. Others I remember for the way they stepped into the mangroves.
Desta was the kind of student who thrived outdoors. While some students hesitated at the edge of the mud, he walked right in. And when he inevitably got stuck — because everyone does — he didn’t get frustrated. He laughed. Covered in mud, holding mangrove propagules in his hands, he embraced the experience fully.
Even then, it was clear that he was connecting with the environment in a way that went beyond the lesson plan…
