Scientists help Fijian villagers conserve coral reef while earning a living from it

Rougiem · 07-22-2005, 03:55 PM

We here so many negative items in what humans do...Here is something promising!

In the South Pacific islands of Fiji, coastal villagers are beginning to reap much-needed financial benefits from conserving the beautiful tropical environment they treasure as a family heirloom.

In a unique project that combines environmental conservation, economic development and drug discovery research, scientists and policy experts led by the Georgia Institute of Technology are collaborating with the villagers of Tagaqe and the University of the South Pacific to explore, protect and generate income for islanders from their coral reef. The project is funded primarily by the Fogarty International Center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Instead of breaking off pieces of live coral reef substrate – called "live rock" – for sale to the saltwater aquarium industry, villagers planted a crop of synthetic rock that becomes naturally covered by desirable species. Villagers recently harvested it. The project, devised and negotiated by the researchers, is intended to reward villagers now for conserving the reef they need to make a living in the future – including potential income from the discovery of drug compounds in reef organisms. Other Fijian villages are interested in starting similar efforts, researchers said.

Rest of the Article http://www.eurekalert.org/marinescience/ second article down.

Cheers!

KimPossible · 07-22-2005, 05:17 PM

This is exactly the type of research that needs to be done prior to depletion!
Preserving our planet for future generations is a fundamental thought process that needs to be an integral part of our capitalistic minds.
Interesting Rodge, Thanks for sharing!

Gina · 07-22-2005, 06:34 PM

I'm very happy to hear of this! Thank god there are people out there who really care about this planet we live on and try to perserve and protect it! It almost scares me to think about what life here on earth will be like a few thousand years from now.

cheeks69 · 07-25-2005, 11:02 PM

That is great to hear, thanx for sharing Rodger

07-22-2005, 03:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rougiem Ichthy Inquisitor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Biggest Little City In The World Posts: 2,904 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Scientists help Fijian villagers conserve coral reef while earning a living from it We here so many negative items in what humans do...Here is something promising! In the South Pacific islands of Fiji, coastal villagers are beginning to reap much-needed financial benefits from conserving the beautiful tropical environment they treasure as a family heirloom. In a unique project that combines environmental conservation, economic development and drug discovery research, scientists and policy experts led by the Georgia Institute of Technology are collaborating with the villagers of Tagaqe and the University of the South Pacific to explore, protect and generate income for islanders from their coral reef. The project is funded primarily by the Fogarty International Center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Instead of breaking off pieces of live coral reef substrate – called "live rock" – for sale to the saltwater aquarium industry, villagers planted a crop of synthetic rock that becomes naturally covered by desirable species. Villagers recently harvested it. The project, devised and negotiated by the researchers, is intended to reward villagers now for conserving the reef they need to make a living in the future – including potential income from the discovery of drug compounds in reef organisms. Other Fijian villages are interested in starting similar efforts, researchers said. Rest of the Article http://www.eurekalert.org/marinescience/ second article down. *Cheers!* __________________ "Apes don't read philosophy." "Yes they do Otto, they just don't understand it." Intial School Tank Set Up and Progress

07-22-2005, 05:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
KimPossible Golden Moray Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilbert, Arizona Posts: 2,549 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	This is exactly the type of research that needs to be done prior to depletion! Preserving our planet for future generations is a fundamental thought process that needs to be an integral part of our capitalistic minds. Interesting Rodge, Thanks for sharing! __________________ Kim ~My environment is a product of myself~

07-22-2005, 06:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
Gina Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,842 View Gallery Karma Komment	I'm very happy to hear of this! Thank god there are people out there who really care about this planet we live on and try to perserve and protect it! It almost scares me to think about what life here on earth will be like a few thousand years from now. __________________ Gina and Mark's 75 Visit Our Sponsors Gina's Cube Gina

07-25-2005, 11:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
cheeks69 Wannabe Guru Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Northeast Posts: 7,386 View Gallery Karma Komment	That is great to hear, thanx for sharing Rodger __________________ Robert My Cube “A spirit is manifest in the laws of the Universe—a spirit vastly superior to that of man, and one in the face of which we with our modest powers must feel humble.” Albert Einstein

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