Departing Sunday

What an incredible opportunity -- to travel to Palau with colleagues from The Nature Conservancy in New York to learn about the work the Conservancy is doing in that part of the world!  Bill Ulfelder, Executive Director of the Conservancy in NY, Carl Lobue, Senior Marine Scientist in Long Island, Connie Prickett, Director of Communications in the Adirondacks and me, Karen Raven, Deputy Director of Philanthropy in NY will be in Palau for about a week exploring marine protected areas, coral reefs and meeting with partner organizations and local leaders.  While there we will kayak around the Rock Islands, snorkel and dive in Jellyfish Lake, explore the Northern Reefs. 

Palau is one of the most ecologically diverse places on the planet, supporting over 400 coral species, and nearly 1,300 varieties of reef fish.  Growing tourism and related development, aggressive fishing and unsustainable forest practices threaten not only this archipelago but all of Micronesia.  The Conservancy has worked here with community leaders and government agencies for over 20 years to bridge the gap between traditional and modern approaches to conservation.  We need to do more.

This will be an unforgettable adventure.  My fellow travelers and I hope to record my impressions and experiences here to share with colleagues and friends back home.  Connectivity will be very spotty so bear with us.  We look forward to sharing stories, pictures and what we learn.