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MOSFoundation

Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation, Pangaeon and the SEAS Corporation announce Collaborative Alliance

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April 15, 2015 – WILMINGTON, Del. — The Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation (MOSF) is pleased to announce a collaborative alliance with the Sustainable Environment Associates (SEAS) Corporation and it’s subsidiary Pangaeon on an initiative called GUARDIAN. Designed to protect, restore and nurture island communities around the globe, GUARDIAN has brought together an experienced executive team of global sustainability leaders. MOSF Managing Director, Jennifer Pitzer, has joined the GUARDIAN Development Team and will be actively participating in the integration of geotourism and citizen science activities.

“I am honored to join such a distinguished team of professionals. The GUARDIAN team includes sustainability leaders in the areas of energy, culture, finance, engineering, tourism, climate, education and technology,” stated Jennifer Pitzer, MOSF Managing Director. “GUARDIAN is addressing important issues facing island communities including sea level rise, fossil fuel energy dependence, waste management, food security, biosecurity, potable water shortage, the loss of cultural heritage, and critical socio-economic factors.”

“MOSF fills a crucial role on our diverse, international team with its focus on community empowerment and education as it relates to sustainability sciences. These two ingredients are fundamental to the successful development and legacy of GUARDIAN’s mission. In addition, MOSF is a valuable asset in our Public Private Partnership development framework,” said Paul Bierman-Lytle, President and Chairman of Pangaeon/SEAS Corporation.

MOSF and GUARDIAN are specifically collaborating on geotourism, citizen science, and empowerment/capacity building programs that benefit residents, visitors and the environment. In partnership with local communities, universities, governments and NGOs, MOSF is developing tourism-based activities that encompass the cultural heritage of the community and foster a sustainable environment for existing and future generations.

GUARDIAN has developed island-based models for assessing, implementing and optimizing utility and infrastructure systems. These integrated sustainability models establish sustainable ‘life support’ systems, including energy, water, food, waste conversion, ecological sewage treatment, eco-transportation, biosecurity, and natural disaster preparedness and resilience.

MOSF and GUARDIAN share the goal of establishing environmentally and financially sustainable models based on tourism centric businesses that keep revenue on-island. Tourism initiatives focus on ‘adventure tourism’ and include land, ocean, cultural and agri-based (food production) activities.

“I am excited by this collaboration, which works with communities set to position islands at the front line of demonstrating solutions to climate change, and which highlights the economic opportunity for all,” said Maya Doolub, Guardian Director.

This collaborative partnership brings together two passionate organizations with solid backgrounds in sustainability, engineering, business, technology, tourism and marine conservation. Both organizations share an entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to investing in green energy, sustainable development principles, and reproducible programs that empower local communities.

About the Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation

Founded in 2013, the Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation (MOSF) is dedicated to the advancement of marine conservation and sustainability projects. MOSF engages in market-driven, tourism centric programs that balance ocean health, human prosperity and emphasize marine stewardship. We establish geotourism and citizen science activities, which sustain or enhance the geographic well being of a destination, emphasize the culture and history of the area, and benefit both visitors and residents. For more information, please visit our website at: www.mosfoundation.org

About GUARDIAN (an initiative of Pangaeon/SEAS Corp.)

GUARDIAN is a sustainability solutions integrator focused on two business components that have been missing in sustainable developments:

1. Integration of utilities and infrastructure: to maximize efficiency among systems, reduce CAPEX and OPEX, provide reliable services especially during natural disasters, and expand community infrastructure services. These actions result in a high performance ‘utility and infrastructure ecosystem’.

2. Profitability: develop project components that generate revenue in a shorter time and with high IRR as the top business priority. Prove that sustainability solutions are profitable and good career choices for young people.

To achieve these goals, GUARDIAN has assembled C-level experts from a variety of international firms that are multi-disciplined, systems integrators, innovators, action-oriented and results-driven. GUARDIAN’s unique team provides expertise in all key sustainability components required to build a ‘community ecosystem’ that is built for longevity and capital independence.

 

See the actual press release online.

MOSFoundation

Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation Announces the Appointment of a New Board Member

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Mar. 27, 2015 – WILMINGTON, Del. —The Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation (MOSF), a Delaware-based marine conservation nonprofit, today announced the appointment of Jonathan Tourtellot to the organization’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Tourtellot’s appointment expands the existing Board to 8 directors.

“Jonathan’s many years with the National Geographic Society and broad experience in sustainable tourism, destination stewardship and science communications will add a valuable perspective to our Board of Directors,” said Jennifer Pitzer, Managing Director of MOSF.  “We appreciate his willingness to serve as a director and look forward to benefitting from his judgment and counsel.”

After 22 years as a senior writer and editor for the National Geographic Society, Mr. Tourtellot founded and directed National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations in 2001. He originated the concept of geotourism, defined as “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.” Mr. Tourtellot is the Geotourism Editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine and continues to address numerous national and international groups, including the U.N. World Tourism Organization, UNESCO, and the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Mr. Tourtellot helped the U.S. Travel Association develop the 2002 study Geotourism: The New Trend in Travel, a landmark survey of American traveler behavior and attitudes about issues of sustainability. In his capacity as geotourism editor for Traveler magazine, he has written on such topics as climate change, nature tourism, and heritage travel. He is a two time winner of the prestigious Lowell Award, presented by the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation and in 2011, Traveler magazine won the prestigious World Tourism Award for his geotourism initiatives.

Mr. Tourtellot joins MOSF’s existing Board of Directors:

  • Armin Afsahi, Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Community Engagement at the University of California, San Diego
  • Kim Brown is a business owner, serial entrepreneur, consultant, and author. Kim and her family are current sailing around the world on a 56’ Oyster sailboat.
  • Shilpi Chhotray is a Manager of Stakeholder Engagement at Future 500 in San Francisco, California
  • B.R. McConnon, III, founder, Chairman, and CEO of DDC Advocacy, an international full-service advocacy firm in Washington, D.C.
  • David Pitzer, Senior Vice President and COO of Frederick Mutual Insurance in Frederick, Maryland
  • Dr. Tiffany Moisan, Research Physical Scientist in the Hydrological Sciences Lab at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Wallops Island, Virginia
  • Rosemarie Watkins, retired, former Director of International Policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation in Washington, D.C.

About the Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation

Founded in 2013, the Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation (MOSF) is dedicated to the advancement of marine conservation and sustainability projects. MOSF engages in market-driven, tourism centric programs that balance ocean health, human prosperity and emphasize marine stewardship. We establish geotourism and citizen science activities, which sustain or enhance the geographic well being of a destination, emphasize the culture and history of the area, and benefit both visitors and residents. For more information, please visit our website at: www.mosfoundation.org

 

See the actual press release online.

MOSFoundation

Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation Announces Media Partnership with The TerraMar Project

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PRLog – March 4, 2015 – WILMINGTON, Del. — The Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation (MOSF) today announced a new partnership with The TerraMar Project to promote marine conservation efforts throughout the world. MOSF and TerraMar share a common vision—a sustainably managed ocean—and will collaborate to inspire, educate and inform audiences about the benefits of and threats to the seas.

“In order to truly make a positive difference, it is imperative that conservation groups work together as a team,” stated Jennifer Pitzer, MOSF Managing Director. “The TerraMar Project is building a robust online community designed to share, inspire, educate and promote ocean literacy. We look forward to working with The TerraMar Project team and introducing interactive opportunities for ocean lovers globally.”

“We’re on a mission to create a global community to give a voice to the ocean,” said Rob Foos, TerraMar’s Director of Development. “By partnering with MOSF we are not only expanding our audience, but we are also providing our community with fantastic opportunities to get involved through their unique geotourism and citizen science experiences.”

As defined by the National Geographic Society, geotourism is tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well being of its residents. MOSF and TerraMar are working together to highlight and promote geotourism opportunities and successes around the globe. By encompassing key sustainability principles to highlight a destination’s geographical character, these projects are designed to emphasize the distinctiveness of the locale and benefit visitors, residents, and the environment.

The ocean comprises nearly three quarters of the planet with 64% of that area situated beyond the national jurisdiction of any single nation and is known as the “global commons”. Also known as the high seas, or international waters, this area has been designated by the United Nations as the common heritage of all mankind and represents approximately 45% of the globe. In order to promote responsibility and sustainability for our global commons, The TerraMar Project offers unique tools to engage with the high seas and encourage ownership by providing a flag, a digital passport, and a daily newspaper for the region called The Daily Catch. As an online hub for the ocean, The TerraMar Project also has a robust education platform and is aggressively advocating for a standalone ocean Sustainable Development Goal in the United Nations’ post-2015 agenda.

MOSF and TerraMar will initially focus their joint efforts on highlighting geotourism opportunities and successes on social media and through The Daily Catch, expanding the visibility of these offerings that benefit the marine environment.

About the Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation

Founded in 2013, the Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation (MOSF) is a Delaware non-profit dedicated to the positive global promotion of successful marine conservation and education initiatives. MOSF researches and documents proven, successful marine conservation projects that balance ocean health and human prosperity. With the support of public and private sector partners, projects are selected for documentation and replication based on a model that evaluates financial feasibility, long-term sustainability, and the use of scientifically sound practices. MOSF engages coastal communities, at a grassroots level, to ensure that project implementations are culturally sensitive, community-driven and receive the support they need to thrive. For additional information, please visit our website at www.mosfoundation.org.

About The TerraMar Project

The TerraMar Project is a non-profit on a mission to build a community to provide a voice for the least explored, most ignored part of the planet—the high seas. TerraMar is a digital platform that connects people with the ocean in unique ways by offering educational materials to improve ocean literacy; promoting ownership through passports, ambassadorships, and the ability to claim parcels of the ocean; staying informed through social media and a daily digital newspaper for the ocean called The Daily Catch; and advocating for the ocean at the United Nations and in forums around the world. The TerraMar Project is diligently urging the United Nations to include the ocean as a standalone Sustainable Development Goal in their post-2015 agenda, legislation that would dramatically move the needle on ocean conservation. Learn more at www.theterramarproject.org.

 

See the actual press release.

MOSFoundation

Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation Announces Partnership with Ocean Crest Alliance

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PRLog – March 3, 2015 – WILMINGTON, Del. — The Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation (MOSF) is pleased to announce a collaborative partnership with Ocean Crest Alliance (OCA) to develop geotourism and citizen science-based programs that integrate with marine protected areas (MPAs). These two marine conservations organizations are working together to implement market-driven programs that benefit local communities, promote eco-friendly tourism and help fund the management and protection of marine ecosystems.

“Ocean Crest Alliance, with Joe Ierna at the helm, is a non-profit organization that is developing innovative ways to establish and manage much needed MPAs,” stated Jennifer Pitzer, MOSF Managing Director. “Like MOSF, OCA has a very strong focus on stakeholder engagement, the importance of financially and environmentally sustainable programs, and the use of green technology to achieve our goals.”

“We have designed and developed a unique MPA Facility and E-Share program that provides a vehicle for MPAs to be financially sustainable while operating sustainably within Nature and the Community that it serves.” said Joe Ierna, Ocean Crest Alliance Director.

MOSF and OCA are collaborating on geotourism and citizen science programs that encompass key sustainability principles and highlight a destinations geographical and cultural character.  Geotourism is tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well being of its residents. Citizen science enables non-scientists with specific interests, such as marine conservation, to get into the field and assist with the collection, analysis and documentation of valuable data for professionally-trained scientists.

MOSF and OCA have already begun working together on a sea turtle conservation program on Long Island in the Bahamas. Long Island is the site of a proposed 215,000 acre MPA, which is a part of Mission Blue Bahamas “Hope Spot”. This program will be designed and developed with extensive input and involvement of the residents of Long Island. The ultimate goal is to hire and train local Bahamians of the island to manage and staff the program full-time with oversight and assistance provided by MOSF and OCA, as needed.

Partnering with colleges and universities globally, the marine conservation programs will be set up host student interns that can attain required community service hours, get hands on marine conservation experience, and learn valuable work-life skills. Students will be engaging in activities ranging from education outreach and turtle nesting area cleanups to marine life rescue, rehabilitation and release.

This collaborative partnership brings together two passionate organizations with solid backgrounds in business, technology, and marine conservation. Both organizations share an entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to investing in green energy, sustainable development principles, and reproducible programs that benefit local communities.

About the Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation

Founded in 2013, the Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation (MOSF) is dedicated to the advancement of marine conservation and sustainability projects. MOSF engages in market-driven, tourism centric programs that balance ocean health, human prosperity and emphasize marine stewardship. We establish geotourism and citizen science activities, which sustain or enhance the geographic well being of a destination, emphasize the culture and history of the area, and benefit both visitors and residents. For more information, please visit our website at: www.mosfoundation.org

About Ocean Crest Alliance

Dedicated to Honor, Protect and Restore the Health of the World’s Oceans and the Life of the Earth’s Systems through Conservation, Research, Education, Science and Technology. OCA programs anticipate dedicating resources in the fields of ocean-related studies, alternative energy and marine-related activities/technologies; towards building marine protected area facilities, design and build a fleet of vessels to support the sustainability of the various contracted research projects; to establish a Global Network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). For more information, please visit our website at: www.oceancrestalliance.org.

 

 

See the actual press release.

 

MOSFoundation

Citizen Science: A Partnership Between Everyday People & Professional Scientists

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Measuring TurtleLast summer, my family and I were strolling along a beach in South Carolina and noticed beautiful shells that were washing up onto the beach with each wave. The creatures would quickly burrow themselves, and their protective shells, into the wet sand. I took a few photos and posted them on Facebook. I commented, “Wow, these shells are beautiful, anybody know what they are?” Honestly, I didn’t expect much of a response. Instead, I received a number of comments about what species of marine gastropod it was and one oceanographer friend exclaimed, “I am so envious, where are you? I have always wanted to see one of those!”

The now famous Olive snail

The now famous Olive snail

I am not scientist, but I learned that my observations, questions and photos were of value to the scientists who make a living studying, tracking, and monitoring our amazing ocean life. Without knowing it, I was acting as a “citizen scientist”. Citizen science can mean anything from people simply observing natural events and characteristics to a full-fledged revolution in ‘science’ that establishes the important social role of learning about the world we live in. Citizen science can enable professionally-trained scientists to leverage the efforts of groups of people distributed widely, or a way to leverage the brains, experience, and insights of the world’s people to advance understanding.

In order for citizen science data to be used and usable, it is important that the information collected is credible and needed by scientists. Fortunately, the value of citizen science is being recognized by individuals and organizations that are in a position to get the word out. Programs are being developed by government agencies and nonprofits, like ours, to train people interested in getting involved and to develop Web-based applications where citizen scientists can share their findings.

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Copyright REEF.org

Mote Marine Laboratory, in conjunction with the US government and numerous universities, has developed a program called the Marine Ecosystem Event Response and Assessment Program (MEERA). MEERA is a community-based reporting network, which enables ANYONE on the water to report on unusual biological events in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and surrounding waters. Another online tool, supported by the National Geographic Society and called Project Noah, enables nature lovers and citizen scientists to explore and document their natural world. These tools are a powerful source of information that can be used for science research and educational programs that promote wildlife awareness and preserve biodiversity.

In tandem with our geotourism based programs, the Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation (MOSF) is developing training and participatory programs that enable ocean lovers to get involved in hands-on citizen science activities. All of our programs are marine conservation focused and include activities ranging from the identification and protection of sea turtle nesting locations to scuba diving trips on which divers help reduce the population of invasive species, like the lionfish, on coral reefs. MOSF’s first geotourism and citizen science programs are already being developed and will be launched in the Caribbean region.

Turtle Research

Turtle Research

Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology has an established citizen-science program that has more than 200,000 individual people contributing data each year; data collection on this vast of a scale was only recently unimaginable. Cornell’s scientists are using these data to determine how birds are affected by habitat loss, pollution, and disease. They trace bird migration and document long-term changes in bird numbers across the North American continent. The results have been used to create management guidelines for birds, investigate the effects of acid rain and climate change, and advocate for the protection of declining species.

Citizen science is very important! It helps scientists attain information and answer questions about topics that they may not have the resources to collect on their own. Citizen science encompasses a broad range of topics, geographic settings, and strategies. Some projects are confined to a single species and locations, like loggerhead sea turtles on an specific island in the Bahamas, while others are global in scope. On any scale, citizen science creates opportunities for people of all ages to connect with the natural world, gain scientific skills, and learn key science concepts.SharkTagging

MOSFoundation

Your Perfect Vacation Adventure is Waiting! Vacations for explorers-at-heart

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Have you ever wanted to have your own genuine adventure? Do you dream of exploring far off places and immersing yourself in another culture? Stop dreaming, these types of adventures are now possible for young and old travelers alike! There are a variety of vacation options out there that aren’t your standard trip to the beach or amusement park. Your ideal adventure is out there and achievable via geotourism.

snorkel-turtlev2What is geotourism exactly? Geotourism is sustainable tourism that promotes the local atmosphere, culture, history, environment, residents, and economy of a geographical region. You can immerse yourself in all the local delights, participate in conservation efforts, local festivities, and really learn about an area from the people who call it home. Many popular destinations have unfortunately become “tourist traps,” designed to suck in tourists with disposable income and simply take their money in exchange for plastic trinkets. You may return home with souvenirs showing where you’ve been, but probably missed the true memory making experiences a destination has offer. With geotourism, you are invited to go behind the scenes, see the things only locals know about, and discover the little-known gems of a geographic region.

Regular monthly reef monitoring in Apo Reef Natural ParkMost of us have heard of ecotourism, which is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas while preserving the environment and improving the well-being of local people.” Geotourism is the evolution of ecotourism, it takes the concept to the next level by embracing environmentally sustainable travel and extending it to the culture and history of a destination. Geotourism operations actively engage and support local businesses, natural resources, products and services. In many cases, geotourism involves conservation activities, education, and volunteerism – you could help protect hatching sea turtles, plant trees that help prevent erosion, or participate in a coral reef restoration program. Prefer the arts and cultural attractions? No problem! Geotourism activities often include local art programs and community festivities that engage your creative side. There really is something for everyone in geotourism and the wide variety of activities and the possibilities for adventure are endless!

sustainable fishing sunset

Let’s get to the aspect of geotourism that is near and dear to our hearts: marine conservation. Geotourism promotes the conservation of local natural resources and biodiversity. The Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation (MOSF) is diving into the geotourism market with both feet – we are working with local hotels & resorts, coastal communities, and conservation groups around the globe to bring you a variety of options. Some of the many activities we will offer range from hands-on sea turtle nest protection and kayak-guided mangrove educational tours to coral reef restoration and marine conservation classes with local students. Program availability will vary depending on the location, community needs, and ecosystem. Stay tuned to our website and social media sites for announcements of new projects throughout 2015 and beyond.

Article by Hillary Ballantine:

Hillary Ballantine is from a small town in central Ohio, a long way from the ocean. She became mesmerized by marine life at a very young age, and always knew she wanted to help save the whales. She graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a B.S. in Marine Science and a B.S. in Biology, and is currently attending graduate school at Antioch University New England, earning a M.S. in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Conservation Biology. She has worked with educating the public on marine life at Myrtle Beach State Park, and hopes to further her experience in both the education and scientific aspects of conservation.