June 25, 2007
Facebook Logo
Email a friend

“Her Deepness” Sylvia Earle Signs Reef Check “International Declaration of Reef Rights”

\"\"

Opening ceremonies for the 2007 Clean Oceans Conference
Los Angeles, California and Princeville, Kauai – The International Declaration of Reef Rights was signed by internationally renowned marine scientist and National Geographic “Explorer-in-Residence” Dr. Sylvia Earle.  The International Declaration of Reef Rights was created to raise awareness about the coral reef crisis, and thousands of people from over 90 countries worldwide have signed the declaration and pledge.  Reef Check Foundation has declared a “call to action” urging every citizen of our planet to preserve our pristine coral reefs and to save damaged reefs globally.  

 The Declaration was signed in Kauai during the International Clean Oceans Conference co-sponsored by Reef Check, the world’s largest volunteer reef monitoring and conservation organization, and Kauai’s Save Our Seas at the Princeville Resort, on June 9, 2007.  The signing was done on the tenth anniversary of the first Reef Check survey of the reef at Princeville.  The conference included Opening Ceremonies with a traditional Hawaiian Blessing by Puna Dawson and Noomi Yokotake and a reading of the “International Declaration of Reef Rights” by Reef Check Executive Director Dr. Gregor Hodgson.

\"\"

Left to Right: Reef Check Guatemala’s Lucia Gutierrez & Roberto Mathau, Dr. Sylvia Earle, and Reef Check’s Executive Director Dr. Gregor Hodgson, Director of Development Jennifer Pietro and Program Manager Cori Kane

 Reef Check Foundation will host the International Ocean Festival in Malibu, California on September 23, 2007.  The daytime event will be held at Malibu Bluffs Park and will include the participation of the United States Coast Guard and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Sheriff Department and Lifeguards.  Games will include reef monitoring demonstrations and other educational activities, and several other nonprofit environmental organizations will participate as exhibitors.  International entertainment will be provided from Indonesia, Brazil, Hawaii, Polynesia, Jamaica, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Thailand and China and other coral reef countries where Reef Check has a programmatic presence. At the end of the day, children and families will be entertained Sony Pictures animated feature film “Surf’s Up!”  

\"\"

The Kauai Survey Group
Leonardo DiCaprio serves as the Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors of Reef Check Foundation, whose supporters include movie producer Gale Anne Hurd, Daryl Hannah, Kelly Hu, Penelope Ann Miller, Ben Goldhirsh, Bob Morris, Bill and Maggie Winokur, and James Whitmore. Sponsors include Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Quiksilver, Body Glove, Good Magazine, Sony Pictures Entertainment and the City of Malibu.   

On September 16, a VIP Dinner and the West Coast Premiere of “Reef Inhabitants” will be held at the Malibu West Beach Club. “Reef Inhabitants” is a stunning extravaganza of dance, music and multi-media art to raise awareness about the crisis affecting our oceans and coral reefs. The show premiered in January at a sneak peak performance at Gale Anne Hurd’s Vertical Wine Bistro to rave reviews.  At the event internationally renowned oceanographer and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle will accept the Poseidon Award, and Daryl Hannah will receive the Reef Rescue Award, and Reef Check spokesperson Kelly Hu will attend as an invited guest.

\"\"

Reef Check Executive Director Gregor Hodgson watches Dr. Sylvia Earle sign the International Declaration of Reef Rights

Founded in 1997, the Reef Check Foundation (a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization), was established to reverse the coral reef crisis.  Reef Check programs provide ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions for local businesses and communities, and thousands of volunteers participate in its programs in over 90 countries and territories.  Reef Check provides solutions through the EcoAction, EcoExpeditions and Coral Reef Management programs and through Roving Research Teams of scientists who study coral reef health at remote locations worldwide.  Reef Check California was launched last year to help conserve rocky reef life in our own state.

Click here to watch the Video clips of the “Reef Inhabitants” show.    Funds raised at this event will be used by Reef Check to help conserve coral reefs and California rocky reef ecosystems.

The International Declaration of Reef Rights may be viewed and signed at www.reefcheck.org.