Mon, 18 December 2023
On today's episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, we delve into the concerns surrounding the surfing event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. While the Olympics are set to take place in Paris, the surfing competition will be held in Tahiti's Teahupo’o Bay, a renowned location for its waves and subsistence fishing. However, there is a contentious issue regarding the construction of an aluminum tower for the event. Local Tahitians are worried about the potential damage to coral reefs and fish populations. A protest has been organized, and we will discuss the details in this episode. Stay tuned! Link to article: https://news.mongabay.com/2023/12/reef-damage-from-2024-olympics-surfing-venue-is-avoidable-commentary/ Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program. Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: The surfing event for the Paris 2024 Olympics is set to take place in Tahiti at Teahupo’o Bay, a renowned location known for its legendary waves, making it an ideal spot for surfers. Teahupo’o Bay is also recognized for its subsistence fishing, where local fishermen catch fish for their own consumption and sometimes sell them at local markets. The selection of Teahupo’o Bay for the surfing event highlights the area's natural beauty and significance. The bay's coral reef plays a crucial role in creating the waves that attract surfers, while also providing a habitat for various fish species. The local fishing communities depend on these fish for sustenance and their livelihoods. However, concerns have been raised about the potential negative impacts of the Olympics on Teahupo’o Bay. The construction of an aluminum tower for the event has raised worries among locals about the damage it may cause to the corals and fish populations. The tower will be placed within the shallow coral reef, requiring the installation of concrete bases and potentially displacing parts of the reef. The protest against the tower's construction is driven by the desire to protect the environment and ensure the long-term sustainability of Teahupo’o Bay. Local surfers, fishermen, and community members have taken to social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to raise awareness about the issue. They have also launched an online petition, which has garnered over 195,000 signatures. Acknowledging the concerns raised by the local community, the Olympic Committee has made some changes to the construction plans. The proposed tower will now be smaller and lighter, reducing its potential impact on the reef. Additionally, the existing wooden tower, which has been deemed safe, will be utilized instead of building a new structure. Despite these modifications, doubts still remain about the potential damage caused by the construction process. Videos have surfaced showing a barge getting stuck on the coral reef during an inspection, raising questions about the effectiveness of the proposed measures to minimize harm. The controversy surrounding the surfing event in Teahupo’o Bay highlights the tensions between hosting large-scale events like the Olympics and preserving the natural environment. The concerns of the local community regarding the long-term impacts on the reef and fish populations are valid, and their efforts to raise awareness and push for changes should be supported. It remains to be seen how the Olympic Committee will address these concerns and ensure the sustainability of the event. The locals in Tahiti are deeply concerned about the construction of an aluminum tower for the surfing event during the Paris 2024 Olympics. They fear that the construction and placement of the tower within the shallow coral reef of Teahupo’o Bay will cause damage to the corals and fish populations in the area. The tower will require concrete bases to be installed, displacing some of the reef and potentially disrupting the natural ecosystem. The locals rely on the coral reef for subsistence fishing, and any harm to the reef could have severe consequences for their livelihoods and food security. The protesters argue that the construction of the tower goes against the sustainability goals of the Olympic Committee. While the committee has made efforts to make the Olympics more sustainable by reusing buildings and using a cruise liner as the Olympic village, the construction of the tower in Teahupo’o Bay contradicts these efforts. The locals believe that the existing wooden tower, which has been deemed safe, should be used instead. They argue that the construction of a new tower is unnecessary and poses a risk to the delicate coral reef ecosystem. The protesters have taken various actions to raise awareness and oppose the construction of the tower. They have created videos on Instagram and TikTok, launched an online petition, and organized a protest. These efforts have garnered significant support, with over 195,000 signatures on the petition. The local fishing community, surfers, and the general population of Teahupo’o are all united in their opposition to the tower. In response to the protests, the Olympic Committee has made some concessions. They have proposed reducing the size and weight of the tower to minimize its impact on the reef. They have also pledged to use electrically propelled barges with a shallow draft during construction to prevent damage to the coral. However, the protesters remain skeptical, citing evidence of damage caused by a barge during an inspection of the proposed tower site. The controversy surrounding the construction of the tower highlights the tensions between hosting large-scale events like the Olympics and protecting local ecosystems. The locals in Teahupo’o Bay are concerned about the long-term consequences of the construction on their environment and way of life. They are calling for more sustainable alternatives and greater consideration of the local ecosystem in the planning and execution of the Olympics. The episode discusses a protest that has emerged against the construction plans for the surfing event at the Paris 2024 Olympics in Tahiti. The local Tahitian community, including fishermen, farmers, and surfers, are concerned about the potential damage to the coral reefs and fish populations in the area. They have created an online petition that has received over 195,000 signatures and have used social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to raise awareness about the issue. In response to the protest and concerns, the Olympic Committee has made some changes to the construction plans. They have decided to reduce the size and weight of the aluminum tower that was initially proposed, making it similar to the existing wooden tower that has been deemed safe. The construction will involve concrete bases and drilling rods into the reef, but the committee claims that the smaller size of the tower will require less disruption to the corals. They have also scrapped plans for drinking water and wastewater connections to the mainland and will remove internet and submarine electric cables after the event. The majority of the tower will be temporary, but a three-meter pole above sea level will remain. However, there is skepticism and mistrust from the local community regarding these changes. They have shared videos on social media that show a barge inspecting the proposed tower site getting stuck on the coral reef and causing damage. This contradicts the committee's claims of minimal damage during construction. The community is calling for the use of the existing wooden tower, which they believe is safe and would not require additional damage to the reef. The episode emphasizes the importance of continued activism and support for the local community to protect the coral reefs and fish populations in Tahiti. It encourages listeners to sign the petition, engage with social media accounts, and consider boycotting the Olympics if the construction plans proceed without further changes.
Direct download: HTPTO_E1543_Paris2024ThreatensTahitiCoralReef.mp3
Category:Conservation Story -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Fri, 30 June 2023
Have you heard these myths about marine conservation careers? Myth #1: You only need a degree in biology or marine science to work in this field. Myth #2: Marine conservation jobs are only for scuba divers. Myth #3: This field is only for those who want to work with marine mammals. The truth is that diverse skills are needed in marine conservation. It takes more than just scientific knowledge to protect our oceans and the creatures that call it home. My guest, Alvise Ca'Zorzi, will share insights on how to diversify your skillset and explore career paths in marine conservation. In this episode, you will be able to:
My special guest is Alvise Ca'Zorzi Meet Alvise Ca'Zorzi, a 27-year-old Italian-Brazilian who grew up on a Spanish island and now works in marine conservation finance for a company called Blue Seeds. With a background in international relations and project management, Alvise proves that you don't have to be a scientist to make a difference in the marine conservation space. His passion for diving and exploration led him to pursue a unique conservation journey working with mooring systems in the Mediterranean to protect seagrasses from anchor damage. Share your conservation journey on the podcast by booking here: https://calendly.com/sufb/sufb-interview Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Direct download: HTPTO_E1470_ConservationJourney_AlvisCaZorzi.mp3
Category:Conservation Story -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Fri, 9 June 2023
Have you heard these myths? That pursuing your passion won't pay the bills, that environmental activism is only for the wealthy, or that storytelling is just a hobby? As an aspiring conservationist or environmental activist, it's easy to feel discouraged by these misconceptions. But our guest, Andi Cross, is here to share the truth. Through her experience in storytelling and human connection, she has learned that pursuing your passion can not only be financially sustainable but can also make a positive impact on the planet. In this podcast, Andi will share her insights on how to use storytelling and human connection to create change and make a difference in the world. In this episode, you will be able to:
My special guest is Andi Cross Andi Cross is a passionate conservationist with a unique journey in connecting people with nature. After a successful career as a growth strategist in corporate America, Andi decided to pursue her lifelong love for the ocean full-time. Leaving her high-rise office job and uprooting her life, Andi has stepped into a new world, creating unforgettable experiences for people through the expedition, Edges of Earth. Now a skilled dive master, Andi shares her passion for our abundant planet and its wonders while encouraging aspiring conservationists to dive into their dreams and make a significant impact on the world. The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Edges of Earth: Exploring Marine Conservation and Sharing Stories Finding Your Passion and Impact: Andi Cross's Journey Pursuing a Life of Adventure and Purpose: Andi Cross's Tips for Taking Risks and Building Personal Confidence Share your conservation journey on the podcast by booking here: https://calendly.com/sufb/sufb-interview Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Direct download: HTPTO_E1464_AndiCrossEdgesOfEarth.mp3
Category:Conservation Story -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Fri, 26 May 2023
Join Inaki Ruiz on his journey to save the oceans, but be prepared for the unexpected twist that will leave you inspired and questioning what more you can do to make a difference. In this episode, you will be able to:
My special guest is Inaki Ruiz Introducing Inaki Ruiz, a dedicated environmental engineering student from Mexico City, who's making a difference in the world of sustainability. While initially enrolled in civil engineering, Inaki's passion for the environment led him to switch majors and co-found an ocean awareness organization with his classmates. Currently studying in Puerto Rico on an exchange program, Inaki continues to broaden his knowledge and understanding of environmental issues. As an advocate for sustainable transportation, Inaki is well-equipped to discuss the benefits of cycling as a way to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions. Connect with Inaki's organization: https://www.instagram.com/natures_herald/ Share your conservation journey on the podcast by booking here: https://calendly.com/sufb/sufb-interview Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Direct download: HTPTO_E1459_ConservationStory_InakiRuiz.mp3
Category:Conservation Story -- posted at: 12:00am EST |
Mon, 22 May 2023
Conservation Story: How a content creator travels with the ocean and local people on her mind with Thao Nguyen
Thao Nguyen is a travel content creator with a background in marine conservation. She shares her inspiring journey, from doing graduate work on Marine Protected Areas in Indonesia to working in renewable energy to pursuing her passion for marine conservation. She discusses her transition into content creation, focusing on travel and marine conservation, and explains how she aims to inspire others, especially solo female travelers, to explore the world sustainably. Tune in to hear Thao's unique experiences and her perspective on being a creator in the travel industry while benefitting marine conservation and local people. Connect with Thao Nguyen: Share your conservation journey on the podcast by booking here: https://calendly.com/sufb/sufb-interview Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Direct download: HTPTO_E1457_ConservationStory_ThaoNguyen.mp3
Category:Conservation Story -- posted at: 7:10pm EST |