SMILO Islands Fund 2022
Blue has partnered with the Sustainable Small Islands Organisation, or “SMILO”, to support the Islands Fund, a fund that supports community-led solutions for small sustainable islands. The fund finances innovative, concrete field operations that advance island development while strengthening resilient marine ecosystems.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Wetland Conservation
This project is led by the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society and focuses on two historical wetlands in the region. The aim of the project is to engage local governments and communities in the effort to conserve and restore the wetland ecosystems. This requires both the removal of any invasive species or excess vegetation and then replanting mangroves and other indigenous wetlands species.
Palawan, Philippines
Ecosystem Restoration
This project is led by the Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation in Palawan, the Philippines. The project aims to restore marine ecosystems and coral reefs, particularly those that have been affected by overfishing, and to expand the existing marine protected area (“MPA”). Taking a new community-led approach to MPAs in the area, the project integrates local communities into the dive operations and coral reef restoration processes.
Kraten, Tunisia
Habitat Restoration
This project is led by the Kraten Association for the Sustainable Development of Culture and Leisure and is based on the Kerkennah islands . The project aims to promote the maintenance of sustainable fishing methods and restore marine ecosystems by creating artificial reefs using palm tree leaves that are available in the local area. The project enhances biodiversity in the area by restoring the habitation of cuttlefish and other marine species.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Coral reef Restoration
This project, known as Yaf Keru Reef Restoration, is a community-based reef restoration effort led by The SEA People in Raja Ampat. This group has been dedicated to reversing coral reef degradation caused by humans. In the past 5 years, it has successfully restored 5950 square metres of degraded reef, protected 7000 square metres of healthy reef, and trained and employed more than 30 local community members in 5 project areas. The 2022 island fund grant will be used to introduce the new Orang Laut Papua, a collaborative monitoring network for improved marine park management using a boat with a minimal impact on the environment.
Culatra, Portugal
Renewable Energy in Water Management
Led by the Culatra 2030 Sustainable Energy Community, this project in Culatra, Portugal provides a revolutionary solution to improve the local community’s water distribution system. Having already been piloted in Australia and received positive reviews, the project uses a solar-powered energy system on the water distillation for fishing and community gardening activities. This new technology is cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and largely improves water access for these island communities.