The document discusses the Ambassadors of the Environment program at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Grand Cayman. The program educates guests about the tropical ecosystems on the island, including coral reefs and mangrove forests, by fostering personal connections with nature through diving, snorkeling and learning experiences. It describes some of the educational activities, such as using a "city under the sea" metaphor to understand the ecological roles of reef creatures and learning about the four principles of sustainability from nature: everything runs on energy, there is no waste, biodiversity is good, and everything is connected.
The Ambassadors of the Environment program at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is available to resort guests. Created to carry on his family’s tradition of ocean conservation and education, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment inspires guests to connect with the world around them in hopes that they will work towards preserving it for future generations. The program highlights the Maldives' rich native culture and unique ecosystem through immersive experiences designed for children, adults and families.
The Catalina Environmental Leadership Program (CELP) is a member of the Ambassadors of the Environment family of Programs. A collaboration between Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society and Catalina Island Camps. www.oceanfutures.org
The Ambassadors of the Environment program at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is available to resort guests. Created to carry on his family’s tradition of ocean conservation and education, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment inspires guests to connect with the world around them in hopes that they will work towards preserving it for future generations. The program highlights the Maldives' rich native culture and unique ecosystem through immersive experiences designed for children, adults and families. Please feel free to download this slideshow and share it with others.
By doing this you will become a true Ambassador of the Environment.
The document discusses Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment program which teaches about coral reef ecosystems using the metaphor of a "City Under the Sea." It describes various organisms that serve important roles analogous to jobs in a city, such as corals as architects, sponges as air/water conditioners, damselfish as farmers, sea cucumbers as waste managers, and parrotfish and sea urchins as demolition crews. The program teaches that coral reefs operate sustainably without pollution or depletion of resources, offering lessons for making human communities more sustainable as well.
The Ambassadors of the Environment program uses the metaphor of a "city under the sea" to educate people about coral reef ecosystems. Coral reefs function similar to cities, with different organisms performing key roles like construction (corals), farming (algae), recycling (lobsters and sea cucumbers), and public health (cleaner shrimp and gobies). However, increasing carbon dioxide is warming oceans and killing corals, turning reefs white and empty of life if action is not taken to address climate change and protect these biodiverse ecosystems.
The Ambassadors of the Environment program at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is available to hotel guests as well as the surrounding community. Located on the northwest coast of the beautiful island of Maui, the second youngest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, this site is ideal for exploring the natural wonders of Hawaii’s coral reefs, tide pools, marine mammals, coastal bluffs, and rainforests.
The document summarizes the key lessons from Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment program about coral reef ecosystems. It uses the metaphor of a "City Under the Sea" to explain how coral reefs function similarly to human cities, with different organisms fulfilling important roles like construction, cleaning, farming, and waste management. The four principles discussed are: 1) Everything runs on energy, with corals and algae serving as the primary producers generating energy from sunlight. 2) There is no waste in nature, with organisms recycling materials. 3) Biodiversity is important for ecosystem function. 4) Everything is connected, with many relationships between reef organisms. Examples are provided to illustrate each principle. The document stresses
Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment introduces guests to the natural wonders and rich cultural history of the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Designed for adults, families, and children, participants in Ambassadors of the Environment can discover the Gaviota Coast’s natural wonders both on land and sea, including kelp forest, a diversity of birds, the intertidal zone, and traditional Chumash culture through exciting and memorable adventures and activities.
The naturalists of Ambassadors of the Environment are more than just guides—they are equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to share and explore the wonder of the natural world with you. All naturalists have college degrees in a wide range of science fields and have experience working with young people. They are First Aid, CPR certified and are trained by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s team. Additional trainings are frequently held by the by renowned marine biologist, photographer and educator, Dr. Richard Murphy, the chief scientist with the Cousteau’s for more than 40 years.
The Ambassadors of the Environment program at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is available to resort guests. Created to carry on his family’s tradition of ocean conservation and education, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment inspires guests to connect with the world around them in hopes that they will work towards preserving it for future generations. The program highlights the Maldives' rich native culture and unique ecosystem through immersive experiences designed for children, adults and families.
The Catalina Environmental Leadership Program (CELP) is a member of the Ambassadors of the Environment family of Programs. A collaboration between Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society and Catalina Island Camps. www.oceanfutures.org
The Ambassadors of the Environment program at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is available to resort guests. Created to carry on his family’s tradition of ocean conservation and education, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment inspires guests to connect with the world around them in hopes that they will work towards preserving it for future generations. The program highlights the Maldives' rich native culture and unique ecosystem through immersive experiences designed for children, adults and families. Please feel free to download this slideshow and share it with others.
By doing this you will become a true Ambassador of the Environment.
The document discusses Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment program which teaches about coral reef ecosystems using the metaphor of a "City Under the Sea." It describes various organisms that serve important roles analogous to jobs in a city, such as corals as architects, sponges as air/water conditioners, damselfish as farmers, sea cucumbers as waste managers, and parrotfish and sea urchins as demolition crews. The program teaches that coral reefs operate sustainably without pollution or depletion of resources, offering lessons for making human communities more sustainable as well.
The Ambassadors of the Environment program uses the metaphor of a "city under the sea" to educate people about coral reef ecosystems. Coral reefs function similar to cities, with different organisms performing key roles like construction (corals), farming (algae), recycling (lobsters and sea cucumbers), and public health (cleaner shrimp and gobies). However, increasing carbon dioxide is warming oceans and killing corals, turning reefs white and empty of life if action is not taken to address climate change and protect these biodiverse ecosystems.
The Ambassadors of the Environment program at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is available to hotel guests as well as the surrounding community. Located on the northwest coast of the beautiful island of Maui, the second youngest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, this site is ideal for exploring the natural wonders of Hawaii’s coral reefs, tide pools, marine mammals, coastal bluffs, and rainforests.
The document summarizes the key lessons from Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment program about coral reef ecosystems. It uses the metaphor of a "City Under the Sea" to explain how coral reefs function similarly to human cities, with different organisms fulfilling important roles like construction, cleaning, farming, and waste management. The four principles discussed are: 1) Everything runs on energy, with corals and algae serving as the primary producers generating energy from sunlight. 2) There is no waste in nature, with organisms recycling materials. 3) Biodiversity is important for ecosystem function. 4) Everything is connected, with many relationships between reef organisms. Examples are provided to illustrate each principle. The document stresses
Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment introduces guests to the natural wonders and rich cultural history of the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Designed for adults, families, and children, participants in Ambassadors of the Environment can discover the Gaviota Coast’s natural wonders both on land and sea, including kelp forest, a diversity of birds, the intertidal zone, and traditional Chumash culture through exciting and memorable adventures and activities.
The naturalists of Ambassadors of the Environment are more than just guides—they are equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to share and explore the wonder of the natural world with you. All naturalists have college degrees in a wide range of science fields and have experience working with young people. They are First Aid, CPR certified and are trained by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s team. Additional trainings are frequently held by the by renowned marine biologist, photographer and educator, Dr. Richard Murphy, the chief scientist with the Cousteau’s for more than 40 years.
The document discusses closed loop urbanism and using oysters to preserve coastal areas. It outlines key principles of closed loop environments that recycle materials. It then discusses using oyster reefs to improve coastal water quality by filtering pollutants. The life cycle of oysters is described where they attach to form reefs that provide habitat and protect shorelines. Recycling oyster shells is important to provide substrate for new oysters to attach to and continue rebuilding reefs.
The document discusses the Ambassadors of the Environment program offered by The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua hotel on Maui. The program teaches guests and the local community about Hawaii's coral reefs and rainforests through outdoor activities and lessons comparing these ecosystems to human cities. Key lessons include how energy flows through ecosystems, the lack of waste in nature as resources are recycled, the importance of biodiversity, and how all parts of the environment are interconnected.
This document discusses the history and importance of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. It is divided into four sections: 1) The history of oyster decline due to overharvesting, disease, and dredging, reducing the population to 1% of its original size. 2) The anatomy and environmental needs of oysters. 3) How oysters support the ecosystem by filtering water and providing habitat. 4) Efforts by various organizations to restore oyster populations through constructing artificial reefs, with benefits including jobs, supporting industry, and stabilizing shorelines, though challenges like funding and threats remain.
The Rising Tide sculpture installation by Jason deCaires Taylor was installed on September 3rd, 2015 on the Thames foreshore in London. The sculptures depict riders on horses and reference London's working horses while drawing attention to fossil fuel dependency and climate change. The hybrid sculptures fuse oil machinery and equine forms. As the tides rise and fall, the sculptures are partially concealed and revealed. The materials used will withstand saltwater and not contaminate the river. The installation aims to provide a disturbing metaphor for rising sea levels to demonstrate the urgency of addressing climate change.
Restore Ubin Mangroves (R.U.M.) Initiative pamphlet (English)Ria Tan
This document discusses ecological mangrove restoration (EMR) and the Restore Ubin Mangroves (RUM) initiative. EMR focuses on restoring suitable site conditions for natural mangrove regeneration rather than manual planting. The 6-step EMR process involves understanding mangrove ecology and hydrology, assessing barriers to natural establishment, selecting restoration sites, designing sites to restore hydrology, and supplemental planting if needed. RUM aims to restore abandoned aquaculture ponds in Pulau Ubin, Singapore through regular cleanups, biodiversity surveys, elevation and tidal mapping, and involving groups like NUS and nature societies.
Oyster reefs provide important ecosystem services like water filtration and shoreline protection, but their populations have declined dramatically worldwide, including in the Indian River Lagoon where boat wakes are eroding and crushing oyster reefs. To restore damaged reefs, restoration projects level dead reef areas, place oyster mats for larvae to settle on, and monitor recruitment over time to measure the success of restoring the reefs.
Coral reefs are biologically rich ecosystems that support billions of people but are increasingly threatened by pollution, invasive species, disease, bleaching, and climate change. In response, the U.S. established the Coral Reef Task Force in 1998 to map, monitor, research the causes of degradation, and promote conservation of coral reefs. The Task Force and NOAA work to fulfill the goals of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to protect these valuable ecosystems.
Coral reefs are threatened by several major factors: (1) urban and industrial pollution such as sewage, agrochemicals, and oil pollution are poisoning reefs; (2) live coral is removed from reefs for construction materials and souvenirs, damaging reefs; (3) global warming has led to increased coral bleaching due to higher water temperatures and this is expected to worsen in the coming decades.
Corals are marine invertebrates that live in colonies and secrete calcium carbonate to form coral reefs. There are three types of reefs: barrier reefs, which are separated from the mainland by a lagoon; fringing reefs, which are directly attached to or border a shore; and atoll reefs, which surround a lagoon without a central island. Coral reefs have a high level of biodiversity and support thousands of fish species as well as other marine life. Individual corals are composed of tiny polyp animals embedded in calcium carbonate shells.
Habitats are being destroyed for land expansion, agriculture, resource extraction, and pollution. The main causes of habitat loss are agriculture, climate change, and deforestation. Effects include reduced biodiversity, diminished pollination and seed dispersal, and impaired climate regulation. Some solutions proposed are reducing our carbon footprint, reforesting, ending plastic pollution, protecting wildlife, reducing waste, and building green structures.
Wetlands are highly biodiverse ecosystems that provide many important functions. They act as filters for pollutants in waterways before reaching rivers and oceans, making them like the "kidneys" of water systems. Wetlands support a wide variety of plants and animals, including as habitat and refuges. However, wetlands are often overlooked and considered "wastelands" despite their significance. Activities during World Wetlands Week aim to increase awareness of wetlands and encourage their protection.
The document discusses threats facing coral reefs from human activities such as global warming, pollution, overfishing, and tourism. It notes that 70% of corals are threatened or destroyed, coral reefs have high biodiversity similar to rainforests, and 75% of fish are overfished. Human waste from cruise ships and other threats endanger coral reefs. The document calls on readers to help protect coral reefs through conservation efforts in their local communities and beyond.
Paul Maxwell, AMSA 2013. Managing Seagrass Resilience: feedbacks and scalesaceas13tern
"I’m a phd student from Griffith University. Today I’m presenting the outcomes of a workshop I was lucky enough to attend which was funded by ACEAS, the Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis. I’m presenting on behalf of a host of co-authors who are listed here. I thank them for the opportunity to present on their behalf." -Paul Maxwell
The aim of the ACEAS workshop was to generate a framework that outlines how a sea grasses response to impact operates on multiple scales and how understanding that scale is vital for understanding how seagrass ecosystems develop, maintain and enhance their resilience to disturbances.
Coral reefs are underwater structures found in tropical oceans near the equator. They are formed from the growth and deposits of coral and are home to over 1,500 species of fish, including clownfish, snapper, and emperor fish. The largest coral reef is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, which stretches over 1,500 miles and houses thousands of diverse fish and plant species in its complex ecosystem and food web.
This PowerPoint was made for a biology class to help inform students on the Georgia Southern campus about the problems and solutions facing sea turtles and the coral reefs.
Jason DeCaires Taylor is an eco-sculptor who creates underwater sculptures to promote marine ecosystem regeneration and raise environmental awareness. His sculptures act as artificial reefs, attracting coral and fish while diverting tourists from fragile natural reefs. Since 2006, he has created two large underwater sculpture parks off Grenada and in Cancun, containing over 500 sculptures. The installations provide benefits like increased marine biomass, refuge for species, and education about threats to the ocean.
Coral Reefs: Biodiversity and Beauty at RiskMark McGinley
Coral reefs are the largest structures built by living organisms and are home to 25% of ocean species, yet they are at severe risk. Coral reefs provide many benefits like fisheries, shoreline protection, tourism, and medicines, valued at $233 billion to $1.3 trillion annually. However, threats from overfishing, pollution, disease, bleaching due to warming oceans, and ocean acidification have already damaged many reefs and are projected to severely damage most reefs by 2050 if issues are not addressed.
Freshwater inland wetlands can be found in various climates and locations around the globe as long as temperatures are moderate and there is sufficient precipitation. They contain diverse vegetation including mosses, trees, shrubs, grasses and aquatic plants. A variety of animal species inhabit wetlands such as birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects. However, wetlands are increasingly threatened by development which drains and fills these important habitats that store water, filter runoff and provide breeding grounds for wildlife.
This document provides an overview of ocean ecology, coral reefs, and sea mammals. It discusses several key points:
- Ocean principles including that the ocean covers most of the planet, regulates climate and oxygen levels, and contains diverse ecosystems.
- Coral reefs are fragile underwater ecosystems that are home to vast biodiversity, though they cover less than 1% of ocean area. Reefs are formed over long periods by corals and other organisms.
- Human activities like pollution, development, and climate change threaten coral reefs by increasing ocean temperatures and acidity, which can cause coral bleaching and impact ecosystem health. Protecting these ecosystems requires international cooperation.
These forests under the sea are some of the most beautiful places on the planet. Imagine flying, like a bird or butterfly, through a forest full of beautiful and fascinating residents with the sun’s rays filtering down through the canopy above. These ecosystems are not only beautiful and interesting, they are valuable to humans and they are valuable to the planet.
When viewed through the perspective of a city under the sea, kelp beds also offer insights about sustainability. Kelp plants are like buildings but very special buildings that are powered completely by solar energy and provide both food and shelter for residents. In this imaginary underwater city, there is recycling, public health, advertising and lots of other things familiar from our own communities. There are also lessons we can take from the kelp bed ecosystem to guide us in creating more sustainable communities on land.
The document describes an outdoor education program called Ambassadors of the Environment that is held at El Capitan Ranch in central California. The program uses the metaphor of a "city under the sea" to teach students about the kelp forest ecosystem and the ecological roles of various organisms that live there. Students learn about how kelp provides structure and serves as a "solar power plant," and they encounter other inhabitants like fish, sea stars, and nudibranchs. The program teaches students four principles for sustainable living, including that everything runs on energy and there is no waste in nature. The goal is for students to understand nature's systems so they can make human communities more sustainable.
The document discusses closed loop urbanism and using oysters to preserve coastal areas. It outlines key principles of closed loop environments that recycle materials. It then discusses using oyster reefs to improve coastal water quality by filtering pollutants. The life cycle of oysters is described where they attach to form reefs that provide habitat and protect shorelines. Recycling oyster shells is important to provide substrate for new oysters to attach to and continue rebuilding reefs.
The document discusses the Ambassadors of the Environment program offered by The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua hotel on Maui. The program teaches guests and the local community about Hawaii's coral reefs and rainforests through outdoor activities and lessons comparing these ecosystems to human cities. Key lessons include how energy flows through ecosystems, the lack of waste in nature as resources are recycled, the importance of biodiversity, and how all parts of the environment are interconnected.
This document discusses the history and importance of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. It is divided into four sections: 1) The history of oyster decline due to overharvesting, disease, and dredging, reducing the population to 1% of its original size. 2) The anatomy and environmental needs of oysters. 3) How oysters support the ecosystem by filtering water and providing habitat. 4) Efforts by various organizations to restore oyster populations through constructing artificial reefs, with benefits including jobs, supporting industry, and stabilizing shorelines, though challenges like funding and threats remain.
The Rising Tide sculpture installation by Jason deCaires Taylor was installed on September 3rd, 2015 on the Thames foreshore in London. The sculptures depict riders on horses and reference London's working horses while drawing attention to fossil fuel dependency and climate change. The hybrid sculptures fuse oil machinery and equine forms. As the tides rise and fall, the sculptures are partially concealed and revealed. The materials used will withstand saltwater and not contaminate the river. The installation aims to provide a disturbing metaphor for rising sea levels to demonstrate the urgency of addressing climate change.
Restore Ubin Mangroves (R.U.M.) Initiative pamphlet (English)Ria Tan
This document discusses ecological mangrove restoration (EMR) and the Restore Ubin Mangroves (RUM) initiative. EMR focuses on restoring suitable site conditions for natural mangrove regeneration rather than manual planting. The 6-step EMR process involves understanding mangrove ecology and hydrology, assessing barriers to natural establishment, selecting restoration sites, designing sites to restore hydrology, and supplemental planting if needed. RUM aims to restore abandoned aquaculture ponds in Pulau Ubin, Singapore through regular cleanups, biodiversity surveys, elevation and tidal mapping, and involving groups like NUS and nature societies.
Oyster reefs provide important ecosystem services like water filtration and shoreline protection, but their populations have declined dramatically worldwide, including in the Indian River Lagoon where boat wakes are eroding and crushing oyster reefs. To restore damaged reefs, restoration projects level dead reef areas, place oyster mats for larvae to settle on, and monitor recruitment over time to measure the success of restoring the reefs.
Coral reefs are biologically rich ecosystems that support billions of people but are increasingly threatened by pollution, invasive species, disease, bleaching, and climate change. In response, the U.S. established the Coral Reef Task Force in 1998 to map, monitor, research the causes of degradation, and promote conservation of coral reefs. The Task Force and NOAA work to fulfill the goals of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to protect these valuable ecosystems.
Coral reefs are threatened by several major factors: (1) urban and industrial pollution such as sewage, agrochemicals, and oil pollution are poisoning reefs; (2) live coral is removed from reefs for construction materials and souvenirs, damaging reefs; (3) global warming has led to increased coral bleaching due to higher water temperatures and this is expected to worsen in the coming decades.
Corals are marine invertebrates that live in colonies and secrete calcium carbonate to form coral reefs. There are three types of reefs: barrier reefs, which are separated from the mainland by a lagoon; fringing reefs, which are directly attached to or border a shore; and atoll reefs, which surround a lagoon without a central island. Coral reefs have a high level of biodiversity and support thousands of fish species as well as other marine life. Individual corals are composed of tiny polyp animals embedded in calcium carbonate shells.
Habitats are being destroyed for land expansion, agriculture, resource extraction, and pollution. The main causes of habitat loss are agriculture, climate change, and deforestation. Effects include reduced biodiversity, diminished pollination and seed dispersal, and impaired climate regulation. Some solutions proposed are reducing our carbon footprint, reforesting, ending plastic pollution, protecting wildlife, reducing waste, and building green structures.
Wetlands are highly biodiverse ecosystems that provide many important functions. They act as filters for pollutants in waterways before reaching rivers and oceans, making them like the "kidneys" of water systems. Wetlands support a wide variety of plants and animals, including as habitat and refuges. However, wetlands are often overlooked and considered "wastelands" despite their significance. Activities during World Wetlands Week aim to increase awareness of wetlands and encourage their protection.
The document discusses threats facing coral reefs from human activities such as global warming, pollution, overfishing, and tourism. It notes that 70% of corals are threatened or destroyed, coral reefs have high biodiversity similar to rainforests, and 75% of fish are overfished. Human waste from cruise ships and other threats endanger coral reefs. The document calls on readers to help protect coral reefs through conservation efforts in their local communities and beyond.
Paul Maxwell, AMSA 2013. Managing Seagrass Resilience: feedbacks and scalesaceas13tern
"I’m a phd student from Griffith University. Today I’m presenting the outcomes of a workshop I was lucky enough to attend which was funded by ACEAS, the Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis. I’m presenting on behalf of a host of co-authors who are listed here. I thank them for the opportunity to present on their behalf." -Paul Maxwell
The aim of the ACEAS workshop was to generate a framework that outlines how a sea grasses response to impact operates on multiple scales and how understanding that scale is vital for understanding how seagrass ecosystems develop, maintain and enhance their resilience to disturbances.
Coral reefs are underwater structures found in tropical oceans near the equator. They are formed from the growth and deposits of coral and are home to over 1,500 species of fish, including clownfish, snapper, and emperor fish. The largest coral reef is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, which stretches over 1,500 miles and houses thousands of diverse fish and plant species in its complex ecosystem and food web.
This PowerPoint was made for a biology class to help inform students on the Georgia Southern campus about the problems and solutions facing sea turtles and the coral reefs.
Jason DeCaires Taylor is an eco-sculptor who creates underwater sculptures to promote marine ecosystem regeneration and raise environmental awareness. His sculptures act as artificial reefs, attracting coral and fish while diverting tourists from fragile natural reefs. Since 2006, he has created two large underwater sculpture parks off Grenada and in Cancun, containing over 500 sculptures. The installations provide benefits like increased marine biomass, refuge for species, and education about threats to the ocean.
Coral Reefs: Biodiversity and Beauty at RiskMark McGinley
Coral reefs are the largest structures built by living organisms and are home to 25% of ocean species, yet they are at severe risk. Coral reefs provide many benefits like fisheries, shoreline protection, tourism, and medicines, valued at $233 billion to $1.3 trillion annually. However, threats from overfishing, pollution, disease, bleaching due to warming oceans, and ocean acidification have already damaged many reefs and are projected to severely damage most reefs by 2050 if issues are not addressed.
Freshwater inland wetlands can be found in various climates and locations around the globe as long as temperatures are moderate and there is sufficient precipitation. They contain diverse vegetation including mosses, trees, shrubs, grasses and aquatic plants. A variety of animal species inhabit wetlands such as birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects. However, wetlands are increasingly threatened by development which drains and fills these important habitats that store water, filter runoff and provide breeding grounds for wildlife.
This document provides an overview of ocean ecology, coral reefs, and sea mammals. It discusses several key points:
- Ocean principles including that the ocean covers most of the planet, regulates climate and oxygen levels, and contains diverse ecosystems.
- Coral reefs are fragile underwater ecosystems that are home to vast biodiversity, though they cover less than 1% of ocean area. Reefs are formed over long periods by corals and other organisms.
- Human activities like pollution, development, and climate change threaten coral reefs by increasing ocean temperatures and acidity, which can cause coral bleaching and impact ecosystem health. Protecting these ecosystems requires international cooperation.
These forests under the sea are some of the most beautiful places on the planet. Imagine flying, like a bird or butterfly, through a forest full of beautiful and fascinating residents with the sun’s rays filtering down through the canopy above. These ecosystems are not only beautiful and interesting, they are valuable to humans and they are valuable to the planet.
When viewed through the perspective of a city under the sea, kelp beds also offer insights about sustainability. Kelp plants are like buildings but very special buildings that are powered completely by solar energy and provide both food and shelter for residents. In this imaginary underwater city, there is recycling, public health, advertising and lots of other things familiar from our own communities. There are also lessons we can take from the kelp bed ecosystem to guide us in creating more sustainable communities on land.
The document describes an outdoor education program called Ambassadors of the Environment that is held at El Capitan Ranch in central California. The program uses the metaphor of a "city under the sea" to teach students about the kelp forest ecosystem and the ecological roles of various organisms that live there. Students learn about how kelp provides structure and serves as a "solar power plant," and they encounter other inhabitants like fish, sea stars, and nudibranchs. The program teaches students four principles for sustainable living, including that everything runs on energy and there is no waste in nature. The goal is for students to understand nature's systems so they can make human communities more sustainable.
The document provides an introduction to corals and coral reefs. It discusses the largest coral reef structure, the Great Barrier Reef, and explains that corals are made up of living polyps that contain photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae. This mutualism between corals and zooxanthellae is key to the formation and diversity of coral reefs. However, coral reefs are now threatened by bleaching events and other human and environmental stressors that disrupt this relationship.
The document summarizes the benefits of the Florida coral reefs and some threats they face from human activity. It notes that coral reefs are home to many species and provide various benefits. However, debris, overfishing, tourism, and pollution from runoff threaten the Florida reefs. The summary calls for human actions like polluting less, sustainable fishing practices, and reducing runoff to help protect the vital ecosystem and continue receiving its benefits.
Interactions among Living Things in Coral Reefs.pptxMartinGeraldine
Coral reefs are formed by coral polyps and other organisms that deposit calcium carbonate. They are found in warm, tropical waters and provide habitat for many species. Coral reefs have a complex ecosystem with many types of interactions between species, including parasitism, commensalism, mutualism, predation, and competition for resources. Coral reefs are important because they provide shelter and food for many species, act as natural barriers against storms, help filter water, and control carbon dioxide levels.
An ecosystem is defined as a natural unit consisting of all living and non-living things interacting in an area. Energy from the sun captured through photosynthesis by plants is passed up the food chain from herbivores to carnivores to detrivores. Human impacts such as clearing forests can disrupt ecosystems by reducing habitat, fragmenting areas, introducing invasive species, oversimplifying diversity, and contaminating environments. Ecosystems in Australia include wetlands, coral reefs, rainforests, arid inland areas, and islands.
This is my final Oceanography power point which I needed to turn in by the end of my school year elective to determine my final grade!I received an "A"on my presentation.
Coastal ecosystems like coral reefs have high productivity and biodiversity due to dynamic spatial gradients in factors like salinity, temperature, light, and nutrients. Coral reefs specifically proliferate in warm, shallow, saline waters. Corals are colonial animals whose polyps secrete calcium carbonate to form hard structures over time. Corals have a symbiotic relationship with algae called zooxanthellae, which provide nutrients through photosynthesis. Corals reproduce both asexually through fragmentation and sexually through broadcast spawning or brooding.
This document provides information about microbes and their role in coral reef ecosystems. It begins by discussing the size of microbes and introduces zooxanthellae, a type of symbiotic dinoflagellate microbe that lives inside coral polyps. Zooxanthellae perform photosynthesis, providing energy to the coral and allowing coral reefs to flourish in nutrient-poor tropical waters. However, environmental stress like rising water temperatures can cause coral bleaching where the zooxanthellae are expelled, leaving the coral vulnerable. The document then discusses several diseases affecting corals like black-band disease and white-band disease caused by microorganisms.
Coral reefs are highly biodiverse ecosystems home to many interdependent species. Corals are composed of calcium carbonate secreted by coral polyps in a symbiotic relationship with algae. This relationship provides nutrients to the polyps and gives corals their color. There are two main types of corals - hard corals with rigid skeletons and soft corals without. Coral reefs consist not just of corals but also many other plants and animals that rely on corals for food and shelter. The ecosystem derives its initial energy from sunlight which powers photosynthesis, providing energy that passes through the food web.
Coral reefs are complex ecosystems that are home to vast biodiversity. Reef inhabitants like fish have adapted traits such as flattened bodies and colorful patterns to survive in the reef environment. The coral reef trophic system consists of four levels - primary producers like algae, primary consumers like corals, secondary consumers like butterflyfish, and apex predators like barracuda. Carbon and nitrogen cycles also occur as materials are exchanged between organisms and their environment. There are different types of ecology that study reefs, including organismal, population, community, ecosystem, and global ecology.
The document discusses aquatic ecosystems and ways to protect them. It notes that aquatic ecosystems perform important functions like water purification but are threatened by human activity, wildlife overpopulation, and climate change. Some ways to protect aquatic ecosystems mentioned include reducing nutrient runoff, preventing pollution, restoring natural processes in lakes, and educating people. Conservation groups can also help protect lakes and ensure ecosystems of high value are preserved.
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The document provides information about different marine ecosystems including coral reefs, sea grass beds, sand flats, kelp forests, and temperate reefs. It describes the unique characteristics of each ecosystem and the organisms found there. It also discusses how various species have evolved different survival mechanisms such as camouflage, armor, venom, schooling, and deception to avoid predators.
This slide is special for master students (MIBS & MIFB) in UUM. Also useful for readers who are interested in the topic of contemporary Islamic banking.
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty,
International FDP on Fundamentals of Research in Social Sciences
at Integral University, Lucknow, 06.06.2024
By Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
A review of the growth of the Israel Genealogy Research Association Database Collection for the last 12 months. Our collection is now passed the 3 million mark and still growing. See which archives have contributed the most. See the different types of records we have, and which years have had records added. You can also see what we have for the future.
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How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17Celine George
An import error occurs when a program fails to import a module or library, disrupting its execution. In languages like Python, this issue arises when the specified module cannot be found or accessed, hindering the program's functionality. Resolving import errors is crucial for maintaining smooth software operation and uninterrupted development processes.
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdfTechSoup
"Learn about all the ways Walmart supports nonprofit organizations.
You will hear from Liz Willett, the Head of Nonprofits, and hear about what Walmart is doing to help nonprofits, including Walmart Business and Spark Good. Walmart Business+ is a new offer for nonprofits that offers discounts and also streamlines nonprofits order and expense tracking, saving time and money.
The webinar may also give some examples on how nonprofits can best leverage Walmart Business+.
The event will cover the following::
Walmart Business + (https://business.walmart.com/plus) is a new shopping experience for nonprofits, schools, and local business customers that connects an exclusive online shopping experience to stores. Benefits include free delivery and shipping, a 'Spend Analytics” feature, special discounts, deals and tax-exempt shopping.
Special TechSoup offer for a free 180 days membership, and up to $150 in discounts on eligible orders.
Spark Good (walmart.com/sparkgood) is a charitable platform that enables nonprofits to receive donations directly from customers and associates.
Answers about how you can do more with Walmart!"
How to Build a Module in Odoo 17 Using the Scaffold MethodCeline George
Odoo provides an option for creating a module by using a single line command. By using this command the user can make a whole structure of a module. It is very easy for a beginner to make a module. There is no need to make each file manually. This slide will show how to create a module using the scaffold method.
How to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 InventoryCeline George
In this slide, we'll explore how to set up warehouses and locations in Odoo 17 Inventory. This will help us manage our stock effectively, track inventory levels, and streamline warehouse operations.
LAND USE LAND COVER AND NDVI OF MIRZAPUR DISTRICT, UPRAHUL
This Dissertation explores the particular circumstances of Mirzapur, a region located in the
core of India. Mirzapur, with its varied terrains and abundant biodiversity, offers an optimal
environment for investigating the changes in vegetation cover dynamics. Our study utilizes
advanced technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Remote sensing to
analyze the transformations that have taken place over the course of a decade.
The complex relationship between human activities and the environment has been the focus
of extensive research and worry. As the global community grapples with swift urbanization,
population expansion, and economic progress, the effects on natural ecosystems are becoming
more evident. A crucial element of this impact is the alteration of vegetation cover, which plays a
significant role in maintaining the ecological equilibrium of our planet.Land serves as the foundation for all human activities and provides the necessary materials for
these activities. As the most crucial natural resource, its utilization by humans results in different
'Land uses,' which are determined by both human activities and the physical characteristics of the
land.
The utilization of land is impacted by human needs and environmental factors. In countries
like India, rapid population growth and the emphasis on extensive resource exploitation can lead
to significant land degradation, adversely affecting the region's land cover.
Therefore, human intervention has significantly influenced land use patterns over many
centuries, evolving its structure over time and space. In the present era, these changes have
accelerated due to factors such as agriculture and urbanization. Information regarding land use and
cover is essential for various planning and management tasks related to the Earth's surface,
providing crucial environmental data for scientific, resource management, policy purposes, and
diverse human activities.
Accurate understanding of land use and cover is imperative for the development planning
of any area. Consequently, a wide range of professionals, including earth system scientists, land
and water managers, and urban planners, are interested in obtaining data on land use and cover
changes, conversion trends, and other related patterns. The spatial dimensions of land use and
cover support policymakers and scientists in making well-informed decisions, as alterations in
these patterns indicate shifts in economic and social conditions. Monitoring such changes with the
help of Advanced technologies like Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems is
crucial for coordinated efforts across different administrative levels. Advanced technologies like
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
9
Changes in vegetation cover refer to variations in the distribution, composition, and overall
structure of plant communities across different temporal and spatial scales. These changes can
occur natural.
2. Grand Cayman, an island in the western Caribbean replete with beautiful
coral reefs and lush mangrove forests, is an ideal place to connect with
the wonders of nature. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the
Environment program at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Grand Cayman immerses
guests in these tropical ecosystems, fostering personal connections with
nature through education and adventure.
3. This is the Ambassadors of the Environment learning center, the
Ambassadors Heritage House. It features several examples of
environmentally friendly architecture, such as solar lighting and flooring
made from recycled shoe material. This place is the launch pad for
countless undersea adventures.
4. In the Ambassadors of the
Environment program, guests
get the opportunity to dive
straight into the underwater
world of the coral reef. They
soon learn that reefs are not
just random assemblages of
beautiful critters, but rather
efficient, tightly functioning
ecosystems where every
creature plays a specific role in
the community as a whole.
5. In the Ambassadors program,
we use a “city under the sea”
metaphor to understand the
ecological roles of many
different creatures on the reef.
Just like human cities where
everyone has a specific job,
coral reefs have power plants,
farmers, recycling and waste
managers, public health
professionals, and demolition
crews.
6. Corals are the “architects” and “construction crews” of the reef. They grow
into big, building-like structures full of nooks and crannies in which other
organisms can live or find shelter.
7. As the construction crews and architects of the reef, coral provide homes
for many different creatures on the reef, like this Christmas tree worm
and this blenny.
8. Coral with
algae
Algae
partners
Algae are “plants” of the ocean.
Some types of algae are tiny and
live inside the tissues of corals
(right), while others are larger and
grow by themselves on any
surface they can find (left).
These algae serve as solar power plants on the reef. Like green plants on
land, they use sunlight to make their own energy rich food in a process
called photosynthesis and constitute part of the base of the food chain.
Therefore, like our electric power plants, algae and corals (with their
algae partners) provide energy for the entire coral city.
9. Sponges help clean the reef, filtering water through their porous bodies
to extract a tasty meal of organic matter like plankton and bacteria. This
makes the water clean, clear, and healthy for the other reef inhabitants.
10. There are also “farmers” on the reef. Some damselfish maintain patches
of algae to ensure a steady food supply, “weeding out” unwanted
organisms and defending their gardens from intruders. This feisty
damselfish is facing off with his own reflection!
11. Sea cucumbers are the “waste managers” of the coral reef. They roam the
seafloor, ingesting a mixture of sand and dead organic matter (detritus)
and excreting clean sand. This keeps the reef clean and healthy and
ensures that not even the “trash” of the reef is wasted.
12. There are also several “doctors” in the coral city, including juvenile spanish
hogfish. They keep other fish healthy by picking off their parasites and
dead scales…and eating them! This relationship is called mutualism
because both parties benefit: the fish “patient” gets its parasites removed
and the cleaner wrasse gets an easy meal.
13. There are also “demolition crews” on the reef. When parrotfish and sea
urchins feed upon algae, they scrape away some of the dead coral skeleton
underneath with their rasping teeth and parrot-like beaks. This action
erodes the reef and turns old coral skeletons into sand!
14. Mangroves serve as “nurseries” for countless inhabitants of the coral reef.
Mangroves are salt tolerant trees that grow along shorelines and have special
roots that stick up out of the soil, creating a labyrinth of little spaces where only
young, small fish can fit. Therefore, young fish of many different reef species live
in the shallow, safe waters around the mangrove roots to avoid predators while
they grow up. This habitat, though often far away from coral reefs, is very
important to keep the population of the coral city healthy and thriving.
15. There is also “advertising” on the reef. Just like our TV, radio, and Internet,
coral reefs contain endless advertisements. This nudibranch advertises
with bright colors to let others know that it is toxic and warn predators to
stay away.
16. We have now learned that coral reefs and cities have many similarities.
However, unlike in human cities, the inhabitants of coral reefs and
rainforests do not pollute, deplete their natural resources, or destroy other
ecosystems. Therefore, coral reefs offer lessons that can help us make our
own communities more sustainable.
What can we learn from coral cities?
17. The Four Principles
By understanding how nature
works, we can imitate it and
make our own way of life more
sustainable on Earth. In the
Ambassadors of the
Environment program, we
learned four simple lessons
about how nature works and
used them to brainstorm ways
to live sustainably. We call
them the Four Principals.
18. The Four Principles
1. Everything Runs On Energy.
2. There Is No Waste In Nature.
3. Biodiversity Is Good.
4. Everything Is Connected.
19. 1. Everything Runs
On Energy Just like our bodies, cars, light
bulbs, computers, televisions,
and kitchen appliances –every
organism in nature needs
energy. Some creatures, like
most corals (with their algae
partners) and plants, get their
energy from the sun in a
process called photosynthesis,
and therefore we call them
“primary producers.”
This elkhorn coral is one such
primary producer; it grows
upward toward the sunlight to
collect as much energy as
possible.
20. Corals are actually animals, not plants. Each little circle shown here is an
individual coral animal, or polyp. The entire colony of polyps are clones of
a single original individual, and together they are called a coral head.
However, we know that plants perform photosynthesis, not animals. So
how do corals manage to do photosynthesis?
21. Coral polyps contain little brown or green plants called algae inside their
bodies. These algae give a portion of the sugars they create through
photosynthesis to their coral host in exchange for their safe home inside the
coral’s body. The coral then gives the digested remains of the sugar back to
the algae, which the algae then use to manufacture more sugar! This tight,
efficient partnership is how corals get much of their energy and enables
them to survive in the relatively nutrient-poor waters of the tropics.
22. But what happens when the sun goes
down and the algae inside the coral can
no longer photosynthesize? The coral
polyps, having been folded safely away
during the day, emerge to catch prey
like little upside-down jelly fish.
(Indeed, coral is very closely related to
jelly fish!)
They have stinging
capsules called
nematocysts that catch
passing plankton.
Coral are truly
amazing- they lead the
life of a plant by day,
and an animal by
night!
23. Plants are well-known for
performing photosynthesis,
and they are the biggest
natural power plant on land.
They contain tiny packets of a
green pigment called
chlorophyll that absorb the
energy in photons of sunlight,
powering the manufacture of
sugars from very simple
building blocks. These sugars
then feed the entire plant.
24. When primary producers like plants or coral are eaten, energy is
transferred up the food chain. Energy flows from primary producers to
herbivores, and then to predators. This means that all organisms in these
ecosystems are powered by energy that originally came from the sun!
25. But natural ecosystems are HUGE! How do plants and coral provide enough
energy to help support these massive food chains? Well, there is strength in
numbers. In the ocean and on land, the landscape is covered with plants,
coral, and algae- with “solar collectors.” This ensures that the entire ecosystem
has energy to grow and survive. We could learn from nature’s example and
cover our cityscape with solar panels, putting solar panels and gardens on all
of our roofs…just like we saw in nature.
26. How do humans presently get most of their power? From oil and coal-
power plants. In these power plants, oil or coal is burned to heat water
and create steam, which turns turbines that generate electricity.
However, burning oil and coal releases harmful greenhouse gasses into
our atmosphere, contributing to global climate change. This serious
problem could be solved by switching to renewable energy sources such
as wind, solar, and geothermal energy.
27. We explored some of these
alternative energy sources in
the Ambassadors of the
Environment program. Here,
we used a solar oven for
cooking and explored the uses
of solar panels. Solar energy is
easy and only requires sunlight
- a free and renewable source
of energy!
28. 2. There Is No Waste In Nature
The second Principle says there is no waste in
nature. For example, on coral reefs, creatures
such as sea cucumbers and lobsters
specialize on eating detritus, the organic
“leftovers” or “dead stuff” on the seafloor.
Along with worms and microbes, sea
cucumbers and lobsters ensure that virtually
all useful material is used on the reef.
29. Hermit crabs ensure that vacated snail shells are not wasted. They turn them
into their mobile homes!
30. This christmas tree worm bores a hole into the coral below it to create a safe
place to live. Given that there’s no waste in nature, what do you think is going
to happen to this hole when the worm dies?
31. It will become a home for another animal, like this blenny!
32. Today, humans tend to waste a lot of resources. One thing we can do to
change this situation is compost. Composting is where worms, bugs and
microbes convert organic waste into soil, just as we see in nature. By
composting food leftovers, we prevent garbage from going to ever-
growing landfills. Instead, waste is converted into useful, fertile soil that
can be reused in a garden.
33. 3. Biodiversity Is Good
Biodiversity refers to the number
of different species that live in a
certain ecosystem. It is kind of like
nature’s insurance policy, because
when there are a lot of different
organisms in an ecosystem, all of
the important work needed to
keep the community healthy gets
done. If one species ails or
disappears, many others are
around to replace it. Therefore,
biodiversity is what keeps
complex ecosystems like coral
reefs running smoothly. Also,
biodiversity is what makes our
world interesting and beautiful!
34. Here is a taste of the amazing biodiversity that can be found on Grand
Cayman’s coral reefs!
35. Just look at the
diversity among corals
alone. How many
different types of coral
can you count here?
36. High biodiversity
means that there is a
great variety of form
and function in the
coral reef. For example,
these porous sponges
filter water through
their bodies. Water
comes in through
small pores in their
sides, is filtered for
food, and leaves
through the big holes.
37. Here are two different kinds of algae. The green algae is called a sailor’s
eyeball, and it is growing on top of pink coralline algae, a type of red
algae that covers most reef surfaces and acts like mortar, cementing
pieces of the reef together and helping prevent erosion.
38. A diverse family of butterflyfish lives on Grand Cayman’s coral reefs.
These fish often have a spot called a false eye on their bodies, an
adaptation that distracts predators from their real eyes. As you can
see, some species also have a dark line over their real eyes to further
confuse a predator.
39. The long, thin shape of these
trumpetfish help them blend in
with various gorgonians and
soft coral. They often wait here,
swaying in time with the gentle
motion of their surroundings,
ready to suddenly dart out and
catch passing prey.
40. Parrotfish use their sharp beaks to scrape algae from rocks and coral
skeletons, keeping the growth of algae in check. As they graze, they often
gouge into dead coral and take in some of the calcium carbonate, later
excreting this material as sand. One parrotfish can produce 300 lbs of
sand in one year!
41. So next time you walk down a tropical, sandy beach, remember where some
of that sand likely came from!
42. Sea stars are members of the
echinoderm phylum, and they
are related to sea urchins and
sea cucumbers.
“Echinoderm” means
spiny skin, an
appropriate name
since you can see many
projections of its
skeleton on the surface
of this sea star. On the
underside of the sea
star you can find tube
feet, thousands of
small suckers the sea
star uses to stick to the
ground or slowly move
around.
43. Reef squid are swift, streamlined predators of the reef. They are related to the
octopus, but instead of crawling over the reef like their cousins, they swim
continuously. Some can swim so fast that they have been found on the decks
of ships over 30 feet above the water. Pigment and reflective chemicals are
manipulated to give squids an unlimited suite of options for color change.
44. Moray eels have long, skinny, flexible bodies ideal for squeezing into tight
spaces in pursuit of prey. They also have sharp teeth ideal for grabbing and
holding prey.
45. Jacks school in large groups, and together the light reflecting off their shiny
silver bodies disorients and confuses predators, making it hard to pick out a
single individual to pursue. This adaptation protects the entire group.
46. Groupers are another predator of
the coral reef. They have evolved
very large mouths that create a
vacuum when opened, and they
literally suck their prey in.
47. Diversity is good even
within a single species!
The queen angelfish
look different at their
adult and juvenile
stages so the young
fish are not forced to
compete as adults.
48. The same is the case
for the French
Angelfish. Look at the
differences between
the juveniles (top left)
and the adult
(bottom).
49. Grand Cayman also hosts great biodiversity on land. This is the blue iguana,
a native and endemic resident of the island. “Endemic” means that the blue
iguana evolved on Grand Cayman and has always lived there exclusively.
50. Mangroves are another example of Grand Cayman’s biodiversity. As one
of the few salt-tolerant plants, they live on margin between land and
sea, bordering some of the island. They create essential habitat where
many fish, birds, and other critters live.
51. 4. Everything Is Connected
The fourth Ambassadors of the Environment principle is that EVERYTHING
IS CONNECTED–person to person, creature to creature, land to sea, and
present to future. We encountered many examples of connections
between organisms both in the ocean and on land. For example, this tiny
yellow and black goby has a partnership with reef fish in which it eats
their dead scales and parasites: it gets a meal in exchange for a cleaning!
52. There are connections between various fish that live on the reef. This jack is
using a queen triggerfish as a moving shield to hide behind while it hunts.
Notice the jack is on the side away from the reef so that it is concealed. Just
after this picture was taken the jack darted to the reef and caught a small
fish then returned to its position next to the triggerfish.
53. Here is an example of a negative connection between reef creatures. This
isopod has attached itself to a soldierfish and is leaching energy and
nutrients from the fish’s blood. This is a parasitic relationship because the
isopod benefits while the soldierfish is harmed.
54. There are often connections between organisms that we do not notice
at first glance! This orange blob is a sponge but there is more to this
story than what you see. What do you think we would find if we turned
this sponge over?
55. In the sponge is a crab. In fact, this crab has specially adapted hind legs
that hold the sponge in place. Why do you think the crab does this?
56. By carrying around the sponge, the crab is not only hidden but it is also
protected by the distasteful chemicals in the sponge.
57. Frigate birds bridge the gap between land and sea. They spend much of
their lives out to sea, in the open ocean or pelagic region, coming to
shore to breed or rest.
58. Humans enter the
underwater world as
guests. We respect the life
around us by not
touching the reef and
keeping an appropriate
distance from its
inhabitants. However,
sometimes we have
effects on these
organisms that we are
not aware of.
59. Humans are very closely connected to the ocean. When we pollute our
oceans, it contributes to coral bleaching, one of the serious threats to coral
reefs today. When corals become stressed due to something like pollution,
they expel their symbiotic algae, becoming white and having no way to
photosynthesize. Unless the coral can find new algal symbionts (which is
not very likely), they end up starving to death.
60. Notice the color of this healthy coral head compared to that of the
bleached coral. This is a very conspicuous example of how humans have a
negative impact on the health of the reef!
61. Human pollution can also upset the balance between reef creatures. Coral
and algae usually compete for space on the reef and are evenly matched,
but when extra nutrients from human runoff or pollution are introduced
to the system, the algae get an advantage. This is another example of the
delicate connections between organisms on the reef and how human
actions can directly affect the reef ecosystem.
62. Here is another obvious example of how humans are connected to the
natural world. What do you think this litter could do to the mangrove and
coral reef ecosystems?
63. The Ambassadors Of the Environment program includes a game called
The Web of Life, and it’s all about connections. Each person chooses a
creature and thinks of how it is connected to the one across the circle.
Eventually we see that every creature is connected to the others, as is
represented by the rope. With all the species healthy and connections
strong, the web of life can support the human race.
64. However, when one creature
goes extinct or declines in
health, the effects ripple
through the entire web of life,
weakening the integrity of the
web and compromising its
ability to support the human
race. It is for this reason we
need to preserve our
environment and keep it
healthy!
65. Here is a summary of the Four Principles. As we saw,
these four simple rules have many applications. They
can show humans how to better imitate nature and
live in harmony with it, moving from a lifestyle of
destruction and waste to one of sustainability.
1. Everything Runs On Energy.
2. There Is No Waste In Nature.
3. Biodiversity Is Good.
4. Everything Is Connected.
66. In addition to learning these
facts about nature, the
Ambassadors program is all
about appreciating nature.
This is easy in such a
beautiful place.
67. With the knowledge, tools, and new motivation to protect the
environment, guests leave the Ambassadors program as Ambassadors of
the Environment, ready to spread the lessons they learned from nature in
their local communities in pursuit of a more sustainable lifestyle and
brighter future for humans and the environment!