Happy Earth Day friends!

In this short journal, I'm sharing my top personal favorite eco-organizations that you can support this earth day by sharing their missions! All of these organization's either tackle climate change, coral reef restoration, species protection, or sustainability projects, and you can get involved in many different ways!

 

Ocean Conservancy: Since 1972, the Ocean Conservancy has worked to protect the health and vitality of the world’s oceans, including the species that call it home and the humans whose livelihoods depend upon them. Through its International Coastal Cleanup program, the organization has removed 144,606,491 pounds of trash from the world’s beaches over the last 25 years.

https://oceanconservancy.org/about/

 

 

Sea Legacy: Founded in 2014 by Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen. They ask, what lies beneath the surface of the thin blue line? This organization’s mission is to tell the stories of nature, to spark a global conversation, and to inspire people to act. They believe that producing powerful media and art that gives people hope is imperative. Hope is empowerment. Hope is a solution. Hope is a game changer.

https://www.sealegacy.org/about-us

 

 

The Florida Aquarium, Center for Conservation: The Florida Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to entertain, educate and inspire stewardship of the natural environment. Vision Protect and Restore our Blue Planet. Since it’s creation the Aquarium has been rescuing animals and restoring our home, but recently they expanded into “The Center for Conservation”, a 19,000-square-foot facility allows which focuses solely on conservation efforts. These efforts include a full Sea Turtle rehab hospital, Coral Arcs filled with thousands of baby corals to protect the genetics of the severely threatened Florida Coral Reef Tract, and shark breeding program, to protect the populations of Lemon Sharks! You can volunteer here or support through their fun events throughout the year!

https://www.flaquarium.org/apollobeach

Coral Restorations Foundation: The Coral Restoration Foundation is the largest coral reef restoration organization in the world. Founded in 2007 by Ken Nedimyer, he jumped into action when he saw Florida's reef tract starting dying off in record numbers, and in response to the wide-spread loss, he started growing coral to replant on the reef! In this organization, you can volunteer as a scuba diver and help plant coral back in the ocean or donate funds for their research!

 https://www.coralrestoration.org/about

 

 

The Florida Corridor: The Florida Wildlife Corridor organization champions the public and partner support needed to permanently connect, protect and restore the Florida Wildlife Corridor – a statewide network of lands and waters that supports wildlife and people.

Using a science-based approach, on-the-ground knowledge of the Corridor, and the support of thousands of followers throughout the state and nation, the Florida Wildlife Corridor now embarks on its most important journey – to accelerate the rate of conservation in Florida by 10% annually in order to protect 300,000 acres within the Corridor by the end of 2020.

http://floridawildlifecorridor.org/about/history/

Oceana: Founded in 2000, Oceana was established by a group of leading foundations — The Pew Charitable Trusts, Oak Foundation, Marisla Foundation (formerly Homeland Foundation), Sandler Foundation, and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund — after a 1999 study they commissioned discovered that less than 0.5 percent of all resources spent by environmental nonprofit groups in the United States went to ocean advocacy. Today they are an active resource for reliable environmental news, and petitions to advocate for change within our governments!

https://oceana.org/

 

Nakawe Project: NAKAWE is a non-profit and proactive entity, founded in 2014 in Barcelona, formed by a small group of professionals from different sectors committed to the environment and humanity, with a shared passion; the ocean, our first mission is to help save the world’s dwindling shark populations.

As a non-profit organization, our objective is to collaborate with governmental and non-governmental institutions, with the diving industry, industrial fisheries, recreational anglers and, of course, with all shark lovers worldwide.

http://www.nakaweproject.org/about-us/#origin

 

 

Shark Education: Sharks play a critical role in the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems. Yet despite their importance, shark populations are being decimated globally. The rapid decline in populations teamed with the man-eating monster stereotypes sharks have garnered over the years, have left sharks fighting for their survival. The goal of Sharks4Kids is to create a new generation of shark advocates through access to a dynamic range of educational materials. Curriculum, games and activities will allow teachers to integrate shark education into their science programs on an introductory, intermediate or advanced level. Students can access games, activities and info sheets to satisfy their own curiosity about sharks. Photos and videos from scientists and conservationists bring an exciting element into the classroom and show students the beauty of the ocean.

Sharks4Kids will also fund first-hand experiences for students in the South Florida area (like the picture above!) as well as coordinating classroom visits across the country.

https://www.sharks4kids.com/mission-statement

 

 

Sierra Club: Founded in 1892 by conservationist John Muir, the Sierra Club is one of the oldest and largest environmental organizations in the U.S. It has protected millions of acres of wilderness and has helped to pass key environmental legislation, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. It’s also leading efforts to move away from the use of fossil fuels. 

https://www.sierraclub.org/home

 

 

 

World Wildlife Fund (WWF): The WWF works in 100 countries to conserve nature and protect biodiversity. Founded in 1961, it’s now supported by nearly 5 million members worldwide.

https://www.worldwildlife.org/

 

 

Just by voicing your support for these organizations you are helping both local and the global environmental movements to gain momentum. Your voice and passion are important to our future, so please keep sharing your love of nature! 

-Kelly

 

Continue reading