Treehugger Names Dr. Earle’s ‘Hope Spots’ ~ Best Ocean Conservation Initiative for 2012
April 3, 2012
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| (c) Kip Evans Photography |
Treehugger.com has again chosen to honor Dr. Sylvia Earle, this time with a “Best of Green Award” for her ‘Hope Spots’ initiative. In 2010, ‘Her Deepness’ received Treehugger’s “Person of the Year” award not only for her lifetime of accomplishments, but specifically for her achievements during 2010, from her work during the Deepwater Horizon Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico to her Mission Blue Voyage to the Galapagos, inspiring individuals globally to take action on behalf of the ocean.
Dr. Earle’s Hope Spots are a targeted approach to ocean conservation – a scientifically sound way of bringing attention to crucial areas of our ocean planet. Faced with relentless pressure from overfishing, habitat destruction and pollution, the ocean is increasingly threatened on many fronts. And yet, less than 1% of the ocean, which Dr. Earle refers to as the blue heart of the planet, is currently under any form of protection.
When asked, “How much protection is enough?” Dr. Earle answers with another question, “How much of your heart is worth protecting?” Her message is consistent – these Hope Spots must be preserved while there is still time left to do so – and time is growing short.
The good thing is that now we know more than ever before about how our ocean planet works. We have identified Hope Spots, and we have learned a great deal about how to remedy the damage that humankind has done to the ocean. In Dr. Earle’s own words, “Now is the time!”
The good thing is that now we know more than ever before about how our ocean planet works. We have identified Hope Spots, and we have learned a great deal about how to remedy the damage that humankind has done to the ocean. In Dr. Earle’s own words, “Now is the time!”
We are very pleased that Treehugger has chosen again this year to highlight Dr. Earle’s work. Treehugger’s January, 2011 insightful interview, “How Sylvia Earle Dreams Up ‘Hope Spots’ for Marine Life” can be viewed here.
