“It was the first time I’d seen what the ocean may have looked like thousands of years ago.” That’s conservation scientist Gregory S. Stone talking about his initial dive among the corals and sea life surrounding the Phoenix Islands in the South Pacific. Worldwide, the oceans are suffering. Corals are dying off at an alarming rate, victims of ocean warming and acidification—and their loss threatens more than 25 percent of all fish species, who depend on the food and shelter found in coral habitats. Yet in the waters off the Phoenix Islands, the corals were healthy, the fish populations pristine and abundant—and Stone and his companion on the dive, coral expert David Obura, determined that they were going to try their best to keep it that way. Underwater Eden tells the story of how they succeeded, against great odds, in making that dream come true, with the establishment in 2008 of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA). It’s a story of cutting-edge science, fierce commitment, and innovative partnerships rooted in a determination to find common ground among conservationists, business interests, and governments—all backed up by hard-headed economic analysis. Creating the world’s largest (and deepest) UNESCO World Heritage Site was by no means easy or straightforward. Underwater Eden takes us from the initial dive, through four major scientific expeditions and planning meetings over the course of a decade, to high-level negotiations with the government of Kiribati—a small island nation dependent on the revenue from the surrounding fisheries. How could the people of Kiribati, and the fishing industry its waters supported, be compensated for the substantial income they would be giving up in favor of posterity? And how could this previously little-known wilderness be transformed into one of the highest-profile international conservation priorities? Step by step, conservation and its priorities won over the doubters, and Underwater Eden is the stunningly illustrated record of what was saved. Each chapter reveals—with eye-popping photographs—a different aspect of the science and conservation of the underwater and terrestrial life found in and around the Phoenix Islands’ coral reefs. Written by scientists, politicians, and journalists who have been involved in the conservation efforts since the beginning, the chapters brim with excitement, wonder, and confidence—tempered with realism and full of lessons that the success of PIPA offers for other ambitious conservation projects worldwide. Simultaneously a valentine to the diversity, resilience, and importance of the oceans and a riveting account of how conservation really can succeed against the toughest obstacles, Underwater Eden is sure to enchant any ocean lover, whether ecotourist or armchair scuba diver.

Readers are granted unprecedented access into the strange and captivating world of coral reefs as the fantastic colors, array of textures, and countless bizarre shapes and forms of undersea life are beautifully illustrated.

The waters that surround Seychelles are home to over 1,000 species of fish and 300 species of coral. The islands are visited by giant Whale Sharks and Manta Rays, and are home to the critically endangered Hawksbill and Green Turtles. Its warm tropical waters and coral reefs teeming with fish mean that Seychelles is a popular diving destination. This lavishly illustrated book showcases the extraordinary marine environment of Seychelles' islands. The diverse marine habitats, including coral reefs, granite seascapes, mangroves and seagrass beds, are home to vibrant communities of marine fauna and flora. Underwater Eden encapsulates the wonder of Seychelles' seas and highlights the creatures that call them home. With the effects of climate change becoming increasingly apparent throughout the world's oceans, the authors' stunning photographs capture the beauty of Seychelles waters while they are still vibrant and relatively undisturbed. Chapters on ecosystems, turtles, fishes, Marine Protected Areas and conservation describe and illustrate the marvels of this underwater world.

For scenic splendour, isolated coral beaches, lush vegetation and a hot tropical climate, the Republic of Seychelles is almost too good to be true. But, as Carpin shows, the islands of the Seychelles have even more to offer.'

The electrifying conclusion to the #1 New York Times bestselling Children of Eden series that follows Rowan as she leaves behind the paradise she’s always dreamed of to save Eden—and the world—from a terrible fate. Rowan is finally in Harmonia, an Earth-friendly, sustainable commune in the wilderness she always believed was dead. Even in this idyllic world, she finds no peace. Harmonia has strict rules—and dire consequences. Thinking about Eden is forbidden, but she’s determined to rescue the loved ones she left behind. Though they are in terrible danger, her pleas for help are ignored. After months of living as one with nature, a shocking reminder of her past pushes Rowan to act. With the help of new friends, she infiltrates Eden. What she discovers is even worse than the situation she left behind. In the chaos of civil war, Rowan and her friends join forces with the second children and other rebels trapped inside. They fight for their lives, and for the future of humanity in this broken Earth.

This book critically engages with how the conservation of tropical coral reefs is financed. Beginning with the context of tropical coral reef degradation and loss, alongside an overview of tropical ecology, global environmental policy and finance, the book reviews several conservation financing instruments. These include ecotourism, debt-for-nature swaps, impact investments, and government domestic budgetary expenditures. From the Great Barrier Reef, to the Coral Triangle, to the Mesoamerican Reef, tropical coral reef degradation and loss are serious global environmental issues, contributing to loss revenue and food insecurity for coastal communities, and species extinction. Yet, many leading companies, individuals, and governments are making a positive impact on tropical coral reef conservation through the use of conservation finance. Conservation of Tropical Coral Reefs, using 30 case studies which span 23 countries and 6 continents, tells the history of international conservation finance and provides a variety of options for individuals, businesses, and governments to support conservation financing projects.

A mesmerizing journey through a chain of tropical islands in a little known part of the Eastern Caribbean. The peaceful azure waters, lagoons, untouched rainforests and stunning white sand beaches will have you packing your bags to leave the world behind. There is a country of small islands in the West Indies, lost in time. Its mountainous terrain has helped in keeping its vast natural beauty intact. Thirty two islands with mystical names like Bequia and Mustique, St Vincent and the Grenadines is in the most blessed part of the Caribbean—dramatic mountains and beaches, fertile soil and plentiful rain. This idyllic setting has nurtured a gentle and simple way life yet one rich in adventure, social contact, and a dazzling variety of locally grown cuisine. Explore the rare flora, taste the fresh fruits, local fish and spices, and partake in Vincentian “liming” —sharing food, drink, jokes and anecdotes, with no other intent than enjoying life. This collection of breathtaking photographs will revitalize both body and soul.

For fans of Terminator 2 and Minority Report Comes an unusual story of immortality gone wrong… After harrowing circumstances endanger Adam and Evelyn’s life, they are more than happy to enter witness protection and celebrate their honeymoon. Only Evelyn isn’t entirely convinced they are out of harm’s way. And she’s right. With Mr. Morello’s escape from jail, he only has one thing on his mind. Revenge. A dish best served with death. An underground bunker, called “The Arena,” and Androids forced to work for Mr. Morello and his assistant will prove to be the battleground for a new serum. More potent and deadly than before. A serum that will weaponize anyone who takes it and ensure that Mr. Morello becomes the new leader of the free world. A genetic-engineered thrill ride that takes you into the darkest realms of humanity, Eden’s Demise promises to be full of twists and turns from start to finish.

Preserving a place at the water's edge : the origins of Miami-Dade's heritage parks 1929-1939 / Rocco Ceo -- Tree planting program and first parks / A.D. Barnes -- The landscape design principles of William Lyman Phillips in the first heritage parks / Joanna Lombard -- An immigrant landscape : Florida's unique contribution to the American scene / William Lyman Phillips -- Building close to nature : the early architecture of Miami-Dade County parks / Rocco Ceo -- Miami-Dade County : its unique flora and fauna / Roger L. Hammer -- Maps of the heritage parks