| Yemen. Secret island Socotra, jewel of the Arabian Sea to be preserved |
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| Wednesday, 15 November 2006 | |
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Environmental news: It's just a slight exaggeration to say that this exotic island between Africa and Arabia once known only to spice traders is now known only to scientists and conservationists. Home to hundreds of species found nowhere else, and a people with their unique culture, Socotra so entranced two marine ecologists that they spent six years of their lives creating a book to reveal its marvels to all. Proceeds from sales of Socotra, A Natural History of the Islands and their People (Odyssey Publications, $59.95) available online and in bookstores, will be contributed to the Socotra Conservation Fund (www.socotraisland.org). Because the Socotrans have been stewards of their natural resources for millenia, Socotra was named a UNESCO "Man and Biosphere Reserve" and nominated as a World Heritage Site. "We gained a great deal on Socotra, experiencing life with a very special people on a remote island known to few westerners," says author Catherine Cheung, who designs and raises funds for conservation and development programs. "This book is our way of thanking these generous people, and giving something back. It's a 'labor of love' to us." Camera-wielding ecologist Cheung and her marine biologist husband Lyndon DeVantier solicited content from over 100 researchers and institutions also concerned with the sustainable future of life on the island. The acknowledgments section reads like a "who's who" of the natural history field. Science editor Kay Van Damme, a cave biologist, first met Cheung just before he climbed down into her well on Socotra to collect invertebrate samples. "Kay has been instrumental in bringing to light many recent scientific discoveries and conservation issues on the islands," says Cheung. "We hope our book inspires conservationists, natural historians and decision makers who play pivotal roles on our fragile world's future." For 25 years Odyssey titles have revealed the irresistible mystery of the world's most intriguing destinations -- little known as well as more familiar ones. Other Odyssey titles of interest to natural historians include Marine Life of the Galapagos, Seychelles -- Garden of Eden in the Indian Ocean, and Galapagos -- A Natural History Guide |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 15 November 2006 ) |
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