With 2006 all but a blur and 2007 breathing down my neck, I think it's worth a few moments to reflect on a year full of amazing work, tens-of-thousands of miles of travel, new friends and hundreds of fantastic people met on the road, and what the next 12 months might have in store. First and foremost, I resolve to not let two or three bum lumbar disks put the kebosh on my getting out to the field and do what it is I love. I don't think the reefs can wait for me to loll about in pain and self pity. So core strengthening here I come.
Thanks to the SF CORAL Program Team: Sherry, Rich, Bryan, Flo, Cheryl Reena, and Liz in Hawaii, Kenneth in Mexico, Allejandro in Honduras, DiDi and Johnny in Fiji, Cam in Papua New Guinea, and Helen in Indonesia for an amazingly successful and fun 2006. Thanks, also to Janine, Tom, Eileen, Kate, and Michelle for keeping the money flowing and balanced so Program can do its thing. And of course, thanks Brian for your steady hand at the helm, holding it all together and giving me the chance to be a part of this team!
With equal amounts of excitement and challenge, 2007 is shaping-up to be an amazing year. We get to return to Raja Ampat, test our environmental standards in Mesoamerica, launch a whole new standards process in Hawaii, focus on program evaluation and assessment, and train hundreds more professionals in sustainable marine tourism. All the while strengthening marine protected areas, increasing community-based conservation, and preserving incredible reef systems. So welcome, 2007! We have a lot of work to do over the next 12 months. Oh, and just so I remain mindful of the long view, 2008 is International Year of the Reef. No rest for the weary.
