Conservation International's Seas of Hope Bash

by Ariston Anderson (RSS feed)
May 10th 2010 at 6:02AM

As BP's latest stumble over stopping the flow of upwards of 200,000 gallons of oil into our oceans reminds us, we don't need an excuse to start protecting our marine ecosystem now. While oil officials volleyed the blame back and forth, in another corner of the world, at New York's Museum of Natural History, Conversation International offered a new kind of hope, this past Thursday at their Seas of Hope Celebration gala.

Under the infamous blue whale hanging from the Museum's ceiling, New York revelers pooled together to offer a new kind of solution, donating toward Conservation International's mission of empowering local communities to care for nature and humanity. After an address from JP MorganChase CEO Jamie Dimon on the role of finance in sustainable growth, and an overwhelmingly successful fundraising appeal for CI's Protect an Acre program, guests retreated to the gallery halls for an after party sponsored by Havaianas.

The quintessential Brazilian brand teamed up with CI to protect the country's Albrolhos region, an area on the South Atlantic that contains some of the world's richest coral reefs. Albrolhos serves as breeding ground to the Southern humpback whale population, with nearly 10,000 members, and also represents several species of corals, mollusks and fish that are exclusive to the area.

Gallery: Conservation International and Havaiana's Seas of Hope Celebration

Havaianas and CI are working to raise awareness of the overbearing threats to the region from overfishing, oil drilling, coastal development and climate change, with the goal of ensuring its place as a global priority for marine conservation. "As the original brand from Brazil, Havaianas has the opportunity and the responsibility to promote the preservation of Brazilian nature," said Afonso Sugiyama, Havaianas USA President. "Havaianas has donated over $1 million to local conservation projects over the last six years and we expect that the global reach of Conservation International increases our impact in preserving one of the richest biodiversities on the planet." Together, CI and Havaianas are creating a model for future eco-preservation, developing national guidelines for the region as well as providing success stories for promoting marine conservation along Brazil's coastline.

To commemorate the partnership, Havaianas premiered a specially designed sandal for the Albrolhos initiative, inspired by Brazilian marine life. Seven percent of sales from the designs, with profits projected to exceed $100,000, will benefit Conservation International. Seas of hope guests were treated to an exclusive pair at the Museum gala. By the end of the night, after many rounds of dancing, dozens of party-goers had traded in their Louboutins for the far more comfy rubber flip flops. You can help CI now by purchasing one of three limited edition designs in white, navy or turquoise. When it comes to beach footwear, nothing beats Havaianas, and the playful aquatic designs are the perfect way to update your summer wardrobe now. Available here for $24 a pair.

Tags: conservation, Conservation International, coral, havaianas, museum of natural history, new york museum, new york museums, ocean