Oceans & Islands | Issue No. 1 by oceansandislands

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The Godfather of all Private Islands Behind the scenes of Marlon Brando’s eco-friendly escape

PALAU

Meet the Pacific’s most forward-thinking nation

ISLAND QUIZ

Which is your perfect Private Island?

The Search for Flight MH370 Shining a spotlight on our oceans

Living Oceans & Island Living

ISLAND TRENDS Private Islands in Public Hands

OCEANS Jakob von Uexkull Stiftung World Future Council Mexikoring 29 22297 Hamburg Germany

Tel. + 49-40-3070914-0 Fax + 49-40-3070914-14 E-Mail: info@worldfuturecouncil.org

ISLANDS Dr. Farhad Vladi Vladi Private Islands GmbH Ballindamm 7 20095 Hamburg Germany

Tel. + 49-40-33 89 89 Fax + 49-40-33 00 81 E-Mail: info@vladi.de

OCEANS & ISLANDS Editors-in-Chief: Jakob von Uexkull (Oceans) & Farhad Vladi (Islands) Editorial Team: Emma Sharples, Janne Rohe, Anne Reis Art Direction: Annika Drewinat Technical Implementation: Kai Bommersheim E-Mail: info@oceansandislands.org

ADVERTISING Oceans&Islands offers a variety of advertising options for all those who are interested in promoting products and organizations related to private islands, waterside real estate and responsible ocean developments. Contact us for more information about our advertising opportunities.

TERMS & CONDITIONS Copyrights Except for personal or non-commercial use, no part of this publication, including information, images, logos, photos, and overall appearance, may be copied, republished, broadcast or reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the publishers. Links to Other Websites This publication contains links to other websites that are operated by third parties. The inclusion of such links does not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation, and OCEANS&ISLANDS does not accept any liability over the availability content of these third party sites. Content Accuracy Whilst all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of content, no responsibility can be taken for any error or omission.

DONATING FOR THE FUTURE Support us! • We give future generations a voice and work for their rights. • We help implement exemplary policies which improve the lives of current and future generations. Donate by bank transfer to: World Future Council Foundation Institution: GLS Bank Reference: Oceans & Islands IBAN: DE70 4306 0967 2009 0040 00 BIC (SWIFT-Code): GENODEM1GLS

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Donate by cheque payable to: The "World Future Council Foundation" and send them to: Stiftung World Future Council | Mexikoring 29 | 22297 Hamburg Germany

FOREWORD

PUBLISHERS (responsible according to § 55 AbsW. 2 RStV)

Healthy oceans are the basis of our existence – without them the earth would be a dramatically different, much harsher place. Even though a vast majority of the public as well as most decision-makers are well aware of this, overfishing, and the pollution of our oceans through acidic, toxic and solid waste are an ever greater problem. At the same time, excellent policies and practices to protect the richness and health of the deep blue, already exist. At the World Future Council, we work to promote and spread these policies in order to achieve rapid change.

OCEANS

We advise decision-makers, providing them with the background, knowledge and tools which enable them to make laws to ensure that our children and grand-children will also be able to eat fish and watch sea-birds flying. The WFC works to spread hope in the future of our planet. Our contributions to “Oceans and Islands” aim to make island lovers appreciate the scope and importance of our work. I sincerely thank my friend and long-time WFC supporter Dr. Farhad Vladi for initiating and master-minding this unique magazine, which combines insights into exemplary marine management with news and stories from the fascinating world of private islands.

Jakob von Uexkull, Founder and Chairman of the World Future Council

If islands are the jewels of the ocean, then a poorly managed private island is like a flaw in a diamond. Island owners therefore have a duty to protect not just their own precious asset, but also the most precious asset of all: Planet Ocean.

ISLANDS

An environmentally-aware approach to island management is vital in maintaining the diversity of the world’s waters: a polluted ocean affects islands as much as polluted islands affect the ocean. During my time as CEO of Vladi Private Islands, I have witnessed first-hand what a difference such approaches can make. It is for this reason that I consider the promotion of responsible island stewardship to be nothing less than my obligation – both to the environment and to future generations.

It was therefore a particular honour to work alongside the World Future Council to create this wonderful project. As well as highlighting the latest developments and trends on the island market, Vladi Private Islands’ contributions aim to offer interesting perspectives for both island owners and ocean activists alike, by placing the most important issues of island life within the broader context of responsible marine management. The experience and insight of the WFC and my trusted friend Jakob von Uexkull have been influential during the creation of this informative and entertaining magazine and I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those involved. A final ‘thanks’ goes to you – the reader. Only together can we succeed in creating a lasting and sustainable future for our oceans and islands.

Farhad Vladi Founder and CEO, Vladi Private Islands GmbH

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LIVING OCEANS Shaping the Future – Safeguarding Planet Ocean: An outline of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead on our pathway to a more sustainable future 6 Tubbataha Reefs Protecting the global centre of coral diversity 20 On Sharks and Storms WFC Councillor Anna Oposa reports first-

hand on the efforts rebuild livelihoods and rehabilitate coastal marine life in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan 36

ISLAND LIVING Message in a Bottle Private island owner Pamela Kimberly shares the inside line on life on Tavanipupu 22

An Island Castaway without Compromise Song Saa Private Island - The proof that luxury and green-thinking can go hand in hand 26 Getting a Taste For Private Island Life When it comes to high-class cuisine you don’t have to import to impress. Laucala Island’s Executive Chef Anthony Healy reveals all about

producing quality food using home-grown produce 40

COVER STORIES The Godfather of all Private Islands We take a look behind the scenes of The

PALAU

Brando - French Polynesia’s most exquisite eco-friendly escape 14

Private Islands In

The small island state that made a big impact on international environmental policies. Oceans&Islands

Public Hands Tracking

takes a closer look at Palau

the trend of governments

– the Pacific’s most forward-

buying islands 32

thinking nation

Plastic Fantastic? The search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 revealed our oceans to be filled with human waste. What are the consequences for our marine ecosystems? 50

FEATURES Cartoons Scotland’s real-life Robinson Crusoe presents his humorous take on private island living 24 Reviews Oceans&Islands presents our top literary tips for the coming quarter 25 Dream Island Quiz Owning an island is a dream shared by many – but how do you know which is the right one for you? This handy quiz will help you decide! 52 Imprint 2

SHAPING THE FUTURE Safeguarding Planet Ocean

Planet Ocean has a huge part to play within the World Future Council’s global vision of finding a pathway to a more sustainable future. Director Alexandra Wandel points to the challenges - and opportunities - that lie ahead.

What role does the ocean play when it comes to

combination of “bad policies”, such as subsidies designed

safeguarding the future of the planet? Put simply,

to increase the capacity of fishing fleets beyond what our

without the oceans, humanity cannot survive. They are a

oceans can support, and an absence of any true deterrents

crucial source of food, natural resources and energy,

has actually resulted in an acceleration of the threats to our

helping to regulate the climate whilst also producing more

oceans. Whilst a number of international agreements to

than half of the oxygen we breathe. Oceans cover over 70%

manage our oceans and coasts have since been put in place,

of the world’s surface. Yet despite their importance and their

their implementation has so far been too slow. Is there light

incredible scale, there is still so much to learn about them.

at the end of the tunnel? Yes! We are very fortunate to be

Vast seascapes remain unexplored. Only in recent decades

witnessing an emerging body of

have we begun to grasp how our actions can impact this

of which have been highlighted at the World Future

incredible environment - for better or worse.

Council’s Future Policy Awards. In this issue,

What are the biggest challenges in this

you can read more about some of the more

respect? Sadly, it seems we are our

effective

and

exemplary

environmental

own worst enemy. Unregulated fishing

policies such as the management of the

practices have left 85% of the world’s fish

Tubbataha Reefs and protection of marine life

stocks dangerously overfished. Pollution

in Palau, whose implementation have con-

has led to the destruction of vast swathes of

tributed immensely to a more sustainable marine and coastal development. How do these

marine life and the effects of climate change

solutions work? With something as vast as the ocean, a

threaten to decimate international island and coastal communities alike, through a dangerous combination of

global approach is necessary. Whilst each environmental

rising sea temperatures and sea levels. Our oceans are

issue undoubtedly necessitates its own unique approach

under

according

severe

stress.

Unless

act

soon,

the

geographical we

believe

location it

possible

and

political

replicate

consequences could be dire, with vast declines in

environment,

fish stock, a loss of marine bio-diversity and the

successful solutions on a global level by exchanging

destruction of coral reefs and mangrove forest covers having

experiences and knowledge across regions, countries

catastrophic consequences for all of life on earth. What are

and continents alike. It is this level of international

the key drivers behind these threats? Poor governance

engagement that the World Future Council is striving for.

and lack of regulation both have their parts to play. The toxic

responses, some

“Oceans cover more than 70% of the world’s surface – perhaps we should call it Planet Ocean rather than Planet Earth!” Alexandra Wandel

Palau A small island state that refers to itself as a big ocean nation: the Republic of Palau can be found in a lonely corner of the Northern Pacific, some 1,000 km to the west of the Philippines. Spread over 350 separate islets, its 21,000 inhabitants boast a deep connection with the water that surrounds their island home – a connection that can be felt all the way through their culture, ecology and economy.

PALAU

PROTECTING OCEANS, PROTECTING FUTURES As well as – or perhaps because of - being both culturally and economically dependent upon its oceans and coasts, The Republic of Palau is one of the world’s most forward thinking countries when it comes to marine conservation. A sustainable use of the ocean’s resources has been at the forefront of the small island state’s agenda since the country’s tribal era, a time when bans on fishing both predator fish and spawning fish were once common-place. With the onset of Palau’s democratization, however, these more traditional governance and management structures began to lose authority, lacking the co-ordination to respond to global issues such as rising tides and coral bleaching and failing to address local threats to the eco-system, such as the increased amount of illegal poaching and fishing in Palauan waters.

A nationwide solution was desperately needed and eventually arrived in the form of the Protected Areas Network Act (2003) – a coordinated, nationwide network established between Palau’s national and state governments with the hope of preventing any future threats to Palau’s livelihoods, habitats and natural resources. In a bold move, a countrywide system of 35 protected areas (including reefs, lagoons and even a sardine sanctuary) was created – step one of the Pacific island republic’s aim to protect an incredible 30 per cent of the near-shore marine resources and a further 20 per cent of the terrestrial environment by 2020 – easily surpassing any other conservation goal already established and agreed to by the international community. Forming perhaps the best example of a successful integration of traditional management legislation, Palau’s Protected Areas Network Act has already been adopted by additional Pacific nations, such as the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands - both of whom were inspired by the policy’s ability to ensure long-term sustainability without overlooking the needs and traditions of the local communities. Presented with the World Future Council’s prestigious Future Policy Award in 2012, the Protected Areas Network Act is just the beginning of Palau’s commitment to preserving Planet Ocean, however, with the region’s diminishing shark population forming the next target for the Pacific’s most forward thinking nation.

PROTECTING SHARKS, PROTECTING LIVELIHOODS In the time it takes to read this article, some 400 sharks will have been killed – either caught up in commercial fisheries or brutally butchered for their fins and left to die. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, however – studies suggest that an estimated 100 million sharks are killed every year, placing this spectacular species amongst the oceans’ most threatened. Yet despite declining at a similar rate to the whale and having far-reaching implications on both ocean ecosystems and island communities alike, the decimation of the world’s shark population remains an oft-overlooked issue.

It shouldn’t be. The oceans’ ecosystems are in an incredibly delicate state of balance, and sharks play a particularly vital role in retaining this precarious state of equilibrium. Whilst it’s true that the loss of any species can bring about unpredictable and disproportionate effects, in the case of the elimination of an apex predator – such as the shark - the repercussions on the marine ecosystem are much harder felt. As an apex predator, the shark is critical for both maintaining and regulating the ocean’s diversity, grooming populations of marine life lower down the food chain and preventing a so-called trophic cascade. With a species this significant, a dramatic drop in numbers has the potential to trigger an irreversible chain of events which could not only destabilize the ocean environment itself, but many of the world’s small island communities, too. This was certainly the case in Palau, where a dramatic drop in the local shark population resulted in a proliferation of jellyfish blooms and a level of coral reef degradation so dangerous that it also threatened to have a severe knock-on effect upon the region’s burgeoning marine-tourism industry – a vital source of income for a developing land otherwise reliant on fishing and subsistence agriculture. Facing the prospect of severe economic shortfalls, the government of Palau was forced into action, introducing the Shark Haven Act in 2009 as a last-ditch attempt to prevent the decimation of the country’s vulnerable shark community. Becoming the first country to place an outright ban on commercial shark fishing, the government transformed the entirety of Palau’s territorial waters into a sanctuary for sharks, preserving hundreds of species in the process. Although a lot has been done to protect Palau’s open water and reef sharks in only a short space of time, the implementation of change certainly was no easy road and the decision to outlaw commercial shark fishing was initially met with disapproval from many international fishing fleets. Having overcome these initial setbacks, however, the Shark Haven Act has since gone on to become a global role model, receiving the World Future Council’s Future Policy Award in the process. With its potential to not only preserve sharks, but also help maintain functioning eco-systems and tackle illegal fishing in these areas, it’s little wonder that countries such as Honduras, the Maldives and the Bahamas have been quick to enact similar laws within their national waters. However, the benefits of the Shark Haven Act are not limited to the ocean environment - Palau’s economy has also been able to reap the benefits of the policy.

Even in the face of almost-record breaking catch prices (USD 700 / kg across certain parts of South-East Asia); Palau’s pioneering policy has already proven that sharks are a lot more profitable when kept alive. The creation of the nation’s shark sanctuary has led to an increase in shark diving tourism after only 5 years in place, contributing an incredible USD 1.2 million in salaries to local communities as well as a further USD 1.5 million in taxes. Now aiming to establish itself as a world leader in preserving shark populations, Palau is already pushing for the introduction of further legislation regarding the trade of shark products, with an aim of putting a halt to shark finning internationally and proving that even the smallest of countries are capable of making a big, big difference.

THE SHARK HAVEN ACT ACTION AND STRATEGIES - AT A GLANCE Commercial shark fishing (i.e. the intentional capture of any shark or its parts) is strictly prohibited within Palau’s territorial waters, contiguous zone and economic zone In the event that a shark is accidentally caught within commercial fisheries, the shark is to be released alive If found guilty of breaking the act, violators are subject to up to 2 years imprisonment and a fine of USD 50,000 If caught secondary to other fishing activities & reported to the relevant authorities, Palauan citizens may land one whole shark per calendar day for subsistence use Biannual reports regarding the status of anti-fishing laws are to be carried out by the Ministry of State, Justice, Tourism, Natural Resources and Environment

THE BRANDO

THE GODFATHER OF ALL PRIVATE ISLAND RESORTS Over 50 years in the making, Marlon Brando’s plans for a sustainable private island paradise have finally been realized in the form of The Brando French Polynesia’s most exquisite eco-friendly escape.

Motu Auroa

Motu Tauini

Motu Hiraanae

Motu Horotera

Motu Tiaraunu

Lagoon

Motu Aie

Motu Honuea

TETIAROA

Motu Onetahi

Reef Motu One

The Brando

Motu Rimatia Motu Tahuna Iti

TETIAROA 2 Miles 4 km

Motu Rahi

Motu Reiono

Just over 50 years since Marlon Brando fell in love with the islands of French Polynesia, his promise to secure a sustainable future for his private island home - the Tetiaroa Atoll - is finally set to be realized. Just ahead of its official opening next month, Oceans&Islands took a sneaky peek behind the scenes of The Brando - the world’s first and foremost postcarbon resort.

Located 30 miles to the north-east of Tahiti, Brando first stumbled across the Tetiaroa Atoll whilst shooting his 1962 blockbuster, Mutiny on the Bounty. The islands - and indeed their unique way of life - captured the actor’s heart immediately, triggering a passionate love affair with the region which culminated in the purchase of the object of his desires some three years later.

Always keen to extol the virtues of his island kingdom, Brando frequently spoke about Tetiaroa during interviews in the press, enthusing about the island’s incredible ecosystem and deep cultural value as far back as the 1970s:

“My mind is always soothed when I imagine myself sitting on my South Sea island at night. If I have my way, Tetiaroa will remain forever a place that reminds Tahitians of who they are and what they were centuries ago. Tahiti doesn’t have the reputation it enjoys without reason. It’s not a myth so much as a way of looking at life ... a life that can be described as chiffon in the wind.” After initially using Tetiaroa as a private sanctuary for his friends and family, in 1999, Brando decided that the time

was right to implement with his plans to a create cuttingedge ecological tourist development. Teaming up his long-term friend, the Tahiti-based developer Richard Bailey, Brando was, however, only able to lay the foundations of his plans, and tragically passed away before he was able to witness the fruits of his labour.

Having worked closely alongside the Godfather star for so long, however, Bailey had fortunately already been able to form a clear vision of how to implement the actor’s ideas. In the face of adversity, Bailey and his construction team stopped at nothing to implement Brando’s plans, laying the foundations to protect and preserve the biodiversity and cultural richness of the Tetiaroa atoll and allow Brando’s ecological legacy to live on forever.

Already billed as the world’s most eco-friendly island hideaway, the resort’s 35 energy-autonomous villas are situated on just one of the Tetiaroa’s 12 islands - Motu Onetahi - in order to reduce the environmental impact on the actor’s exotic island kingdom. Even the resort itself has been designed to tread lightly upon its surroundings, with great efforts made to ensure that The Brando is as close to one-hundred per cent reliable on renewable energy as possible, in keeping with plans to become the first resort to gain LEED Platinum certification.

As well replacing carbon-rich fossil fuels with renewable power sources such as solar energy and coconut oil, The Brando is the first ever private island to make use of so-

Watch Island Video

called sea water air conditioning technology – a cutting-edge cooling system that replaces traditional air conditioning units with ice-cold deep sea water, sourced some 950 metres below the island’s surface.

If The Brando’s trophy cabinet is anything to go by, it seems that the hard work and uncompromising commitment to the environment is already paying off. The resort has already attracted critical acclaim for its good practices, picking up the SEP Silver Turtle Award for responsible waste management and the prestigious Coup de Coeur of the Jury at 2013’s 1.618 Sustainable Luxury Awards - an entire year before the resort was even scheduled to open its doors. A further environmental plus-point comes in the form of the

Eco-Station - a conservation research centre, designed with the aim of furthering the global understanding and tropical island socio-ecosystems around the world.

Hoped to help other international island communities find their own path to a truly sustainable future, Oceans&Islands for one can’t think of a more fitting tribute to the forward thinking film star than this exquisite eco-resort. The Brando is set to open its doors to all international island aficionados on July 1st, 2014 – ten years to the day since the iconic Hollywood star passed away. Prices start at EUR 3,000 per night, with exclusive island buy-outs available by special arrangement through Vladi Islands Travel – official partner to The Brando.

A story of hope for the global centre of coral diversity

The Philippines have established a wonderful working model in coral reef conservation The Tubbataha Reefs in the Philippines are located at the heart of the Coral Triangle: a global centre of marine biodiversity, that contains 76% of the world’s marine biodiversity across just 2% of the ocean’s area. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a World Heritage Site, is located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, some 180 kilometres from the Island of Palawan. Spanning 970 square kilometres, the Natural Park protects the Philippines’ largest coral reef as well as forming a critical habitat for numerous species of fish, corals, dolphins, whales, marine turtles, rays, sharks and seabirds - many of which are globally threatened. Due to their remoteness and the fact that local weather conditions only allow live-aboard dive trips between March and June, the reefs have - mercifully - remained relatively pristine. Threats still exist, however, such as the use of cyanide and dynamite in fishing, the large scale harvesting of turtle eggs and unregulated tourism.

TUBBATAHA REEF JESSIE BEAZLEY REEF

NORTH ATOLL

SOUTH ATOLL

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Marine Park Act (2010) was

management. As an important nursery site for fish and

recognized with the World Future Council’s Future Policy

invertebrates, the reef supports local artisanal fisheries and

Award because it forms an excellent model for the success-

commercial operations, with fishers reporting higher catches

ful management of coral reefs. As well as strengthening

since the park was instated. A small wooden ranger station

existing local level institutions aimed at management and

built on stilts on a sandbar is home to eight park-rangers

community liaison, the policy also provides additional leg-

who patrol the reefs for intruders year-round and provide

islative powers to address illegal fishing and shipping.

information to legitimate tourists on diving vessels or sail

Benefits like user fees from divers are distributed amongst

boats. Construction of a new state-of-the-art ranger station will

stakeholders as well as being usedd for monitoring and

commence this year with an initial budget of USD 1 million.

CORAL REEFS Coral reefs make up less than 1% of the ocean, yet harbour almost a quarterof its biodiversity. Coral reefs are very vulnerable ecosystems because of the highly complex and sensitive relationships between species. Climate change is posing an increasing threat to corals. This could mean a mass extinction of biodiversity and loss of food security, livelihoods and protection from storms for many people – in the

Solutions exist - let’s share them Learning from each other’s experience, sharing best practices and innovative management approaches - this can inspire practitioners and decision-makers to take joint action for our oceans, islands and coasts. The World Future Council has therefore organised a Regional Forum on Oceans and

Coral Triangle alone, reef ecosystems provide for over 130 million people. Scientists have found out that corals can be resilient and have the potential to adapt to changing global conditions, including climate change, as long as the ecosystem is managed correctly. Direct pressures such as overfishing and pollution from sewage and agriculture therefore need to be carefully monitored and reduced.

Please support our oceans work - together we can ensure that current and future generations benefit from our precious planet ocean!

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ledge transfer so that inspiring solutions, like the ones from

Reference: Oceans & Islands

Palau and Tubbataha, can be adopted by other countries

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MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

WHEN TRYING TO PROVIDE GUESTS WITH EVERYTHING THEY EXPECT FROM A PRIVATE ISLAND ESCAPE, WHILST YOU YOURSELF ARE ALWAYS DEALING WITH THE UNEXPECTED, THERE’S RARELY A DULL MOMENT! PAMELA KIMBERLY, CO-OWNER OF TAVANIPUPU ISLAND, DROPPED US A LINE TO SHARE THE INSIDE LINE ON PRIVATE ISLAND LIVING:

Quaint, remote, untouched and serene, Tavanipupu is an island for the discerning – a “real” experience, where the staff paddles to work in dugout canoes and has never experienced most of what the modern world takes for granted. It is as untouched as any place in the world where you can sleep in a king sized bed and have a fridge in your room, calling like a siren to lure men and women to her beautiful shores.

TAVANIPUPU ISLAND

PAPUA NEW GUINEA Bougainville Choiseul

Santa Isabel Vella Lavella Malaita

New Georgia

Rusell Islands

Tavanipupu Island Guadalcanal

SOLOMON ISLANDS San Cristobal Rennell

Kolombangara

Greetings fro m paradise!

Just drying of f after a love ly snorkelling se ssion earlier can`t imagine this morning. how beautiful You it was - vibra nt colours, in all sorts of ex credible patte otic sea-life rns and just metres a way from our bungalows. It`s beautiful bambo the ultimate o fodder for tho se who relish fantasy. the Robinson Crusoe Living on and owning an isla nd resort in th e South Pacifi The island requ c is not witho ires constant ut its challeng love and undyin es, however. g the point whe dedication and re you think , o n occasion, it ca you will pull o n be soul-suc ut your hair king to and go mad. Having given up so much of m y life for her, I am sometim retrospect ho es amazed to w much I love look back and her. Indeed, it realize in is said that a coconut-studde sort of magic d island... Afte surrounds this r all these ye ars, it seems incredible that I too ha ve fallen unde r her spell. Quaint, remot e, untouched and serene, m ost of the w Island. All those orld will never daring enough know about Ta to take up th vanipupu Priva e challenge to by her siren so te find her will so ng, however. You see - Tava on find themse nipupu is hard lves seduced ever it takes. to find, hard to get to, bu t worth whatWish you wer e here?

Pamela x

THISLAND ISYOURLAND

“Money doesn’t buy you happiness. But it buys you a big enough yacht to sail right up to it.” Johnny Depp

Cartoons Using the most basic of motifs to create a whole world of laughter, Allan Jardine – one of the last-living descendents of Scotland’s real-life Robinson Crusoe, Alexander Selkirk – shares his humorous insight into private island living.

If only something exciting would happen!

THE PACKAGE DEAL Ocean Estate in Nova Scotia, Canada Coastal Home, Saltstone: Generous Ocean Estate with its own cove, new constructions, 4 bedrooms, 656 feet of ocean frontage, pier, only 30 min to Halifax. 2.67 acre, 2,302 sq ft living area. CAD 1,699,000

www.private-islands.com “Of course, you know what the gossip is like around here!”

COOL PRIVATE ISLAND RESORTS The World’s 101 Best Islands The perfect gift for jet-setters & daydreamers alike! Calling in at a whole host of truly majestic resorts and sun-drenched beach bungalows, Cool Private Island Resorts promises a peek through the keyhole of the private islands of David Copperfield and Richard Branson and even takes some time out on the exotic island escape where Prince William and Duchess Catherine spent their romantic honeymoon in 2011. With each and every one of the islands hand-picked by Mr. Island himself, Farhad Vladi, there was never any danger of the “world’s best” boast being an exaggeration; but it seems the Hamburg-based broker has excelled himself this time, with page after page of stunning photography sure to inspire you to start your very own island-hopping adventure.

BOOKS SWISS AND ALPINE ISLANDS The ultimate collection for island connoisseurs The release of Swiss and Alpine Islands signals the first time that the world’s highest located private islands have been presented in one collection, representing a coup for both the teNeues publishing house and editor Farhad Vladi, who had the enviable job of exploring Europe’s most spectacular scenery by helicopter. Amongst the towering peaks of the Alps, the Vladi Private Islands chairman has unearthed an array of island gems, located up to 2,400 meters above sea level. Perched high above the swaying palms and sandy beaches of more traditional private island dreams, Swiss and Alpine Islands is a myriad of romantic river islands and luscious lakeside escapes – each more beautiful than the next.

Pacific Ocean | Cambodia

Song Saa

AN ISLAND CASTAWAY WITHOUT COMPROMISE Since its opening in April 2012, Song Saa Private Island has made quite a name for itself in the sustainable tourism branch. A small island with a big responsibility, Song Saa is the proof that luxury and greenthinking can go hand in hand.

n impromptu exploration of Cambodia’s remote Koh Rong Archipelago was all it took to change the lives of Rory and Melita Hunter forever. Located far beyond the Kingdom’s nascent tourist trail, it was here that the Australian husband and wife team first stumbled across Koh Ouen and Koh Bong – a pristine pair of islands known locally as Song Saa – Khmer for ‘the sweethearts’. It was love at first sight. Inspired by the islands’ beauty, the couple finally took the plunge in 2005, manoeuvring a series of long-term lease negotiations to complete the purchase of their private island home. There was trouble in paradise, however – beneath the utopian veneer which had initially captured their hearts, Melita and Rory were shocked to discover the extent to which human activity had already taken its toll on the local marine environment. A closer inspection of the waters surrounding their twinisland paradise revealed the terrible scars of environmental mismanagement and decades of destructive fishing practices. Fish stocks were at an all time low, shorelines lay strewn with plastic waste and even the region’s once kaleidoscopic coral reefs were in danger of dying out. Something needed to be done – and fast. Fortunately for Song Saa, the Hunters were committed to preserving the natural assets of their adopted home from the off. “Being the first to develop a resort in the Koh Rong Archipelago came with a tremendous sense of responsibility,” explained Rory. “We wanted to set a benchmark for others to follow by showing that property development, conservation and community engagement are not mutually exclusive concepts.”

natural and human environment throughout Koh Rong Archipelago. Already making a huge difference to the community through its all-encompassing approach, the foundation – established in September 2013 - has already overseen a huge expansion to the marine protected zone and co-ordinating the biggest medical outreach project ever undertaken in the Koh Rong Archipelago. Education initiatives also form a crucial part of the Foundation’s work, making use of an approach that Executive Director Dr. Wayne McCullum describes as “working from the mangrove up.” Targeting youth groups in particular, The Song Saa Foundation seeks to improve the overall eco-literacy of the Archipelago’s adolescent population, furthering the local understanding of the environment and the impact of human activities upon it. “We enjoy bringing human creativity and expression into our activities,” McCullum explained. “The people of the Archipelago do not need to be preached to; they are aware of the issues they face and want to do something about them. What we at the Foundation can do is look at ways to help them, developing solutions that fit their situation.” The next project in the pipeline is The Boat of Hope - a mobile education and learning center, which will ultimately enable the Foundation to spread their message of sustainability across the Koh Rong Archipelago and beyond. Currently still in the development stage, The Boat of Hope is perhaps the Hunters’ most daring venture to date. Oceans&Islands promises to bring you the latest developments as they arise.

MALAYSIA

Their first bold move was to put a swift stop to the dangerous fishing practices that threatened to devastate the Archipelago’s significant diversity of corals, fish, invertebrates, sponges and algae. A marine protected zone was established in 2006 – the first of its kind in Cambodia –triggering a long-overdue recovery of the regions eco-system and ultimately inspiring the Hunters to further commit themselves to their ecological and philanthropic mission.

SONG SAA

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HIGH PROFILE EXAMPLES OF GOVERNMENTS & CONSERVANCIES BUYING PRIVATE ISLANDS Often associated with beautiful beaches and beautiful people, private islands have long-since been the perfect fodder for exotic day-dreams. But as an increasing amount of famous names seek to offload their island abodes at bargain-basement prices, a new image of the private island market is emerging – presenting a reality far-removed from the traditional island dream. Since the onset of the global recession, some of the glamour associated with private island living seems to have faded, with prices sinking to levels not seen since 2003. With even celebrities preferring to rent rather than buy, demand has dropped, leaving the international island inventory at an all-time high - up an incredible 35% on pre-recession levels. Yet despite the increasing uncertainty about which direction this specialist corner of the real estate market is headed, one surprising group has emerged as a ready and willing buyer, accounting for almost a third of the worldwide island sales and over-taking private individuals to become the one of the most prolific buyers on the current international island market: governments and conservancies. Spurred on by low prices and the potential for political gain, governments – often supported by wealthy non-profit organisations and conservancy

groups – have spent the past 5 years rushing to buy back their countries’ islands, targeting primarily undeveloped islands across international destinations as far-flung as the United States, Canada, Europe and Oceania. The dominance of the governments and the conservancy groups is such that seasoned island broker Farhad Vladi, CEO of international island consultancy Vladi Private Islands, admitted to Oceans&Islands that such groups now count amongst his very best clients. In an attempt to establish the reasons behind this surprising new trend, we have taken an in-depth look at some of the most high-profile cases of the private islands that have already moved into public hands:

D’ARROS ISLAND

BORGLES ISLAND a particularly land formed Is s le rg o B f o ure Trust. The purchase va Scotia Nat o N e th r fo ilestone group’s 60th significant m conservancy e th g n ti n se pre a series As well as re me to a lake, o h , d n la is e site, th d shoreline is conservation s, and a rugge st re fo ld o n to date. of 10,000 year rse acquisitio e iv d lly ca gi een ost biolo nd has now b la is the trust’s m e th t, n e for developm scientists Once slated s, presenting n o ti ra e n ge ture stigate an secured for fu rtunity to inve o p p o e u iq n na and with the u flora and fau al su u n u f o ll ences. ecosystem fu external influ f o e e fr ly te comple

For such a tranquil piece of paradise, D’A rros Island attracts more than its fair share of headlines . Once the focal point of the tax evasion scandal surrounding Europe’s wealthiest woman, L’Oreal heiress Lilianne Bettencourt, it seems fitting that the islan d’s sale to Switzerland-based non-profit organization Save Our Seas Foundation also made waves in the international press. Forming part of what is perhaps the world’s most expensive island conservation program, the island has since been turned into a natural reserve, with particular efforts made to recover its original biodivers ity and further protect its turtle population.

HARBOR ISL AND

The Main e Coast Heritage shaped H Trust (M arbor Isla CHT) bo nd for U ber 2013 ught hea SD 2.35 . Hoping rtmillion in to preve ing the n Decemnt develo atural an pers fro d peacefu trust lat m destro l charact er found ye r o it f s t e h lf forced t e island, in financ o place t t h ia e l difficultie he island this year. s, and w back on Whilst t a s the mark he trust island, ho et earlie was una wever, th r b le to han ey were promise g on to able to m to conse the ake good rve it, su of deede o c n c e t heir eding in d provis creating ions that a series prevent even allo developm w (limite ent and d) public access.

PARADISE CALLING...

ISOLA BUDELLI ction, la Budelli at au o Is g in ir u q essfully ac businessDespite succ ealand-based Z ew N a – r alian idde post by the It e the winning b th to d e p ip himself p cial media man – found ternational so in an to g n ti array of Reac government. vercoming an o in d e d e e cials succ exercising campaign, offi leventh hour; e e th at s le bringhurd ic fashion and bureaucratic at m ra d in l first refusa fully securing their right of ands. Success h lic b u p to aches k in pink coral be s ing Budelli bac u o m fa ’s lli e as the Bud ionalization w the future of e island’s nat th , rs e n at w atio al ear nment and n ro and crystal cl vi n e e th r ictory fo said to be a “v dignity.”

Dive in to the world of Private Islands available to download now from the App Store.

By Anna Oposa, Chief Mermaid

n September 2012, I moved to Malapascua Island, Cebu, to pursue my most ambitious project yet: to intensify the protection of Monad Shoal as a working marine reserve. Monad Shoal, a seamount 8.16 km due east from Malapascua, is a cleaning station of thresher sharks (Alopias pelagicus). The sharks, with their trademark tails as long as their bodies, regularly visit Monad Shoal because of their significant relationship with resident Cleaner and Moon wrasses. This cleaning activity is unique to the Philippines, making these species valuable to Philippine tourism and the economy. Because the pelagic thresher shark is classed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN) Red List, the experience of diving with these sharks is even more special.

I have seen the threshers at their “salon” many times, but the feeling I get when I see them is still like the first time: excited and in awe. It never gets old. They swim slowly, with their tails undulating behind them, like the ribbon of a gymnast. Each time, I wonder, “How can people be scared of sharks?”

Saving sharks, saving us

Working in Malapasca Island allows me to see a microcosm of my country’s situation in marine conservation. It faces the same threats and issues that many of our coastal communities face, such as poor law enforcement, prioritizing the business sector’s gains over community development, and rampant corruption. I’ve seen some of the best and worst situations, from government officials abusing their power to teachers

doing their best to make their students learn about marine life despite their limited resources. The biggest challenge has always been to make people care about their own resources. Finding funding and other forms of support is much easier. In Malapascua, the principle I try to share is that by saving the sharks, we save ourselves through livelihood opportunities and a cleaner, healthier environment. During difficult situations, I find myself wondering if I’m being too idealistic to the point of being ridiculous, or if being idealistic and ridiculous is exactly what my country needs. The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands that’s been called the “centre of diversity on land and water,” and if we don’t take care of our own waters, who else will?

In addition to being a Councillor of the World Future Council, Anna Oposa works as a writer, public speaker and consultant. She is perhaps best known as the co-founder and Chief Mermaid of Save Philippine Seas, however - a movement aimed at protecting local marine resources by harnessing the power of social media and lobbying for better environmental law compliance. Anna is also a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum. In 2012, she became the first Filipino and youngest recipient ever of the Future for Nature Award. She is using her prize money for the protection of thresher sharks in Malapascua Island, Cebu.

Trouble in paradise

In November 2013, Malapascua and the rest of the Philippines faced its strongest typhoon yet. Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) was 600 km in diameter and had a wind speed of 255 kilometers per hour at its peak. Yolanda has been called “the perfect storm,” and it directly affected 10 million Filipinos in 51 cities and 41 provinces. But really, it felt like the whole Philippines stopped for over a week, with everyone doing what they could to help our fellow Filipinos in need. I was in Manila when Yolanda roared through the country on a Friday night. I was trying to contact my friends in Malapascua, who have become like family to me, to see if

they were safe. I couldn’t reach any of them because the lines had been down since the early afternoon. I had no news until Sunday at around 5 a.m., when I saw aerial shots of the island on Facebook. It looked like it was flattened, and all the well-loved landmarks were unrecognizable. Within a few hours, I found myself coordinating relief and rebuild efforts for my second home. I headed back to Malapascua after a few days with a boat full of relief goods and a heart full of sadness and courage. The place I knew so well suddenly became so unfamiliar because of the debris. A small boat was lodged in between branches of a tree. Houses collapsed into each other. Locals were rushing to acquire whatever goods they could get their hands on. A few were selling relief goods in stores. Others were helping their neighbours even if they had nothing for themselves. Again, it was the best and worst of times.

Anna Oposa

Resilience is reality

It’s back to business as usual in Malapascua and in a lot of Yolanda-hit areas. Or so it seems, with roads cleared, people back to work, and kids back in school. But there are still people without jobs, electricity is still unstable, and houses still need to be rebuilt. There is still so, so much work to be done.

As I write this, I am in Malapascua Island to check on the rebuilding of the school. Because of my close ties with the teachers and students, the school has been my organizations’ chosen beneficiary. Due to the limited number of construction workers and materials, we have a few months to go before the rebuild is complete. Yolanda wreaked havoc underwater too. I haven’t had the chance to see most of the dive sites yet, but dive operators have estimated 50-90% damage in selected areas. The sharks are still there — more sharks than usual. No one has a scientific explanation for the increase in number. But maybe, just maybe, they’re there to remind us that life goes on, even when we wish it wouldn’t. The world lauds the Philippines for being so “resilient,” for being able to rise in the face of adversity. But what we Filipinos don’t show is that we have no choice. Resilience is our reality.

Getting 40

g a Taste of Private Island Life

LAUCALA ISLAND

Getting a Taste of Private Island Life Currently operating at 85% self-sufficiency, Laucala Island is the living proof that when it comes to high-class cuisine you don’t have to import to impress.

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the private island

Hidden far beyond the island’s 25 chic bures lies Laucala’s

travel market during the past five years, the chances are

secret weapon: 240 acres of thriving farmland. Home to a

that you’ll have heard of Laucala Island. Blessed with

hydroponic nursery, a fruit orchard, a sprawling vegetable

beautiful beaches, lush tropical jungle and a level of luxury

& herb garden and even a fully-developed animal farm,

otherwise unknown to man, the island – owned by

Laucala is one of only a handful of private islands able grow

Red Bull impresario Dietrich Mateschitz – is a veritable

its own kitchen and spa supplies – no mean feat given the

Garden of Eden – paradise on earth beneath brillian blue

luxury tourist branch’s well-documented dependency on

Fijian skies.

imported food.

And whilst we’re willing to concede that the heady

Currently operating at 85% self-sufficiency, there’s no

combination of striking surroundings, soft sunshine

questioning the impressiveness of the island’s eco-ethos.

and sensational service may well have had some part to

What are the practical implications of powering 4 high-end

play in establishing Laucala’s enviable reputation as one

dining outlets only using items found within arm’s reach,

of the world’s top three island resorts, it wasn’t the breath-

though? Is it really possible to pander to the needs of the

taking beauty of the island but rather the impressive

jet-setting elite using only home-grown goods? Oceans &

behind-the-scenes set up that really caught the eye of the

Islands reporter Emma Sharples caught up with Executive

Oceans & Islands team.

Chef Anthony Healy earlier this year to find out more:

Interview Hi Anthony, thanks for taking the time to talk to Oceans

and three large hydroponic set-ups full of lettuce, vine crops

& Islands – how are things?

and more. On top of that, we always have an endless supply

We’re actually enjoying a bit of down-time at the moment

of reef fish to fall back upon – with the likes of rock cod,

whilst a few renovations take place. We’ve currently got

mahi-mahi, crayfish and lobster all within easy reach of the

about a week to go until we re-open [editor’s note - the island

resort. There are not too many other places who can offer

has since reopened] so we’re just working our way back into

this much diversity.

the swing of things – developing new menus, training staff

Whilst undoubtedly a positive development for the

and generally getting on top of the things we otherwise don’t

environment, self-sustainability is surely not without

have the time to do. I’ve also been doing a fair bit of spear-

its constraints? Is it still possible to cook without com-

fishing with some of the locals which has been great fun.

promise?

You’ve been working on Laucala for just over 6 months

There’s always going to be a certain level of compromise

now – how are you settling in?

– there’s no back-up option of ordering from a supplier.

Brilliant – to be honest with you, I didn’t think that jobs

Our menus are always based upon what is available on that

like this existed. During my career in the

particular day. It’s an interesting challenge –

hospitality business, I’ve been lucky enough

sometimes you just have to make the most

to have worked in some really top kitchens,

of what you have. We’re fortunate to have

but nothing compares to this. It’s just a

such a diverse array of fresh ingredients

completely different mentality. The owner

at our disposal though – when you’ve got

is also keen for us to support Fiji, and so

facilities like these on your doorstep, it’s

as well as making use of almost exclusively

surprising how little you miss. A little

local produce, we also work closely with

spontaneity certainly goes a long way!

the local people – of our 45-strong kitchen

Is culinary creativity and a well-stocked

team only 5 of us are expats, which makes for a great dynamic.

Anthony Healy Executive Chef

Has the island had any influence on

farm enough to eventually go 100% self-sufficient, or is that not realistic at this level?

your cooking?

There are certainly a few things that limit us at the

Absolutely - I’ve never had so much freedom to play

moment. The dairy situation in Fiji isn’t great, for example,

around with new ideas and to try new things. I’m constantly

so we do end up importing a lot of our dairy products. If

discovering something new – just a few weeks ago, I headed

a guest requests something really specific, such as foie-gras

out to the forest with a few of the local chefs to find out

or caviar, then obviously we have to fly them in, too. As we

more about what the locals eat and how I can combine them

develop the farm further though, we’re seeing fewer and

into my menus. I’m working with ingredients many people

fewer cases of this. All things considered, if given enough time,

have never heard of – Fijian asparagus, bread fruit, kava-

I’d say we definitely have the option of attaining 100% self-

kava… For a chef, it’s the Holy Grail.

sustainability.

Can you tell us a bit more about the organic approach

What new surprises await future guests?

to self-sufficiency on Laucala?

As well as new additions to the menu, we’re looking to

Paddock-to-plate is a huge trend back home in Australia,

extend our integral philosophy further by developing a new

but I’ve yet to see anything on the same scale of Laucala.

composting system to try and reduce amount the waste

We have the facilities to breed and slaughter our own pigs,

produced on the island. This will then be used in the

sheep, chickens and cattle (including 7 full-blooded Wagyu

vegetable gardens to provide even better conditions for the

cattle) and have a broad array of indigenous crops at our

fresh food produce.

disposal, including tropical fruits, Asian vegetables, herbs

MENU SEARED LINE-CAUGHT CORAL TROUT WITH A FILLED BABY PEPPER INGREDIENTS 4 x Baby Peppers 150 g white polenta 20 g preserved lemon (diced) 400 ml water 50 ml cream 20 g Parmigiano-Reggiano

1 2

4 coral trout fillets Vegetable Oil Olive Oil A knob of butter Freshly-squeezed lemon juice Micro-Coriander & Radish Cress

Polenta

Bring the water (400 ml) to a simmer and add the polenta (150 g), whisking well to combine. Once combined, turn down to low heat and continue cooking until all water has been absorbed, whisking all the way. Stir in the diced preserved lemon and a knob of butter, before working in the 50 ml cream. Finish off by grating 20 g of Parmigiano-Reggiano and leaving to stand.

Baby Pepper

In order to prepare the baby pepper, you must first remove the skin. To do so, either place the pepper over a gas flame and when well-charred, remove with a damp towel, or, place in a hot oven until the skin begins to blister and peel off carefully by hand. Once the skin is removed, slice across the top of the pepper (just below the stalk and taking care not to cut right through) and remove all the seeds from inside. Finally, add the cooked polenta from step 1 into a piping bag and fill the peppers with care. After placing the filled peppers onto a baking tray, drizzle with oil and season to taste, before placing in a moderate oven for 5 minutes.

Coral Trout

Whilst the peppers bake, season each side of your coral trout fillets before cooking skin-side down in a hot pan coated in vegetable oil. Cook each side for two minutes over a strong heat, before dressing with lemon juice and olive oil and garnishing with micro-coriander and radish cress.

The proliferation of plastic shows no signs of slowing down. An estimated 300 million tonnes are produced every year – much of which is used just once, before being cast aside and left to rot. Many scientists now believe that it’s only a matter of time before our disposable lifestyle catches up with us and truly takes its toll on the environment – indeed, the warning signs are already in place. It is estimated that 6.4 million tonnes of rubbish makes its way into the sea on an annual basis, with reports from the United Nations suggesting that 142 million tonnes of plastic waste have already accumulated across the ocean’s surfaces. The propagation of plastic trash was most recently highlighted during the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, where search and rescue efforts were further complicated by the untold quantities of unrelated ocean debris.

The problem is by no means exclusive to the IndoPacific region, however. Plastic can be found in each and every one of our oceans, crossing scores of international boundaries to invade even the most remote places on Earth. A recent scientific study of the European sea-bed painted a particularly bleak picture, highlighting that our trash can now be found in all marine habitats, from the shores to the ocean surface and – most shockingly - onto several deep-sea sites not yet explored by humans.

As if such stories weren’t depressing enough, the damaging detritus also has catastrophic consequences for international ocean dwellers. As well as acting as a sort-of transportation device for invasive species (potentially disrupting habitats), marine debris also forms a physical threat for many marine mammals, turtles and sea-birds, all of whom are at acute risk of death by ingestion or entrapment. The physical manifestations brought about by our plastic dependency are just the beginning of our problems, however. Once in the ocean, plastic does not simply disappear but rather breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces - part of a lengthy decomposition process which takes 100s of years to complete, all the while emitting tiny toxins which wreak havoc on our ocean ecosystems. From bottom feeders to apex predators and then on to humans, these poisonous micro-plastic polymers slowly work their way through the food chain, bringing with them a whole host of health risks. Already proven to cause liver damage to fish, micro-plastic pollutants have also been linked to reproductive and development problems – food for thought the next time you pick up a plastic bag at the supermarket. 50

Plasti

The search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 revealed our oceans to be filled with human waste, with potentially catastrophic consequences for our marine ecosystems.

ic fantastic?

ISLAND QUIZ Which is your Dream Island?

The Oceans&Islands team has devised a handy quiz to help you establish which type of island best suits your needs. Simply answer all the questions as honestly as possible, make a note of which colour you ticked off the most and then turn the page to find out which private island is the perfect one for you… Where are you most likely to be found?

What is your idea of the perfect night out?

In the great outdoors, surrounded by nature

An active evening filled with sport and exercise

In a cosy log cabin, enjoying the peace and quiet

Sitting along the water’s edge, watching the sun go down

At home with my family

Getting pampered in a luxury spa, before getting wined and dined at a swanky restaurant

In an opulent mansion, unwinding on a luxury recliner

A leisurely stroll through the woods How would you best describe yourself? A demanding and discerning connoisseur An adventurous dare-devil Always surrounded by family and friends The quiet-type – I like to keep myself to myself

Which of the following accessories is a must-have in your island abode? A photo of my family A self-made hand-carved wooden mask An expensive, porcelain vase from the Han-Dynasty None – decorations like these do nothing but gather dust

Have all these stories of exotic islands got you dreaming of escaping to your own private island empire? You’re not alone – owning an island is a dream shared by many. From luxurious hideaways to far-flung castaway islands and everything in between, there’s something to suit all tastes on the island market. But how do you know which is the right one for you?

Is it necessary for the island to have a building permit or at least that a building permit may be applied for or is this not of importance to you?

In which climate zone should your island be located, where palm trees grow or preferably where the climate encourages the growth of fir forests?

A building permit is important

Palm tree

A building permit is not required

Fir tree

Would you prefer an island with sand beaches or preferably an island with more steep boundaries, for example, a cliff? Beach Cliff

What kind of budget expectations do you have for your dream island? < USD 100,000 > USD 1,000,000 < USD 7,500,000 > USD 7,500,000

Would you prefer an isolated location of an island or an island located close to the mainland? Isolated location Location close to the mainland Location farily close to the mainland Location very close to mainland & paved roads

Should your island be developed or undeveloped? Developed Undeveloped Make your private island dream come true… Turn the page to find out the results 53

Dream Island Quiz: The Results Which private island is the one for you?

TAIARO ATOLL French Polynesia

DAVID ISLAND Nova Scotia, Canada

Have rucksack, will travel. You’re an adventurer – a real-life Robinson Crusoe who only needs the bare necessities to have a good time. Shunning hotels for the great outdoors, you’re more likely to be found enjoying the local hospitality than splashing the cash in a swanky restaurant. Always open to new ideas, your journeys inspire and influence in equal measure, giving you the energy to feed your active imagination. All you need is a blank canvas to let your creativity flow.

A good book, a roaring fire and a roof over your head are all you need for a good time. You’re always looking for an opportunity to leave the modern world behind, leaving you the time and space to concentrate on the more important things in life. A few modern comforts wouldn’t go amiss – an electricity connection and a water supply – but they’re by no means a must.

The Taiaro Atoll is your next big adventure. Far away from civilisation, a staggering 350 miles of deep, blue water separate this eye-catching atoll from Tahiti, affording you with all the space you could possibly need to start over anew. Comprising of almost 1,500 acres of verdant land and a further 3,000 acre lagoon, the scenery on Taiaro will quite literally take your breath away. Indeed, there’s barely another place on earth as beguiling as this exceptional island escape.

If that sounds like you, David Island could well be a dream come true. Located in Canada’s Atlantic Province, Nova Scotia, this petite private island promises all the peace and quiet you could possibly need. Home to nothing but a small log cabin and five acres of unspoiled terrain, on David Island, there’s nothing to distract you from your daydreams.

CARBERY ISLAND Ireland, Europe

BUCK ISLAND British Virgin Islands

Your family is your world – you need an island with plenty of space for your loved ones and which can stand up to the wear and tear of everyday life. Comfort is a priority – the first things you look for when searching for a property are the number of bedrooms and the size of the kitchen. Accessibility is a must, as is a large living room – the beating heart of family life.

Only the best is good enough. You have a taste for the finer things in life and a budget to match. The thought of palm-fringed white beaches and cerulean seas are what really get your heart racing. We won’t find you camping out under star-lit skies, however; indeed, you’ll settle for nothing less than a private island palace, complete with space for an entourage of butlers, masseurs and gourmet chefs.

There’s fun for all the family on Carbery Island – a picturesque private island retreat just off the south-western coast of Ireland, close to the charming fishing villages of Bantry and Schull. Boasting everything you need to turn a house into a home, the island’s traditional stone cottage promises plenty of space for guests whilst still retaining its cosy atmosphere. Be sure to brave the bracing weather conditions and take a stroll through your rugged surroundings - if you’re lucky, you might even stumble across a herd of seals!

Setting the bar for private island luxury, we’ve a feeling you’ll soon feel at home on Buck Island – an expansive 43 acre island in the beautiful British Virgin Islands. Home to a breath-taking seven bedroom villa, two guest villas and an indulgent infinity pool, it’s easy to see why Buck Island is widely considered to be one of the best islands on the market – and that’s before we mention the stunning surroundings…

WORLD OCEAN REVIEW The World Ocean Review (WOR) series is dedicated to raising the public’s awareness for a more effective protection of the seas. The first World Ocean Review is a comprehensive, detailed and unique report about the state of the world’s oceans and their interplay with ecological, economic and sociopolitical conditions. Its aim is to increase public awareness of the interconnected nature of the diverse aspects of the marine environment and thus to boost marine conservation. The second in the series (WOR 2) focuses on the future of fish and their exploitation. WOR 3 explores comprehensively the issues surrounding marine resources including crude oil and natural gas for the increasing global energy consumption.

WWW.WORLDOCEANREVIEW.COM

PHOTO CREDITS Cover photo: 2014 iStockphoto p. 03 right by www.mariaschiffer.com p. 07 by Ian Shive pp. 08-09 by Ian Shive p. 10 Paul Collins, istockphoto pp. 12-13 Amanda Cotton 2008, istockphoto pp. 14-15 by Farhad Vladi pp. 16-19 courtesy of The Brando p. 20 Gregg Yan, istockphoto p. 21 left by istockphoto, right by istockphoto pp. 22-23 by Richard Maas p. 23 top right courtesy of Tavanipupu Island p. 25 Bird Island Seychelles & Gregor Kervina www.gregsi.com pp. 26-27 Song Saa Private Island, Sunya Thadathanawong p. 28 left: courtesy of Song Saa Private Island, right by Sunya Thadathanawong p. 29 by Markus Gortz pp. 30-31 by Markus Gortz p. 31 top right by Sunya Thadathanawong p. 33 courtesy of Vamizi Island p. 34 left Buck Island: courtesy of island owner pp. 34-35 Isola Budelli pp. 36-37 iStockphoto p. 38 by Fukuchin Daio pp. 40-49 courtesy of Laucala Island pp. 50-51 Michael Patrick O‘Neill / www.oceanwideimages.com pp. 52-53 Buck Island: courtesy of island owner p. 54 left Taiaro Atoll: courtesy of island owner, right by David Burns p. 55 left by Farhad Vladi, bottom left Carbery Island: courtesy of island owner; right by Buck Island: courtesy of island owner pp. 56-57 courtesy of Royal Davui

WWW.OCEANSANDISLANDS.ORG 57

CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF PRIVATE ISLANDS?

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