Misool Basefin, the eco-charity arm of Misool Eco Resort, are one of the top 10 finalists in Rare and National Geographic‘s Solution Search: Turning the Tide for Coastal Fisheries. This is a global contest to recognize community-based innovations for near-shore fisheries based on proven success stories.

The finalists are up for a public vote that ends on 24 December. The winning entry will receive a $20,000 grant and will be featured in National Geographic. If you have time, please make your way to the contest’s site and vote.

Misool Eco Resort’s charitable foundation Misool Baseftin Selected as Finalist in Rare and National Geographic’s Solution Search for Community-Based Marine Conservation Projects.

Public Invited to Choose Top Three and Help Decide the $20,000 Winner.

WASHINGTON. (November 16, 2011) – Today, Misool Eco Resort’s charitable foundation Misool Baseftin, was selected as one of the 10 finalists of Solution Search. Solution Search is an innovative online platform launched in partnership by Rare and National Geographic to find proven community-based solutions for global environmental issues. The first contest, “Turning the Tide for Coastal Fisheries,” sought applications from organizations worldwide that demonstrate proven innovations which benefit coastal communities and marine ecosystems.

Through December 24, 2011, the general public can vote online for Misool Baseftin’s solution titled, “Defending the Heart of Marine Biodiversity: Community Stewardship of Raja Ampat’s Reefs” to be the grand prize winner.

“For too long the conservation community has focused on problems,” says Brett Jenks, president and CEO of Rare. “But there are a lot of working solutions in remote parts of the planet. Local communities are the R&D labs of conservation. We have to find what’s working and make it available where it’s needed. We are excited to invite the public to be engaged in this process”

Over 100 entries were submitted from 48 countries around the world. A panel of seven esteemed judges selected the 10 finalists. The entry that receives the most votes will be declared the grand prize winner and be awarded a US $20,000 project grant and a video on National Geographic’s The Ocean website. Two runners-up will each receive a US $5,000 project grant.

All of the top 10 finalists will be eligible to become a model for replication through Rare’s global Pride campaigns (Rare’s signature program that engages communities to build pride around unique natural assets through social marketing). Public voting will close December 24, 2011 and the winners will be announced on January 6, 2012.

“It is truly inspiring to see other innovative solutions for coastal fisheries management,” says Marit Miners of Misool Baseftin. “We are honoured to be included as one of the finalists of Search Solution.”

The public is encouraged to check out www.solutionsearch.org from Nov. 16, 2011, to Dec. 24, 2011, to vote for the solution they think is most likely to turn the tide on coastal fisheries.