Whitney is currently a
National Geographic Explorer and Marine Ecologist with the
Pristine Seas Project.
The mission of the project is to explore and protect the vital places in the ocean.
Pristine Seas works with local communities, Indigenous Peoples, governments and partners
to protect our ocean, but also areas that have been somehow degraded by human activities,
so they can bounce back. Marine life thrives in these marine protected areas and provides
multiple benefits to people, from food and coastal protection to jobs and economic revenue.
Video appearances for the National Geographic Society:
Whitney no longer posts stories here. However, here is a random post from earlier blog stories . . .
One week in Cambodia
Kampuchea! Nik and I spent a little over a week in Cambodia, in the bustling capital city of Phnom Penh and the cheery town of Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat. Although our time in Cambodia was short, we were able to get a wonderful glimpse at the personality and energy of the country and its people. It was a week that fell right in line with the splendor of the rest of our journey through the southeast thus far. And now for an unorganized smattering of commentary on aspects of that week...
Monkey on a street corner in Phnom Penh
People
The people of Cambodia are some of my favorite people of Southeast Asia. It's amazing because the tumultuous history of the Khmer people can still be felt and seen in the streets, the buildings, and the population, yet these people were some of the smiliest, friendliest, most genuine and gentle people I have ever encountered.
It was only about 30 years ago that the country endured the regime of the Khmer Rouge, a period of bloodshed, starvation, and genocide. Also, due to US efforts in the 1970's to flush out the Viet Cong, Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, and de-limbed mine victims are a common sight in the streets of the cities. Physical and sociological stuggles are undeniably present within the Khmer people, but they come with smiles and easy laughter that light them up as an incredibly resilient nation.
Some of the smiley children of Siem Reap
Posted by Whitney 12/03/2008, revised 12/05/2008
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