Jon Bowermaster Reports In From Ibo Island

World explorer and National Geographic journeyman Jon Bowermaster has been updating his ‘Notes From Sea Level” blog quite regularly.  Jon is currently reporting in from Ibo Island–a single island from a string of 32 found off the coast of Mozambique.  Jon really gives us an inside look of this little known island and makes us feel like we are right there with him.  In his first Ibo Island post, Jon gives a nice overview of the island, where it lies, and some of the history.  Oddly enough, Ibo Island’s main business came about in the 1800’s with the trading of ivory and slaves-two things that thankfully are no longer exported.

Ibo Island may also be the only African nation that has an abundance of fresh water.

In Jon’s second post from Ibo Island, Jon takes a look at some of the music and culture associated with this island.  He puts up a couple of nice videos documenting the musical heritage that has been passed down for generations.  It is a neat post and makes us realize why Jon is considered one of the hardest working explorers in the world.  Thanks for the reports, Jon.

Jon Bowermaster: Exploring The Maldives

Jon Bowermaster, famed National Geographic explorer and adventurer, has left the confines of Antarctica to explore the warmer climates of The Maldive Islands.  The Maldives comprise of roughly 1,190 islands scattered across 500 miles of pristine ocean.

Jon will be surveying the area that many claim will be the first to sink into the Oceans if the oceans’ water continues to rise.  Jon hints that a new documentary may be in the works for this project later this year.  He will be studying the effects of the rising waters on the environment, as well as the nearly 400,000 people that call these islands home.

Jon first came in touch with The Maldives while reporting on tsunamis last year for the New York Times.  The original plans included making a documentary about the devastation that a tsunami can bring to these island nations.  In recent months interest has shifted to the alarming rate that the water is rising around these islands.  The water is rising so fast, in fact, the President of The Maldives is looking into purchasing land in another country so that his people have a place to go if, indeed, the islands do sink.  That’s a pretty scary thought!

Jon Bowermaster will be giving daily reports and blog posts from The Maldives, giving us some insight into what Jon is seeing and his thoughts on this devastating situation.  You can follow along with Jon at his “Notes From Sea Level“, or at his personal blog:  http://www.jonbowermaster.com.