I was born in the month of July which, in theory, makes me a zodiacal water baby. So, why is it that this particular crab is so frightened of water?

The next project on my UN sustainable goal list is Number 14. Life below water. So, as I ‘grasp the next nettle’, working all day in a wetsuit, I know that those shaking knees will not be from cold sea water, but from fear. I love to be near the sea, to watch it, be inspired by it, but to put my body in it, to swim, snorkel or, God forbid, dive in it, the thought turns me in to a water baby wimp.

UN Sustainable goal number 14. The health of the seas are essential to our very existence. They cover 3/4 of the planet’s surface and contain 97% of all water. They are a vital carbon sink. Alarmingly, though, the ph and temperature of the water is increasing, to the point where marine life is threatened and the climate is destabilised. Levels of pollution are well documented, with 15 million tonnes of rubbish thought to be deposited in to the sea annually. Grim, grim, grim.

My next project takes me nearer to the issues. On Wednesday I fly to Madagascar where I will stay for the month of March. Joining the Madagascar Research and Conservation institute ( MRCI). An NGO set up in 2013 to carry out environment research, community development and education in Madagascar.

Most of my time on the project, days and many nights, will be spent searching for, all things, turtles. Primarily the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles (main picture) and endangered Green turtle.

The project is located on a small island, Nosy Ambariovato, situated off the North West Coast of Madagascar. A volcanic island of no roads, no cars and a trek to a likely precarious Internet connection. Readers, please expect blog posts to come in short intermittent bursts.

Location of Madagascar, the North and Nosy Ambariovato.

Madagascar mirrors most countries. Where the UN sustainable goal targets are only a small part of the country’s overall economic development plan. This is a country concentrating on diversifying its economy, to pull itself out of economic stagnation and poverty.

The chart below shows Madagascar’s current priorities. The very small dark blue spot is Goal number 14 and has the smallest showing. This despite being the custodian of some of the world’s most important species of marine life.

The islands off the west coast of Madagascar below. That beautiful, beautiful sea….

Would I not prefer to just sit on that beach sipping Mojitos? I would be lying if I didn’t say, yes. A part of me wishes this, but then I know the adrenalin rush of overcoming something you fear, and seeing nature,’ in the raw’. Its like taking Mojitos intravenously. It get’s to your blood faster, and lasts far, far longer.

Hope you can come along for the ride. Mojitos not included.