[Satellite Today – 5-27-08] SES New Skies has renewed its support for The Nature Conservancy, a leading conservation organization, the company said May 26. The renewed support comes in the form of the provision of optimal satellite capacity to the organization, which works around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters.

    The Nature Conservancy has more than one million members and has protected more than 117 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers in over 30 countries around the world. The non-profit organization also operates more than 100 marine conservation projects globally.

    In terms of its relationship with SES New Skies, the Nature Conservancy notably relies on SES New Skies satellite links to help monitor the fragile eco-system of the Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific, which it aims to preserve for future generations. The pristine waters of Palmyra harbor five times as many coral species as the Florida Keys, and its shores offer one of the few nesting areas for seabirds within 450,000 square miles. The lush vegetation of Palmyra’s islets offers an untouched sanctuary to many rare and endangered species.