Politics & Government

Malibu Partners with SurfAid to Adopt Sister Surf Paradise

"Both Malibu and the Mentawai Islands are iconic cradles of surfing culture that are faced with the duty of preserving their natural beauty," Malibu Mayor Lou La Monte said.

The city of Malibu recently partnered with the nonprofit SurfAid to adopt the Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra, Indonesia as a Sister Surf Paradise.

"Both Malibu and the Mentawai Islands are iconic cradles of surfing culture that are faced with the duty of preserving their natural beauty," Malibu Mayor Lou La Monte said. "Given our shared values of environmental stewardship, public health, education and community, the City is pleased to endorse SurfAid's commitment to advancing these values in the islands of Western Indonesia."

SurfAid is a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the lives of people living in isolated regions around the world connected by the sport of surfing.

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Among its work, SurfAid leads educational programs on emergency preparedness on the islands off West Sumatra. The Mentawai Islands are located on one of the world's most active earthquake zones, which can trigger devastating tsunamis.

In 2010, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake generated a tsunami that killed 500 in Mentawai.

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"By adopting the Mentawai Islands as a Sister Surf Paradise, the City of Malibu has demonstrated integrity and leadership that will help eradicate preventable suffering of the Mentawai people," said Dr. Dave Jenkins, founder and medical director of SurfAid.

"What we will accomplish together will echo on for generations and exemplify the importance of local and global citizenship."

More information about SurfAid is available at www.surfaid.org.


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