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About Oikonos
Oikonos is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization working locally and internationally to increase ecosystem knowledge through science, art, technology, education, and applied conservation.
The name Oikonos is derived from Greek and Latin roots and is pronounced "oi·kô´·nôs."
The literal translation of "oikos" is home. It is commonly applied to "earth as home" and the word ecology is derived from it. The root "konos" is derived from the Latin "cognoscere," which means to recognize, learn, inquire or examine. Hence we define Oikonos as ecosystem knowledge.
Oikonos' logo is an egg from a seabird related to the extinct Great Auk that is known as the Common Murre (pronounced MER). The genus name Uria (YOU-rih-ah) is from the Greek ourein, to dive. The species name aalge (AHL-geh) is the Scandinavian word for bird.
These expert divers lay a single egg in a breeding season that varies in color from cream to bright aqua. The squiggly pigments also vary greatly. The egg is pyriform or pear-shaped which prevents it from rolling off of the steep, crowded, nesting cliffs. A Murre egg would fill your palm as it is larger than a chicken egg. Both parents share some responsibility for incubation, using close neighbors and sharp bills to protect their egg from predators. After approximately 28 days, the chick breaks the shell, and hatches.
This marine bird inhabits oceans and islands of the Pacific and Atlantic Northern Hemisphere. Known in some regions as the Common Guillemot (Atlantic), Allpaq (Alutiiq Alaskan Yupik), Trottellumme (German), or Langvía (Icelandic).
As Oikonos' logo, an egg has diverse meanings, representing systems that are connected, interdependent, and changing.
Art by Sophie Webb © 2002
Oikonos deeply appreciates all the support we have received from funders, colleagues, friends, family, and extended community. Some of the generous support has been provided by the following individuals and organizations.
- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation - in support of Albatross research
- ESRI - GIS mapping and analysis software donation in 2003 - 2006
- Abbey Road Press - Penelope Adams donated her design and printing services
- Año Nuevo Island Restoration Team - click here for a list and photos
- Advanced Energy Group - equipment donations in support of the Nest Predator Project
- The Adams: Josh, Caesar and friend Seth - Greek scholars
- Dr. David Ainley - Overall support and science advisor
- EPIC, Adam Brown and Natalia Collier - non-profit advisors and support network
- MaryEtta Hester - Startup donation
- Steve Howell - Name creation and general constructive criticism
- Virginia McDermott - Accounting guru
- Moss Landing Marine Labs Native Plant Team, Peter Slattery, Kristy Uschyk, John Oliver - Año Nuevo Island Project Advisors
- OCSC Sailing - For providing us with meeting space
- Rob McDaniel (Chairman Mao-Mao), Zenmark - Wordbreeding and overall enthusiasm
- Breck Tyler - Año Nuevo Project Advisor
- Sophie Webb - Creation of Oikonos' Egg
- Sasha Wizansky - Web design advice and assistance
- Deborah Manetta - Donation in support of Año Nuevo Island Restoration
- State Coastal Conservancy - in support of Año Nuevo Island Restoration
- The Collier Family - donation in support of Oikonos
| April 2006 |
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© 2008 Oikonos
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