New Issue: Blue Belt Programme 10th Anniversary (Tristan da Cunha)

Apologies for not doing a few more reviews in the last week. There have been some fantastic new issues from around the world so Xanthe and I will try to update you with them in the next few days.

The first one is from Tristan da Cunha and celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Blue Belt Programme.

The programme has three "key pillars": Climate, Nature and People.

The Tristan da Cunha Marine Protected Zone was established in 2021 and is an internationally recognised Blue Park. It covers almost 700,000 km² and protects more than 90% of Tristan’s waters. Supported by the Blue Belt Programme, it combines marine conservation with the sustainable management of Tristan’s traditional Rock Lobster fishery.

The four stamps in this set show the Programme's work in the local area.

£0.75 – Climate: Fisheries staff installing underwater temperature loggers to monitor changes in the marine environment.

£1.00 – Nature: The endangered Northern Rockhopper Penguin, one of Tristan da Cunha’s most iconic seabirds.

£1.50 – Nature: A Broadnose Sevengill Shark recorded using Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) for marine research and monitoring.

£2.00 – People: Tristan Rock Lobster tagging, supporting the sustainable management of the island’s important lobster fishery.

Design Quality - The TDC Marine Protected Zone is a Blue park, and the stamps are very obviously blue. That is very deliberate and makes them feel very marine themed. Logos show aspects the programme's work (climate, nature and people). The detailed photography works very well for this theme, especially the images of nature. There is also a map of Tristan da Cunha on the Rockhopper Penguin stamp. 8/10 Theme/Subject Choice - It is the 10th anniversary of an organisation that does vital work locally. 10/10

Historical and Cultural Relevance - It's a relatively new organisation that only has 10 years of history. However, this is an anniversary so there is some historical value and it has some cultural relevance to Tristan da Cunha as it doing significant work there to support nature and climate. 7/10

Innovation and Creativity - It's a clever design combining use of logos, maps and photography. 7/10

Collectability - These touch on themes that many collectors like, such as nature, birds and sea life. 7/10

Personal Appeal - I have just started collecting penguin stamps so this has a lot of interest to be because of the Rockhopper Penguin. But I think even without that this is an excellent issue that celebrates local nature and the vital work of local conservationists. 9/10 Overall Score - 48/60