 |
 |
Project Spotlight
|
Welcome to Givewell's Project Spotlight. Each month we highlight a project for which a charity is currently seeking funds. We also provide details on how to give directly for this project.
Background Information: Earthwatch facilitates and promotes the understanding necessary for a sustainable environment through support for scientific research and public education. It believes that achieving a sustainable future requires objective scientific data from the field, but also, that to be effective, we must engage people directly in the scientific process. Earthwatch operates in more than 40 countries worldwide, with Earthwatch Australia in operation for more than 25 years and in 2009 it was honoured with the Prime Minister's Australian Environmentalist of the Year Award. Presented at the recent Banskia Environmental Foundation Awards, Earthwatch received this accolade for supporting the work of environmental researchers and inspiring a generation of informed and enthusiastic citizen scientists. Project Description: Australia's unique biodiversity is under stress from impacts such as changes to land use and water flows, salinity, invasive species, over-harvesting of species and climate change. If we are to successfully respond to these issues, an evidence-based approach which involves the community is required. Earthwatch’s Scientist for a Day program allows volunteer ‘citizen scientists’ to join some of Australia’s leading environmental scientists in the field and contribute valuable data to long-term research projects. In Moreton Bay, volunteers are helping Dr Kathy Townsend assess the impact of plastic waste on sea turtles, while in Sydney volunteers are helping to unlock the mysteries of Sydney Harbour with Dr Peter Banks. Scientist for a Day teams not only contribute much needed data to scientific research, they inspire people to make a lifetime of difference at home, at work and their local communities. Earthwatch hopes to roll out projects in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth during 2009. Project Outcomes: In addition to giving people the chance to contribute to genuine conservation research, Earthwatch projects have many positive learning outcomes, particularly for high school students, early career scientists and those looking to work in the conservation field. The research techniques, teamwork experience and communication skills gained during an Earthwatch project are essential to such participants and transfer easily to the benefit of their daily lives. The anticipated outcomes of the Scientist for a Day research program are:
Can donors/grant makers give directly for this project? Yes. If so, how? All donations over $2 are tax deductible and can be made via:
Caroline Bayer, Manager Partnerships & Supporter Relations Ph: (03) 9682 6828 Email: cbayer@earthwatch.org.au Web: www.earthwatch.org Previous Project Spotlights
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |