Earthwatch Expeditions, Inc. Overview

Geographic areas served: Worldwide

Programs: The Research ProgramEarthwatch supports scientific field research related to sustainable development conducted by leading scientists in a broad range of disciplines, from habitat management to healthcare.. Find past grant recipients and application guidelines at www.earthwatch.org/research.The Conservation ProgramEarthwatch promotes the establishment of strategic international and community partnerships in conjunction with multi-disciplinary research projects in some of the world's outstanding areas of ecological and cultural value. Earthwatch Conservation Research Initiatives (CRIs) are flagship projects that address complex environmental issues in Australia, Kenya, Brazil, and Belize. In each CRI, local conservation needs and goals are collaboratively defined with partner organizations, local community members, and environmental organizations. By engaging communities in setting priorities and securing their investment throughout the process, Earthwatch implements an effective community-based conservation model. Find more on CRIs at www.earthwatch.org/conservation.The Education ProgramEarthwatch is a respected leader in the field of experiential education. To date, more than 3,500 students and 4,000 classroom teachers have received career training and inspiration on Earthwatch expeditions. Fellowships funded by individuals, foundations, and corporations allow educators to teach "live" from the field through the latest communications technology or to improving the quality of geography education in classrooms. More info, and applications found at www.earthwatch.org/education.The Volunteer ProgramIn 2005, 4,190 volunteers hailed from all 50 US states and 79 countries. Volunteers are drawn from the public, as well as from key constituencies such as educators, corporations, artists, communities local to project sites, and partner organizations. Volunteer teams are intergenerational. They include professionals, students, educators, managers/administrators, scientists, engineers, and computer workers, and retirees. 94 percent have attended or graduated from college and 41 percent have a post-graduate degree. One third of Earthwatch Institute volunteers each year are returning volunteers, and several have participated on more than 50 projects.Earthwatch team members share the costs of research expeditions and cover food and lodging expenses with a pro-rated contribution. In 2006, expedition costs range from $395 to over $4,000, averaging $2,200 for 2-21 day team duration. No prior skills are required, except scuba certification for diving projects.Public OutreachThe Earthwatch Institute web site at www.earthwatch.org encompasses over 3,000 pages of in-depth project descriptions, Expedition Briefings, photos, news releases, and educational resources.Earthwatch experiences can have profound impacts on volunteers' lives, often changing how return volunteers think and act in their communities. The organization is aided by a network of over 150 Field Representatives in 39 US states and Canada. These veteran Earthwatch volunteers organize events and educational outreach, working toward Earthwatch's goal of building an engaged citizenry. Field Reps are listed at www.earthwatch.org/aboutew/fieldreps.htmlMembershipEarthwatch's 14,300 US members hail from all 50 states. Members receive the Earthwatch Institute Expedition Guide describing expeditions, and three issues of the Earthwatch Journal, as well as an e-Newsletter, with news, events, and expedition announcements. Earthwatch Europe membership tops 6,500.