136 Pageviews Read Stories
Causes: Animals, Biological & Life Sciences, Environment, Natural Resources Conservation & Protection, Protection of Endangered Species
Mission: We fund bear research, especially in underfunded developing countries where most of the world's 8 species of bears live. Six of the bear species are considered to be at risk of extinction. IBA works to train the next generation of international bear biologists through support of regional workshops, conference travel grants, and an on-site work exchange program. IBA's members are scientists and educators who work to fill gaps in fundamental knowledge of bear ecology and distribution, disseminate information on effective management strategies,and find workable local solutions to bear-human conflicts and unsustainable bear mortality.
Results: Over 200 research projects funded and some of the graduate students we supported have grown into experts in their fields and founded bear conservation societies of their own.
Target demographics: bear conservation and human-wildlife conflict
Direct beneficiaries per year: 8 international bear research projects and 19 exchange grants
Geographic areas served: all countries inhabited by the 8 species of bears
Programs: funding for field research with no overhead, loaning equipment for researchers in developing countries, training the next generation of conservation scientists by matching researchers with experts through Experience & Exchange grants, travel grants for developing researchers to attend international conferences, and supporting regional bear workshops.