Asian Conservation Training (ACT) Program
Burgeoning economies, rapid population growth and an unregulated approach to development have placed unprecedented stress on the environment in South East Asia. As South East Asian countries modernise and move into the developed world they too must confront their impact on global environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity decline and food security. Whilst South East Asia has a long and accomplished history of scientific research and knowledge, the recent need for environmental research has led to a shortage of environmental problem solving capacity in the region. The Asian Conservation Training (ACT) Program works to address this growing need for environmental conservation by providing opportunities for young scientists and conservation workers to experience cutting edge environmental research and build strong professional networks across the region.
Since 1999 Earthwatch Australia has been increasing environmental science capacity in Asian countries.
The ACT program seeks to strenghen co-operation and increase networking and information sharing amongst Asian scientists and conservation workers, as well as engage local communities in protecting their own environment.
ACT teams are tailored to include training lectures and workshops in areas relevant to the group such as experimental design, data analysis, results dissemination, influencing policy and stakeholder engagement. Upon return from their ACT Fellowship, participants are better equipped to implement environmental research and education initiatives and have the skills to facilitate knowledge transfer to improve the capacity of the organisations for which they work.
Read about how Cheryl Kaur from the Maritime Institute of Malaysia enhanced her field research skills through participating on the Asian Conservation Training program.