Earthwatch supports long-term scientific field research that tackles the world's most pressing environmental problems.
Our aim is to leave a positive legacy for future generations. To achieve this, Earthwatch works with leading scientists and local communities around the world to understand the issues and take action to create a sustainable environment.
Earthwatch makes grants of over AU$6 million in support of over 100 scientific research projects every year. This is achieved by recruiting around 4000 volunteers worldwide from the public and partner organisations to share the costs of the research and join in as field assistants. This model provides essential funding for long-term research and a workforce of committed volunteers.
Volunteers help scientists to collect data, make and record observations, radio track animals, census flora and fauna, run transect and quadrat studies and become involved in many other research tasks. Often the biggest benefits come to those scientists who envisage new and ambitious roles for volunteers who never cease to amaze us with what they can achieve.
Earthwatch supported research aims to address pressing global environmental issues. Specifically we focus on four Research Areas: Climate Change, Ecosystem Services, Oceans and Cultural Heritage.
We are currently seeking proposals for projects in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and South East Asia, from ecologists, conservation scientists, archaeologists, palaeontologists, anthropologists, social scientists and others.
For 2012 we are particularly interested in cultural heritage and archaeological projects although we will accept applications from across our four research areas.
Contact Chris Gillies (Research Officer) earth@earthwatch.org.au for more information on how to apply.
Read some of the things Earthwatch has achieved over its history.