Frequently Asked Questions

About Earthwatch
Expeditions: Your Experience
Expeditions: The Research
Expeditions: Costs
Expeditions: Logistics
Expeditions: Other Questions
Responsible Operations

About Earthwatch

WHAT IS EARTHWATCH?
Earthwatch is a non-campaigning international environmental charity that works to promote the understanding and action necessary to achieve a sustainable environment. We pursue this mission in a truly unique way - by engaging people in scientific field research around the world. We use the research we generate to inform policy and management of the environment. We engage people in that research to create understanding of environmental problems to inspire positive environmental action at home, at work, and in the community.

IS EARTHWATCH A FOR-PROFIT COMPANY?
No. Earthwatch is a charity, but because our expeditions are the most visible face of the organisation, we are often misconstrued as an adventure travel, ecotourism, or 'voluntourism' company. Not only are we not-for-profit, our expeditions offer experiences that are very different from those of for-profit "tour operators."

WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT AN EARTHWATCH EXPEDITION?
The term "expedition" has different meanings to different people. In the Earthwatch context, an expedition is an opportunity to join a small team of volunteers who work together under the tutelage of well respected, expert scientists to carry out scientific field research of great importance. Earthwatch expeditions are not adventure travel tours, nor ecotourism holidays, nor simple volunteering placements. Earthwatch expeditions are genuine, immersive field research experiences for people who want to join others in doing something positive to help solve environmental problems.

HOW IS EARTHWATCH FUNDED?
Many people believe that all of Earthwatch's work is funded by the contributions of volunteers who pay to go on Earthwatch expeditions. While this is not the case, if you are of this opinion, you are not alone. The fact is that, in 2008, contributions from expedition volunteers funded just 32 per cent of the costs of Earthwatch's international activities. The majority of costs - 57 per cent - were funded by companies, charitable trusts and foundations, international institutions, and government agencies. Just eight per cent of activities were funded by individual memberships and donations. The remaining three per cent came from other sources.

WHY IS EARTHWATCH RAISING MONEY?
Like all charities, Earthwatch must fundraise to pay for its core operating costs, which, as explained above, are minimally funded by the contributions of expedition volunteers. But, Earthwatch also fundraises for programmes which are essential to achieving our mission, such as:

• Training Grants. It costs approximately £4,000 per person to provide research and conservation training grants to promising early-career conservationists and environmental scientists from developing countries through our Capacity Building Programme.
• Educator Programme. It costs approximately £17,000 for a team of six teachers to go on an expedition and develop related curricula for their pupils, as part of our programme for UK secondary school geography and science teachers.
• Youth Programme. It costs approximately £15,000 for a team of five young people to go on an expedition to develop team-working, interpersonal communications, and problem-solving skills that build their self-confidence and pride. This is part of our programme for UK youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

WHY SHOULD I SUPPORT EARTHWATCH?
While some environmental problems are well understood, many are not. Only by understanding the science behind an environmental problem can we know how to solve it. Yet, research alone does not solve environmental problems; we need a global community of informed, impassioned environmental citizens.

Internationally since 1971, more than 80,000 people have collectively given tens of millions of US dollars and nearly 11 million hours of their time (equal to more than 5,000 years) to help Earthwatch understand the scientific basis of environmental problems. There are many environmental research organisations, environmental education organisations, and environmental volunteering organisations, but Earthwatch is a hybrid of all three. Ours is a very powerful model, and no other organisation does it like - or on the same scale as - Earthwatch.

Expeditions: Your Experience

WHAT IS AN EARTHWATCH EXPEDITION?
In its simplest terms, an Earthwatch Expedition is a journey made by a small group of individuals to a specific location in the world where they join a team of scientists to undertake field research that is needed to understand the causes of and possible solutions to an environmental problem. Expeditions typically are for groups of six to ten volunteers and last for one to two weeks.

On a deeper level, an Earthwatch Expedition is an immersive cultural experience offering opportunities for eager volunteers to learn about and gain broader perspectives on environmental issues, develop new skills and competencies, challenge the body and mind, and get to know people who share common values about protecting the environment. Earthwatch Expeditions can be physically exhilarating, intellectually stimulating, and spiritually moving experiences that may influence and change your life forever.

WHY JOIN AN EXPEDITION?
If you crave the opportunity to do something to protect our natural world, to experience local communities on the inside, to share life-changing experiences with like-minded people from around the world, then an Earthwatch expedition is for you. The intense, hands-on connection you get on an Earthwatch expedition will give you an appreciation of the Earth's richness and quiet majesty that no guard-railed vista can match. You will come home with your head full of ideas and your heart bursting with new-found purpose. And, for Earthwatch's part, without your contribution of time and money, vital environmental research would simply not be possible.

WHO LEADS EARTHWATCH EXPEDITIONS?
Earthwatch Expeditions are led by leading research scientists who are usually employed by major academic institutions, conservation groups, or other organisations with research missions. They are not tour leaders, but rather experienced field researchers, each with his or her own specialised knowledge and leadership style. They all have a passion for their subject and their work would not be possible without the funding and time you give to be a part of their research project.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING ON AN EXPEDITION?
We make every effort to describe the tasks you will be doing on an expedition as accurately as possible in your Expedition Briefing document. However, please understand that field research is not always a predictable business and there can be last-minute changes. Flexibility is essential. The research range of tasks you could undertake is broad. You might count fish while snorkelling over a coral reef; photograph the dorsal fins of dolphins from the deck of a boat; identify grasses and wildflowers using a botanical key; tag nesting sea turtles and count and measure their eggs; use a dental pick to coax free a dinosaur bone; collect, dissect, and analyse samples of animal scat; or record the behaviours of all manner of animals and insects. You might be trained to use various equipment, such as gravity instruments, a GPS device, a radio-tracking transmitter, water sampling kits, or simply a pair of tweezers and a magnifying glass.

HOW WILL EARTHWATCH PREPARE ME FOR MY EXPEDITION?
Approximately four months before your expedition, we will send you a copy of the Expedition Briefing document for your expedition. This very comprehensive document contains all the information you will need to prepare for your expedition, including suggested further reading (optional). It contains a full description of the research and tasks you are likely to undertake. You will receive training in all tasks specific to the expedition once you are there. If you have any questions or concerns after reading the Expedition Briefing, please discuss these with your Volunteer Advisor.

HOW MANY VOLUNTEERS WILL BE ON MY EXPEDITION AND WHAT ARE THEY LIKE?
Team sizes vary from research project to research project. The range is four to twenty volunteers, with the typical expedition team numbering six to ten volunteers.

Earthwatch volunteers range in age from 18 to upwards of 80*, come from different countries around the world, and have a variety of jobs and backgrounds. Of the3,000 volunteers who go on expeditions each year, one-third are repeat volunteers and many have been on more than ten expeditions! You are likely to find that you share many of the same interests and a spirit of adventure, becoming close friends on your expedition. We will send you a team list approximately six weeks before the start of your expedition so you know who you will be with.

*The minimum age for participation on a standard Earthwatch expedition is 18 years old, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, in which case it may be possible for 16 or 17 year olds to participate. Family teams usually have a minimum age of 10 years old, although on some projects it may be older, and teen teams are exclusively for 16 and 17 year olds. There is no maximum age limit for standard teams

DO MOST VOLUNTEERS TRAVEL ALONE?
Some volunteers travel as couples or in small groups, but the majority of volunteers are independent, travelling alone to join an expedition.

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
Many expeditions are suitable for every fitness level, but some expeditions are far more demanding than others. When searching for expeditions, use the filter tool to find expeditions that meet your fitness preference: easy, moderate, or active. Then download the Expedition Briefing from a project to read about specific project conditions and health information. Make sure you are confident of your fitness before you make your booking, and if you are unsure, call Earthwatch on +44 (0)1865 318831.

HOW LUXURIOUS WILL MY EXPEDITION BE?
Infrastructure, transportation systems, and emergency and health services in the country of your expedition may not be of the standard you would expect to find at home, but this is part of what makes an Earthwatch expedition special. Earthwatch tries to provide the most comfortable experience possible, while trying to keep participation within the economic reach of most people; some expeditions, therefore, offer more ‘creature comforts' than others. As a general rule, you will travel, work, eat, bathe, sleep, and experience the same lifestyle as that of real field research scientists. Your work hours may be long and tiring. You may get drenched by sun or rain. Your tasks may require that you get dirty. But, you'll get where you need to go; be taught what you need to know; eat three meals a day; gain new knowledge, skills, and perspectives; and enjoy the special company of others on your expedition. Volunteers seeking ‘luxury holidays' do not typically join Earthwatch expeditions.

Food
Most expeditions meet a wide range of dietary needs. However, when working in more remote areas, food will tend to reflect what is available locally. When in doubt, check with Earthwatch before booking.

Accommodation
Accommodation ranges from simple hotels to hammocks, from wildlife lodges to student dormitories, from field stations on mountaintops to tents in the rainforest. There may be private bathrooms or pit toilets, hot or cold showers. Accommodation varies tremendously by research project.

WILL I HAVE ANY RECREATIONAL TIME?
Yes, it's not all hard work! The lead scientist will plan for team activities, and there will be time for rest and relaxation. There will also be opportunities for photography or videography, although this will take a back seat to the research work.

Earthwatch takes very seriously the health and safety of volunteers from the rendezvous to the end of the expedition. In order to ensure you are as safe during your recreational time as you are during research time, we have put a number of measures in place:

Standard Research Days
During a period of unscheduled activities on a standard research day, volunteers can sign themselves out but leave information on where they are going and when they expect to return. Volunteers should always carry contact information for the expedition. Be aware that if you sign out and do not return before the next scheduled activity, Earthwatch's Missing Person Emergency Response Plan will be triggered!

Recreational Days
On recreational days, volunteers can join fantastic team activities or outings or they can stay at the accommodation to rest. Depending on the expedition, these approved activities may be as unrestricted as walking to town to visit local shops or as structured as a hired safari to a nearby National Park. Options will be described in the Expedition Briefing, as well as associated fees not covered by your contribution.

Exceptions
In some cases, local conditions may preclude volunteers from leaving the research site during recreational time. In these instances, if a volunteer chooses to venture off against Earthwatch advice, they will need to sign a waiver. Please keep in mind that local, unexpected circumstances may require changes in this policy. We will do our best to keep you informed.

CAN I STAY AFTER OR LEAVE EARLY?
Unfortunately, you cannot stay on longer than your expedition duration or leave before the end of your expedition. It is possible, however, to join two expeditions back-to-back, if dates are appropriate. Of course, you are free to travel elsewhere in the country or region either before or after your expedition at your own expense.

HOW DOES EARTHWATCH LOOK AFTER MY SAFETY?
See our safety policy.

WILL I HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO FEEDBACK ON MY EXPERIENCE?
Yes. Upon return from your expedition, we will send you a link to an online evaluation survey, or you can complete this survey using a paper form if you prefer. We will use your survey answers to determine what we are doing well and what we need to improve, so your feedback is valuable in ensuring that Earthwatch continues to offer the highest quality experiences possible. And, if you would like to write for our eNewsletter or submit a feature story about your expedition to your local newspaper, contact our PR team for help and advice!

Expeditions: The Research

WHY DOES EARTHWATCH FUND FIELD RESEARCH? THAT ROLE IS FOR GOVERNMENT AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS.
The amount of government and institutional funding available for scientific field research has diminished over the years. And, what is available is not guaranteed for the long-term. Understanding environmental problems requires a long-term commitment to scientific research, and Earthwatch exists to help fill the funding gap left by government and institutions. This was a founding principle of the organization in 1971 and remains so today.

HOW DOES EARTHWATCH CHOOSE ITS RESEARCH PROJECTS AND SCIENTISTS?
Scientists from all over the world are invited to submit research proposals to Earthwatch on the basis that they meet one of our four Priority Areas and contribute to Earthwatch's wider mission. In addition, the proposed research must fully engage volunteers as research assistants. Our research team works closely with applicants to ensure that proposed research tasks are appropriate for volunteer involvement. All new research projects are subject to strict evaluations and a rigorous external peer review process. Many research subjects require sustained data collection over a number of years, and some of our research projects have been supported for several decades. Our model provides not only hard-to-come-by, long-term funding but also a dedicated workforce of enthusiastic and committed volunteers.

Each Earthwatch expedition is designed and managed by a lead scientist in close association with Earthwatch research and field management staff. Earthwatch scientists are not Earthwatch employees, but rather research partners. They have years of experience leading field research projects and have great enthusiasm and passion for their area of expertise. In the field, the lead scientist may play a central or peripheral role in managing the research. In the latter case, the lead scientist will delegate day-to-day management of the expedition to other members of the research team. This will be made clear in the Expedition Briefing document.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE RESEARCH DATA VOLUNTEERS COLLECT?
The data collected by volunteers is added to research databases of Earthwatch scientists to help them answer critical questions, for example, about changes in species populations or habitats. Some Earthwatch scientists also submit volunteer-collected data to regional or international databases, allowing data to be shared among scientists and made available to the general public. The findings from analyses of this data form the basis of scientific papers, management plans, and reports written or contributed to by Earthwatch scientists. By disseminating their research findings, scientists are able to bring to the attention of a wider audience of conservation professionals, national and international initiatives, and governments vital new information underpinned by a solid foundation of scientific research. This information then informs policy decisions and conservation action plans to protect ecosystems, threatened species, and tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

WHAT ARE THE RESEARCH SITES LIKE?
Earthwatch teams work in some of the most interesting places on Earth. Much of our work is in wildlife reserves, important historical sites, and national parks. Sites range from Mongolia to the Outer Hebrides, from Caribbean coral reefs to the Arctic Circle. In some cases, you will be working in areas inaccessible to tourists, including pristine regions that only researchers are permitted to enter. Your Expedition Briefing document will give you a detailed overview of the research site.

HOW DOES EARTHWATCH WORK WITH LOCAL AND INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES?
On the vast majority of Earthwatch expeditions, the research team leading the expedition has strong ties with local government, conservation and environmental NGOs, community leaders and/or village elders. Research projects are designed to benefit local and indigenous people, their society and their environment. Our long-term success depends on undertaking research supported by and in close consultation and collaboration with these communities. We engage local scientists on many research projects; employ local staff to support the smooth running of expeditions, and source food, equipment, and transport locally.

WHAT IS THE DURATION OF AN EXPEDITION?
The duration of an expedition varies from as few as five days to as many as 18 days, with most lasting between 10 and 14 days. There may be up to 20 different teams of volunteers in the field - one after the other - over the course of a year-long research season. Ten days to two weeks allows people who have limited paid leave from work the opportunity to volunteer.

DO VOLUNTEERS NEED ANY SPECIAL SKILLS TO UNDERTAKE RESEARCH?
The research projects Earthwatch supports are all suitable for volunteer participation, e.g. the data collection is easy to teach and undertake. There are huge amounts of data to collect, and with training, volunteers are very efficient and accurate at data collection. That's the beauty of the Earthwatch model. All you need to know will be taught to you by the research staff on the first day (or occasionally two days) of your expedition. The majority of tasks are simple and you will quickly master them. In fact, you will undoubtedly discover skills you never knew you had! Please note that some expeditions require higher levels of fitness than others and some require SCUBA diving certification

WHY IS EARTHWATCH MANAGING FEWER RESEARCH PROJECTS THIS YEAR THAN IN PAST YEARS?
Over the past few years, it has become evident that Earthwatch is operating in a much more costly and competitive market today than even just a few years ago.

Research costs, such as equipment, supplies, and fuel, are on the rise as are costs associated with higher standards of field management, such as health and safety and crisis response. At the same time, the market is increasingly saturated with similar looking and sounding experiences that don't deliver true conservation outcomes but lure those seeking "ecologically-responsible" and "volunteer-based" travel. Earthwatch expeditions are truly unique in their offering of volunteering opportunities on genuine scientific field research projects that provide real experiential learning about conservation, but this difference is not necessarily obvious to the public and the marketing resources available to for-profit adventure travel, ecotourism, and 'voluntourism' companies are deeper than ours.

These changes in the market have put new financial pressures on our long-established model of supporting a very large portfolio of research projects all over the world. One of the first - and most difficult - steps in this process was to assess all research projects and discontinue those that were not financially viable. The result, therefore, is a much-reduced portfolio of research projects for 2010. However, Earthwatch is now in the process of developing a limited number of new research projects for 2011 and beyond, guided by our four Priority Areas. Each new research project will be developed to deliver relevant, high quality research outputs, be attractive to a broad range of people, and be affordable to Earthwatch to operate and, hence, affordable to an increasingly cost-conscious public, whose contributions fund the research.

Expeditions: Costs

WHAT IS A CONTRIBUTION, AND WHAT IS MEANT BY ‘MINIMUM' CONTRIBUTION?
Because Earthwatch is a charity, not a for-profit organisation, the cost of participating on an Earthwatch expedition is called a contribution. We use this term because we want to remind you and others that our work needs your generous support! When we use the term ‘minimum' contribution, we mean that you can elect to contribute more than the quoted contribution amount for the Expedition. Additional funds are urgently needed, and so we urge you to consider making the most generous contribution you can for your expedition. Any amount above the minimum contribution will be considered a donation, and we will offer you several choices for how you would like that donation used.

HOW IS MY CONTRIBUTION SPENT?
On average in 2010, your contribution will be spent in the following ways:

• 57 per cent of your contribution is spent by the scientists managing your expedition. Typical costs include supplies, equipment, research permits, rents, utilities, and the hiring of local cooks or drivers as well as your food, accommodation, and local transport costs.
• 20 per cent of your contribution is spent by Earthwatch on political, meteorological, and physical risk assessments, health and safety policies, 24-7 crisis response and emergency management procedures, and associated training of research scientists.
• 12 per cent of your contribution is spent by Earthwatch to promote expeditions to the public and service your participation, including printing an Expedition Guide, advertising, and maintaining a web site.
• 8 percent of your contribution is spent by Earthwatch to take your booking, review your registration forms, send you an Expedition Briefing pack, and thoroughly preparing you before departure for your expedition.
• 3 per cent of your contribution will be spent on medical and evacuation insurance coverage, travel insurance cover, and offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions of your travel.

Conducting quality scientific research with volunteers in a safe manner is an expensive proposition. It typically costs between £30,000 and £50,000 to start up a new research project. You may be surprised to hear that your contribution does not cover all costs related to starting up and running research projects. In fact, Earthwatch must actively raise money from other sources to cover outstanding costs so they are not passed to you in the form of higher contributions.

WHAT OTHER EXPENSES WILL I HAVE TO PAY?
Your contribution does not include your travel (including airport taxes) to the project rendezvous, costs incurred before or after the project, or the cost of passports, visas, and vaccinations. In some circumstances you may be required to pay additional costs for excursions during the project that you choose to take. You will not need to arrange and pay for your own travel insurance as this is included in the contribution you pay to Earthwatch provided the duration of your travel does not exceed 31 days. If the duration of your travel is in excess of 31 days you will need to arrange travel insurance elsewhere.

HOW MUCH DOES AN EXPEDITION COST?
For 2010, the average contribution of a standard expedition is approximately £1,300*. The most expensive expedition is £3,195, and the least expensive is £550. More than half of all expeditions are between £1,000 and £1,500.

*Teen only and family team expeditions carry additional costs and are therefore more expensive than standard team expeditions.

WHY ARE SOME EXPEDITIONS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHERS?
While many factors affect cost, the three factors that have the greatest influence on cost are: (1) the duration of the expedition, (2) requirements for supplies and equipment for the research, and (3) the cost of local accommodation, fuel, and transportation. See next question for additional information.

WHY DO THE COSTS OF SOME EXPEDITIONS VARY FOR DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR?
In Europe, most people tend to travel during their traditional holiday period - June to September. However, for many expeditions, the research runs throughout the year, and hence expedition teams that run between October and May are at risk of being under-subscribed. We sometimes vary the amount of the contribution by season to encourage people to go on expedition teams during off-peak travel times, thus increasing the chances that these vital research projects get well supported.

WHY HAVE SOME COSTS COME DOWN WHILE OTHERS HAVE GONE UP?
For 2009, the average cost of an expedition went down by three per cent as compared to 2008 costs. This reduction was made possible by lower marketing costs, namely the reduction in cost of printing Earthwatch's 2009 Expedition Guide. For 60 per cent of 2009 expeditions, the cost was reduced; for 20 per cent, the cost was held at 2008 levels; and the other 20 per cent, the cost increased modestly. In this latter case, cost increases are typically the result of increased fuel and transportation costs and/or maintenance costs of equipment. In 2010 the majority of expedition places cost the same as in 2009 while a small minority have increased in cost.

DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS?
Yes. You can earn a five per cent discount: 

• If you book at least 150 days before the expedition start date and pay in full at the time of booking on a non-refundable, non-transferable basis
• If you have previously paid to participate on ten or more expeditions
• If you are part of a group booking of at least four places
• If you are a student currently studying full-time. (A letter from your educational institution attesting to your student status will be required)

Discounts can be combined, but the maximum discount you can earn is 10 per cent.

We can provide advice and support to enable you to fundraise for the cost of your expedition; many volunteers have done this. Websites like Just Giving make fundraising easy. Simply select Earthwatch as your chosen charity and your friends, family and colleagues can all donate quickly and securely online.

HOW CAN EARTHWATCH AFFORD TO OFFER SPECIAL OFFERS ON CERTAIN EXPEDITIONS?
Every research project in our portfolio is important to Earthwatch, and it is our goal to support every research project to full capacity with expedition volunteers. Inevitably, however, some expeditions are less popular than others; some occur during off-peak travel times of the year; and some expeditions are more expensive than others. Each expedition has a minimum number of volunteers required, and it is a sad but true fact that when expeditions don't meet their minimum, expeditions get cancelled and vital research does not get done.

While Earthwatch is a not-for-profit organisation, our expeditions operate in a market, and all markets are driven by demand. As such, we use cost to manage - and shift - demand as needed to meet minimums. This is an essential tool for ensuring the crucial research on each of our projects gets carried out. Hence, for expeditions that are less popular, occur during off-peak travel periods, or are more expensive than average, Earthwatch periodically offers special discounts to shift demand to meet minimums on those expeditions. The discounts offered are never taken out of the share of the contribution that goes to the scientist to manage the expedition. The discount is funded out of Earthwatch's share of the contribution, which increases the amount of money Earthwatch must raise each year from sources other than paying volunteers.

Our Early Bird special offer, which runs briefly in autumn most years, is designed in part to help us meet minimums on expeditions that occur between January and May - off-peak travel season for most European volunteers. Our discounting scheme (described above) is designed to give volunteers financial incentives that, in turn, help Earthwatch ensure maximum support of research projects.

We encourage you to take advantage of special offers and discounts, but don't assume that the expedition you want to volunteer on at the time of year you want to go will be put on special offer!

IF I AM A UK TAX PAYER, CAN I GIFT AID MY CONTRIBUTION OR CLAIM A TAX DEDUCTION AT THE HIGHER TAX RATE?
No. Unfortunately the UK government changed the law in 2000. This type of contribution is no longer considered a charitable donation nor is it eligible for Gift Aid or a tax deduction. However, donations to Earthwatch, which are not in payment for an expedition, are considered charitable donations and are eligible for Gift Aid and a tax deduction at the higher tax rate.

Expeditions: Logistics

HOW DO I CHOOSE AN EXPEDITION?
You will find details of a selection of expeditions in our free Expedition Guide* or comprehensive details of every expedition on our website, which is continuously updated, so be sure to check it regularly.

*All information in the Expedition Guide is correct at time of going to press, but further research projects and expedition teams may be added or cancelled during the year, so use website for most up-to date expedition information available.

HOW DO I BOOK?
You can either book online or you can ring our office. The friendly Volunteer Programmes team will guide you every step of the way. You may wish to familiarise yourself with our booking terms and conditions before calling.

HOW DO I PAY?
See booking terms and conditions.

WHAT ARE THE PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS?
See booking terms and conditions.

WHAT VACCINATIONS DO I NEED?
See booking terms and conditions.

WHO ARRANGES MY TRAVEL?
You do. See booking terms and conditions.

HOW WILL I GET TO THE RESEARCH LOCATION?
You will be met by a member of the research staff and other volunteers on your expedition at the in-country rendezvous point specified in your Expedition Briefing document (note: for safety reasons, the online version of the Expedition Briefing does not have the specific rendezvous point listed). Usually, the rendezvous point is at the nearest international or regional airport. The project staff will usually have an Earthwatch sign and/or be wearing Earthwatch t-shirts. It will help if you wear the Earthwatch t-shirt we will send you. You are required to complete and return a Travel Details Form specifically so that all parties know how and when you will be arriving. From the rendezvous point, you will be taken to the research location by the research staff meeting you there.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
You will find a full packing checklist in your Expedition Briefing document. This document details the essential items you need to take with you on the expedition.

CAN I TRANSFER FROM ONE EXPEDITION TO ANOTHER?
Yes. See booking terms and conditions for details.

IS MY CONTRIBUTION REFUNDABLE?
See booking terms and conditions.

WHAT HAPPENS IF EARTHWATCH OR I CANCEL MY EXPEDITION?
See booking terms and conditions.

CAN EARTHWATCH REFUSE MY PARTICIPATION?
Yes. See booking terms and conditions for details.

CAN EARTHWATCH DISMISS ME FROM AN EXPEDITION ONCE IN THE FIELD?
Yes. See booking terms and conditions for details.

Expeditions: Other Questions

WHY DO I NEED TO SPEAK FLUENT ENGLISH?
All registration forms and expedition documents are in English, and English is the language spoken on all expeditions, even if other volunteers and members of the research team are multi-lingual. All safety information is communicated in English and therefore fluency is required for the safety of all participants. However, depending on the expedition, language skills may be of great help, so please let the research team know what languages you speak.

WHY CAN'T I BOOK LAST MINUTE?
As the date of the start of an expedition nears, the research team in the field begins finalising plans for the expedition, including counting how many volunteers will be coming in order to determine food, accommodation, and local transport needs. Within 30 days of the start of an Earthwatch expedition, it may be necessary for your Volunteer Advisor to check with the research team before taking your booking. If the research team are happy for you to join the expedition, then Earthwatch will accept your booking, and you will need to submit all required forms a minimum of 15 days before the start of your expedition.

WHY MUST I COMPLETE A HEALTH FORM?
Your Health Form helps Earthwatch ensure that you are fit enough to participate in the expedition you have chosen and that any medical conditions you may have can be reasonably managed by the research team once you are on the expedition.

WHY MUST MY FORMS BE SUBMITTED 90 DAYS BEFORE MY EXPEDITION BEGINS?
Should any information in your forms - especially your Health Form - suggest a problem with your participating on your chosen expedition, ninety days provides enough time for Earthwatch to help you resolve those problems or to give you the chance to transfer to a more suitable expedition.

Responsible Operations

WHAT IS EARTHWATCH DOING TO REDUCE THE IMPACTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE OF AIR TRAVEL BY VOLUNTEERS?
Earthwatch fully recognizes that air travel contributes to climate change. At the same time, we recognise the urgent need to carry out scientific field research in many places around the globe, and we depend on people to both give their time and money to carry out that research. Most volunteers come from developed countries, while most of the field research is carried out in developing countries; hence, the requirement of air travel is impossible to avoid.

While carbon offsetting is not a solution to climate change, we believe it does help to mitigate its effects, and is therefore part of our solution. Earthwatch's European Office offsets all CO2 emissions (for all expedition participants, volunteers and any Earthwatch staff, travelling specifically to the project) with Climate Care according to our Carbon Offsetting Policy. From early 2006, volunteers were offered the opportunity to offset the CO2 emissions of their air travel for an additional cost. But, from November 2006 onwards, Earthwatch decided to automatically offset the CO2 emissions of all volunteers and include these costs in the contribution of the expedition.

Another part of our solution is to encourage volunteers to use alternative forms of travel (such as trains, ferries or buses) that have lower greenhouse gas emissions per person per mile travelled. We can provide advice and information to volunteers about overland travel to expeditions in Europe.

DOES EARTHWATCH HAVE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL OR ETHICAL TOURISM POLICY?
Many of our expeditions are based in remote communities, well away from the tourist track. Earthwatch recognises there may be social and cultural impacts from volunteers as foreign visitors to research project locations. Please read our Responsible Travel Policy. Earthwatch stresses the need for responsible behaviour and common courtesy in these communities. It is a good idea to do some background reading about the area you will visit. Please check your Expedition Briefing for specific information about local culture and customs.