Earthwatch ramsar fellowship scheme
For 17 years, Dr. David Harper from the University of Leicester, together with his Kenyan and European colleagues, has led over 300 volunteers and fellows into the field to monitor and evaluate the effects of human use on the Lakes of the Rift Valley.
Dr. Harper is currently in the field with his first Earthwatch African Fellowship Programme team - the first research team to visit Lake Elmenteita. Dr. Harper's research has previously focused on Kenya's Ramsar designated lakes Nakuru, Naivasha, Bogoria and Baringo.
For the first time, Earthwatch's African Fellowship Programme focuses on the Ramsar Convention and will bring together African conservationists and scientists from 7 African nations and from Ramsar sites and wetlands across Africa, partnered with other young Kenyan researchers from Lakes Bogoria, Nakuru and Naivasha.
The team are considering the question ‘Does Lake Elmenteita have the characteristics necessary to be the next Ramsar site in East Africa's Rift Valley'? This provides an excellent opportunity for training and learning, networking, capacity development, and discussion about the sustainable management of wetlands.
Next month's newsletter will update you on the team's successes and accomplishments
For press information, interviews and images, contact:
Sabrina Bhangoo, PR Manager, Earthwatch, on + 44 (0) 1865 318 820 or Zoe Gamble, Press Officer 44 (0) 1865 318806
Editors Notes
Photo credit: ©Adrian Bailey/EWE