Land Rover
In April 2007, Earthwatch became Land Rover's 5th environmental partner, joining the Born Free Foundation, the Royal Geographical Society, Biosphere Expeditions and the China Exploration and Research Society.
The partnership forms part of Land Rover´s sustainable development policy, which outlines their commitment to developing the business responsibly and ensuring sound environmental practice in all their activities.
The first act in support of Earthwatch has been to supply a Land Rover Defender for work in the Samburu, Kenya. This vehicle is currently contributing to a number of projects, including surveying Grevy´s Zebras on community lands and within the Lewa Conservancy, as well as an in-depth study into conflict between carnivores and livestock for limited water resources.
Partnership Elements
Stakeholder Involvement
As a new Corporate Partner, Land Rover becomes part of the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Group (CERG) and Earthwatch looks forward to developing the partnership through the platform.
Employee Engagement
Every year six Land Rover employees will participate in Earthwatch field projects, providing them with the opportunity to experience environmental issues first hand and bring what they have learnt back into the workplace.
Community Investment
Funding is made available by Land Rover in support of our Capacity Building Programme, allowing 6 early career scientists to participate in a bespoke learning programme over 3 years.
Environmental Research
In addition to the vehicle in Kenya, Land Rover will supply 4 further vehicles which will be used to support projects where off-road capabilities are required. This will improve the quality and safety of the field research we undertake.
Marketing and Philanthropy
Earthwatch has been profiled in the Land Rover customer magazine and Go Beyond TV, with stories from the field where Land Rover vehicles are in use.