Shell International Ltd
The partnership between Earthwatch and Shell Project Better World commenced in 1999 to give Shell staff from across the operating companies the opportunity to join an Earthwatch environmental research project and assist scientists in the collection of vital data.
The Earthwatch Programme is managed within Shell by representatives of Project Better World, which is a voluntary initiative. It was initiated and is co-ordinated by Shell employees to give an additional opportunity to colleagues across the world to make Shell's core values a reality in their lives.
Partnership Elements
Stakeholder Involvement
Since becoming an Earthwatch corporate partner in 1999, Shell has taken an active role in many bilateral activities, participating in the seminars and workshops organised by Earthwatch's Corporate Environmental Responsibility Group (CERG). Over the years the relationship has strengthened, with Earthwatch fulfilling the role of an external environmental stakeholder and offering feedback on environmental reporting publications. Discussion is currently taking place to establish a deeper and broader partnership focused on research, engagement, training and capacity building which will also involve other key Shell partners.
Shell has also been an active supporter and contributor to Earthwatch's business and biodiversity resource centre and publications, most recently supporting the production of ‘Business and Ecosystems - Ecosystem Challenges and Business Implications'. This was published in collaboration with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, IUCN (World Conservation Union) and the World Resources Institute (WRI) and has been widely distributed since.
Employee Engagement
Starting in 1999, the partnership between Earthwatch and Shell Project Better World aims to provide a hands-on educational experience for Shell employees that not only offers personal and professional development opportunities but which also increases their understanding of Sustainable Development issues within the context of Shell's operations. At the same time, it provides a valuable resource to conservation, employing the skills and time of Shell employees on important environmental research projects worldwide.
The partnership also fosters positive relationships between all stakeholders: staff, researchers, local communities, Shell businesses, universities and NGOs such as Earthwatch itself. This diverse experience is set to inspire fellows to further promote Sustainable Development in their working environment, e.g. by enthusing and educating their colleagues.
In 2004, Following five successful years of partnership, The University of Cambridge Programme for Industry (CPI) was commissioned by Project Better World and Earthwatch to review the first term of the Programme. The report highlighted areas for development, specifically a need to align it more closely with Shell's strategic objectives and making it more relevant to staff in their day to day role. In order to achieve this Project Better World and Earthwatch have worked with Shell Learning to offer opportunities for wider professional development beyond the practical conservation experiences gained on the project itself.
In 2007, 49 Shell staff joined twelve different Earthwatch research projects. The Programme now incorporates pre and post-project learning packages focused on building employee leadership skills and enhancing their sustainable development knowledge. The three years from 2005-7 will provide feedback and resources to align the programme further with Shell's sustainable development objectives.