Earthwatch Fact Sheet
Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.
Our vision is a world in which we live within our means and in balance with nature.
The Earthwatch values:
- Inclusive - We believe it is essential that people participate in solving the environmental challenges we face.
- Objective - Independent research is at the core of our work, and its outcomes determine our goals and priorities.
- Passionate - We are passionate about the opportunity we have to make a meaningful impact on people and the planet.
- Empowering - We seek to inspire people, organizations and communities with experiences, knowledge and tools that enable them to take action.
- Responsible - We act in a manner that respects and protects the wellbeing of people and the environment, including our staff, researchers, volunteers and the places we work.
You Count
At Earthwatch, we believe that future decisions regarding the environment must be based on objective science. We must engage and empower people and organizations to act responsibly if they are to be sustainable. We bring together institutions and individuals to understand and inform critical environmental issues by combining world class scientific field research with experiential learning programs that inspire the leadership needed to promote personal and organizational change.
Our research program involves a global community of researchers, conservation volunteers, NGOs and businesses, working together towards a sustainable environment. Earthwatch supports about 60 projects across nearly 40 countries, and draws $25 million in annual revenues, with more than 85% of its budget supporting science research and engagement, and going towards programmatic support. Since 1971 Earthwatch has inspired over 96,000 volunteers to join vital conservation research projects in the field, helping to make us the best environmental volunteer non-profit organization in the world.*
Our research
As one of the world's largest private funders of scientific research, our research program involves a global community of leading researchers, conservation volunteers, NGOs and businesses. We're dedicated to creating an environmental legacy through scientific research projects, educational programs and engaging people in field research.
Earthwatch supports research projects in four key areas:
- Ecosystem services - biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry, freshwater
- Climate change - adaptation, mitigation
- Oceans - coastal ecosystems, marine biodiversity conservation
- Cultural heritage - sacred landscapes, indigenous knowledge systems
These priorities will shape our activities over the next 10 years and address critical global ecological and cultural issues that span a range of threats to environmental sustainability. Our project results are published in hundreds of journals worldwide and shared with partner organizations, government agencies, and policy-makers. To learn more, visit www.earthwatch.org/our_work/field_research/research_areas.
Our learning and engagement program
Earthwatch learning experiences aim to develop environmental leaders in all walks of life, building relevant knowledge and skills, increasing participants' personal connection with nature, exploring their core values and beliefs regarding the environment, and turning ideas into plans for action.
Those who have benefited from our innovative learning experiences to date include teachers, corporate employees, young people, emerging scientists and NGOs as well as the general public.
We aim to inspire our participants, building their passion and capability to take the action necessary for creating a sustainable future and to influence others to do the same. To this end, we offer a range of learning and engagement programs tailored to meet the specific needs of different sectors and organizations.
Our volunteer program
Earthwatch volunteers are drawn from every walk of life: students, educators, families, conservation professionals and corporations. One third of Earthwatch team members each year are returning volunteers, and several have participated on more than 50 projects. Volunteers range from 10 years old on our family teams to the over 60s - our minimum age is 16 for adult, teen teams and school groups. There is no upper age limit! The contribution our volunteers make helps to fund the cost of research expeditions and cover food and lodging (this is tax-deductible in the US). In 2010, expedition contribution costs range from $350-$5195, averaging around $2,662 for 1-16 day team duration. No prior skills are required, except scuba certification for diving projects.
Our educator program
To date, more than 3,900 students and 4,900 classroom teachers have received career training through Earthwatch expeditions. Fellowships funded by individuals, foundations, and corporations allow educators to teach 'live' from the field using the latest internet technology via real-time video streams. Our student fellowships give young people the unique opportunity to participate first-hand in scientific research, instilling in tomorrow's leaders a powerful sense of civic and environmental awareness. Many go on to pursue science as a career. For more information about the teacher/student program, visit www.earthwatch.org/education.
Our corporate learning program
Companies are increasingly aware that both their shareholders and the planet will suffer if they do not incorporate sustainable practices into their business strategies. Earthwatch is proud to collaborate with nearly 40 corporate partners around the world, in industry sectors ranging from banking and financial services to consumer products, agriculture, and extractives. We select companies that take their environmental responsibilities and performance seriously and are open to working constructively with us to benefit the environment and help us achieve our mission. We work with our corporate partners to design and deliver learning and engagement programs for their employees to help them develop key leadership skills, networking and profile-raising opportunities. Earthwatch also encourages a culture of sustainability by building a collective awareness, knowledge and engagement in the organization's commitment to the environment. Earthwatch is one of the top Global Environmental NGOs featured in the "Business Guide to Partnering with NGOs and the United Nations," which was published in 2007 by The Financial Times, the United Nations Global Compact and Dalberg Global Development Advisors. To learn more, visit www.earthwatch.org/corporatepartners.
Capacity building
Earthwatch works with emerging conservationists in developing countries to build teaching and research capacities, and increase their opportunities to share skills and ideas. Our African Fellowship Program has enabled more than 1,400 scientists, teachers and conservation leaders to gain professional development on projects. Earthwatch fellowships also offer zookeepers the chance to enhance their knowledge of animals in the wild.
Public Outreach
Our website www.earthwatch.org covers more than 2,000 pages of in-depth project descriptions, research achievements, news, events and educational opportunities. The Earthwatch experience can have a profound impact on a volunteer – often guiding their future life choices, professional development, or the way they engage with their community. In the US, the organization is aided by a network of nearly 100 field representatives in 41 US states and Canada.
Supporting Earthwatch
The Earthwatch community is made up of 100,000 members and supporters all over the world. Membership benefits include the Earthwatch Expedition Guide, our international newsletter The Earthwatcher, e-newsletters and updates, and invitations to events. Our loyal supporter network helps to fund critical research, education and outreach efforts in the most threatened ecosystems and communities around the world.
Minimizing our impact on the environment
Earthwatch projects are located around the world, which necessarily involves international travel for volunteers, staff, and fellows. Earthwatch uses carbon offsets to compensate for the emissions we produce with an equivalent carbon saving. This involves purchasing carbon credits or emission reduction credits, which have been generated by projects that have reduced carbon emissions. These projects involve renewable energy, energy efficiency, and forest restoration projects. We currently work with Climate Care to purchase carbon offsets for the air travel and local travel of our staff members, volunteers and most fellows, and are designing programs that minimize the amount of travel required.
Earthwatch Institute has four offices worldwide:
- United States - responsible for the Americas, Asia and Africa
- United Kingdom - responsible for Europe
- Australia - responsible for Australia and New Zealand
- Japan - responsible for Japan
Earthwatch Institute - United States
114 Western Ave,
Boston, MA 02134
U.S.A.
Our phones are open Mon–Fri, 9AM–5PM EST
Toll-free Phone (US/Can): 1-800-776-0188 1-800-776-0188
Phone: (978) 461-0081 (978) 461-0081
Fax (978) 461-2332
Map
Earthwatch Institute - Europe
Mayfield House
256 Banbury Road
Oxford OX2 7DE
United Kingdom
info@earthwatch.org.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1865 318838 +44 (0)1865 318838
Fax: +44 (0) 1865-311-383
Earthwatch Institute - Australia
126 Bank Street
South Melbourne
VIC 3205
AUSTRALIA
earth@earthwatch.org.au
Phone: +61 (0)3-9682-6828 +61 (0)3-9682-6828
Fax: +61 (0)3-9686-3652
Earthwatch Institute - Japan
Sanbancho TY Plaza 5F
Sanbancho 24-25, Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo 102-0075 Japan
info@earthwatch.jp
http://www.earthwatch.jp/
Phone: +81-(0)3-3511-3360 +81-(0)3-3511-3360
Fax: +81-(0)3-3511-3364
Regional Climate Centres (RCCs)
US RCC:
Edgewater, Maryland, US
Europe RCC:
Oxford, England
India RCC:
Karnataka, India
China RCC:
Zhejiang province, China
Brazil RCC:
Curitiba P.R. Brazil
Earthwatch Research Centres:
Costa Rica:
Coope Tarrazú, San José, Costa Rica
Africa:
The Earthwatch Institute Center for Drylands Research, Wamba, Kenya, Africa
*Bradt's Wildlife & Conservation Volunteering, The Complete Guide awards Earthwatch the highest marks for demonstrable achievements, as well as the highest cumulative mark in a recent evaluation.