Earthwatch Fact Sheet

Earthwatch factsheet

Earthwatch is one of the world’s leading environmental organizations. We use a unique model of citizen science, matching volunteers with researchers to investigate some of the greatest environmental challenges facing our planet. Earthwatch is dedicated to creating an environmental legacy through scientific research projects, education and learning opportunities and engaging people in field research.

Our research program involves a global community of researchers, conservation volunteers, NGOs and businesses, working together towards a sustainable environment. Earthwatch invests $5.7 million annually to support 100 research projects across 38 countries. Since 1971 Earthwatch has inspired 90,000 volunteers to join vital conservation research projects in the field, helping to make us not only the largest environmental volunteer non-profit organization in the world, but also the best 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 http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/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 2009, expedition contribution costs range from $650 to $5,050, averaging $2,700 for 5-16 day team duration. No prior skills are required, except scuba certification for diving projects.

Our educator program

To date, more than 3,700 students and 4,500 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

We work with a range of corporate partners to design and deliver learning and engagement programs for their employees. These professional development opportunities are an innovative and effective way to 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.

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 1,000 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.

Corporate partnerships

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.  Earthwatch ranked 11th out of 550 organizations 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.

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. Field Reps are listed at www.earthwatch.org/expedition/volunteering/fireps.

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 and the Carbon Fund 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.  

Contact us

US Office:

Earthwatch: 3 Clock Tower Place, Maynard MA 01754-0075
Phone: (978) 461-0081; Fax: (978) 461-2332
Email: info@earthwatch.org

Europe Office:

Earthwatch: Mayfield House, 256 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7DE, United Kingdom
Ph: +44 (0)1865- 318-838; Fax: +44 (0)1865- 311-383
Email: info@earthwatch.org.uk

Australia Office:

Earthwatch Australia: 126 Bank Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Ph: +61 (0)3-9682-6828; Fax: +61 (0)3-9686-3652
Email: earth@earthwatch.org.au

Japan Office:

Earthwatch Japan: Sanbancho Ty Plaza 5F, Sanbancho 24-25 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0075 Japan
Ph: +81-(0)3-3511-3360; Fax: +81-(0)3-3511-3364
Email: info@earthwatch.jp