Annual Conference Engages Public
The Earthwatch Institute Annual Conference on November 16, 2002, was a powerful example of Earthwatch's commitment to involving the public in field research, conservation, and education. The event, held at the Hyatt Regency, Cambridge, Massachusetts, was attended by more than 400 participants, including past team members, teachers, students, and 108 Earthwatch-supported scientists from around the world.
"The conference was an opportunity for attendees to learn first-hand from scientists and team members how Earthwatch projects are making a difference in the world," said Dr. Marie Studer, chief science officer at Earthwatch. Participants had the opportunity to attend 12 fascinating lectures, on topics ranging from wildflower pollination ecology in Oregon to textile artisans in India, and visit more than 80 posters hosted by Earthwatch scientists.
One of the highlights of the conference was the presentation by Drs. Frank Paladino (Indiana-Purdue University) and Richard Reina (Monash University), principal investigators of Costa Rican Sea Turtles. Paladino announced that their research has recently led to the Costa Rican government halting development planned for the last undisturbed stretch of Playa Grande, a critical nesting site for endangered leatherback turtles. The urging of 3,000 emails from Earthwatch team members and friends around the world was instrumental in this decision.
Paladino also announced that Costa Rica has nearly passed a law that will ban development on any other leatherback nesting beaches and significantly expand the area of the national park protecting Playa Grande. Parque Marino Las Baulas was established in 1995 in response to data collected by Earthwatch teams here.
Earthwatch's Conservation Program had a new, higher profile at this year's conference, with posters devoted to five exciting Conservation Research Initiatives (CRIs) in areas ranging from Samburu, Kenya to the Rocky Mountains of North America. Behind the scenes, scientists worked with Director of Conservation Dr. Mark Chandler to refine the goals and assessment methods for these initiatives.
"CRIs are an exciting opportunity for team members to participate in conservation on the ground, in some of the most treasured landscapes on Earth," said Chandler. "The conference allowed attendees to see quite vividly how Earthwatch research supports our conservation program."
Another new aspect to this year's conference was the Education Track, experienced by more than 70 educators from Maine to New Jersey. In addition to enjoying the same lectures and poster sessions as other attendees, participants shared their applications of Earthwatch field experiences to classroom curricula. This was an important step in developing Earthwatch's new education network between teachers, students, and other team members.
The Earthwatch Institute Annual Conference provided participants with a valuable snapshot of the breadth and depth of Earthwatch's impact. It was an opportunity to see old friends and colleagues, and make new ones that will fuel Earthwatch's successes in the year ahead.
Earthwatch Institute is an international nonprofit organization which supports scientific field research worldwide by offering members of the public unique opportunities to work alongside leading field scientists and researchers. The Institute's mission is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.