35th anniversary event at the American Museum of Natural History identifies key role for Earthwatch in a sustainable future

Earthwatch Institute, Maynard, MA, 1 May 2006 - New York philanthropists, corporate leaders, scientists, members of the media, and other Earthwatch supporters had something special to think about on Earth Day this year. Two days before, on April 20, 2006, nearly 200 of them gained new inspiration at a special reception at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) celebrating Earthwatch's 35 years.

"Through its unique blend of science and public engagement, Earthwatch has helped thousands of people to understand the world around them," said Edward Wilson, president and CEO of Earthwatch Institute, in his opening comments. "Now, that world is under threat, more than anytime before in our history. The next decade is critical if we are to achieve the necessary balance between the needs of mankind and a healthy environment."

Earthwatch founder Brian Rosborough brought Earthwatch's humble beginnings close to home, describing his first encounter with Margaret Mead at AMNH in 1972 to ask her to serve on Earthwatch's first science advisory board. She declined politely, but firmly, then marched Rosborough out to the bus stop while giving him a 40-minute lecture on the ills of her profession and the latest gossip at the museum. Six months later, Mead reversed her decision. Rosborough finally had appealed to her concern about needing to collect massive amounts of cultural information before cultures disappear.

"We favored good science over advocacy because questions are more intriguing than answers, and because we have been asking the questions that you want to answer," said Rosborough. "It seems the mind is happiest when learning, and Earthwatch is a full-service learning institution, found somewhere on a continuum from Morgan Stanley to Tom Sawyer. Of course, Earthwatch is also tax-deductible, non-fattening, and fun!"

The gala event was hosted by Earthwatch board members Karen Zukerman and Gary Goldring, and sponsored by HSBC, Starbucks, Timberland, and Discovery. In addition, 35 individuals gave an additional donation of $1000 each to sponsor a year of Earthwatch history. Earthwatch-supported scientists Dr. Dan Rubenstein (Princeton University), Dr. Laurie Marker (Cheetah Conservation Fund), Ravi Corea (Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society), and John Rollino (Earth Tech Inc.) regaled minglers with first-hand stories of their exciting lives in the field. Other notable attendees included Dr. Noel Brown, president and CEO of Friends of the United Nations, Dr. Andrew Hudson of UNDP, and National Geographic photographers Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher.

In addition to a slide show of stunning images from Earthwatch history, attendees enjoyed the New York premier of A Year on Earth, a film based on the adventures of three high school students who participated on twelve Earthwatch projects around the world. The event also marked the announcement that Discovery purchased A Year on Earth and will be broadcasting the film in the fall on three of its networks, including Discovery Kids.

"The Earthwatch model is even more useful and more relevant now than we ever dreamed of 35 years ago," said Wilson. "To continue to make a real difference we must challenge ourselves to reach not thousands, but millions in the years ahead and I think that we can do that. I am often asked why I remain so optimistic. In brief, it is because of the extraordinary multiplier effect that Earthwatch can have."

Attendees at the 35th anniversary event clearly agreed.

Earthwatch Institute is a global volunteer organization that supports scientific field research by offering members of the public unique opportunities to work alongside leading field scientists and researchers. Earthwatch's mission is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

Complete comments of Ed Wilson, president and CEO of Earthwatch
Complete comments of Brian Rosborough, Earthwatch founder