MAYNARD, MA, June 4, 2008 - Earthwatch is pleased to announce the launch of an online community that will reside on Eons.com, a social networking website for staying in touch with friends and pursuing interests and passions with like-minded people. Eons is the brainchild of Monster.com founder and former CEO, Jeff Taylor.
"Earthwatch is about engaging people in environmental solutions. Our new Eons community is a robust platform that allows people to connect. They can come together in Groups, share photos and information, chat about their experiences-those Earthwatch-related or not-and remain connected to our mission to act now to create a better world," said John Jorgenson, Director of Marketing and Communications at Earthwatch.
The community, found at www.eons.com/earthwatch, also features videos and photos, updates from scientists leading Earthwatch projects around the world, expedition highlights, firsthand accounts of Earthwatch experiences, and more. Those who join the free community can participate in discussions in any of 12 Earthwatch Groups or start new ones that focus on their particular areas of interest. Automatic updates about the community make it easy to keep up with news happenings.
"We are excited to launch this community-building initiative on the cusp of World Environment Day, which brings the world together to stimulate global awareness of our environment," said Jorgenson. Earthwatch, the world's largest environmental volunteer nonprofit organization, has engaged people in scientific field research and education since 1971.
Eons has more than 725,000 members who are using the site to stay in touch with friends and make new ones, join Groups to fuel their passions and interests, and have fun.
"The only thing more exciting than climate change, mammoths and teaching science are the people behind it!" said Taylor, CEO of Eons. "This community is all about the people who have been on Earthwatch expeditions, those who share an appetite to learn more about the world around them, and the experts who are uncovering information everyday. We are excited about the energy we know the Earthwatch fans will bring to meeting each other."
As part of its mission to expand its reach to 10 million people in the next ten years, Earthwatch invites everyone to participate in its Eons community-whether they have gone on an Earthwatch expedition or not. The Eons site will be moderated by Earthwatch volunteers.
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For press information, please contact:
Kristen Kusek, Earthwatch, 978-450-1281, kkusek@earthwatch.org.
The mission of the Earthwatch Institute is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. In 2008, Earthwatch will sponsor 130 research projects in more than 40 countries and 20 US states, making estimated volunteer field grants of $5 million. Since its founding in 1971, the organization has supported nearly 1,350 projects in 120 countries and 35 states. More than 90,000 volunteers have contributed $67 million and 11 million hours to scientific fieldwork.