[Coral-List] Earthwatch call for proposals - Galapagos

[Debbie Winton]

Dear all,

 

International environmental NGO Earthwatch is currently requesting
proposals for marine research projects in the Galapagos. Funding will be
for fielding starting in 2012. Details are on our website, and below

http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/get_involved/research_grants/ 

 

Interested scientists must complete a concept note
(http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/downloads/Earthwatch_Concept_Note.pdf)
by February 28th. Please contact Samantha Burgess on
sburgess at earthwatch.org.uk  if you have any questions.

 

Many thanks,

Debbie 

 

 

Request for Proposals for Field Research: Ecosystems and Biodiversity of
the Galapagos 

Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organization with
the mission to "engage people worldwide in scientific field research and
education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a
sustainable environment." Earthwatch is currently seeking proposals from
field-based researchers to provide grants to address questions on the
ecology and conservation of the unique marine and/or terrestrial
biodiversity of the Galapagos. The research should focus on
understanding ecosystem health and connectivity and/or species
interactions with the aim of informing successful ecosystem based
management. We are looking to support projects that improve our
understanding of local anthropogenic and climate change threats and that
inform management efforts to ensure functional ecosystems on a remote
island archipelago. Of particular interest are species with high
endemism or biodiversity value, those that are important as a human
resource, and flagship or high-profile species. 

 

Earthwatch will only consider proposals for field research that have a
strong rationale for requiring involvement of non-specialists
(Earthwatch volunteers) in data collection, scientific observation, or a
variety of research tasks. Earthwatch volunteers are highly motivated
citizens from around the world who are dedicated to improving
environmental understanding. A typical project would employ 6 to 12
volunteers each on 4 to 8 teams per fielding season. Each team normally
spends 1 to 2 weeks in the field. Projects which would allow school
groups to participate are desirable. All volunteers speak English, and
projects must be conducted in English. 

 

Earthwatch encourages proposals that are interdisciplinary and/or
transnational. Preference will be given to projects that directly
contribute to environmental or social change on the ground and that have
a strong community and/or educational component. Professionals from any
nationality are eligible to apply. 

 

Concept Notes and Proposals 

Concept Notes for projects starting in spring or summer 2012 will be
accepted Monday 28th February 2011. Invitations for full Research
Proposals will be communicated in late March. Applications are to be
submitted in English. 

Research topics that may be considered for funding include, but are not
limited to: 

* Increasing understanding of the win-wins of biodiversity conservation
and provision of ecosystem services by protected areas and surrounding
landscapes to local communities, the region and internationally 

* Biodiversity and conservation of the marine environment, including
research relating to sustainable fishing and protection of large
migratory species such as sharks and tuna. 

* Development of effective adaptive ecosystem- based management for
species and habitat conservation. 

 

Grants 

A minimum annual grant of $20,000 USD is available to cover research
related costs, which can include the following if appropriate: equipment
(under $1000 USD), tools, supplies, research permits, scientist
transport to the field, support staff, staff and scientist food and
accommodation while running volunteer teams. The grant cannot be used
for scientist salaries, overhead, capital equipment, and other expenses
not directly related to the project. Volunteer costs in the field
(volunteer accommodation, food and transport in the field) will be
funded by Earthwatch separately from the research grant. The field
research grants are tenable for three years, and potentially renewable
in the fourth year. 

 

Additional 

* Comfortable accommodations for the proposed project must be located a
reasonable travel distance from the research site(s) in order to travel
back and forth daily. 

* Time for scheduled recreational activities enabling volunteers to
explore the surrounding area and experience cultural aspects are
encouraged. 

 

For additional information about Earthwatch's application process see
our website:
http://www.earthwatch.org/aboutus/research/scientistopps/reqresprop/ 

All questions and Concept Note submissions should be directed to: 

Dr. Samantha Burgess (marine) sburgess at earthwatch.org.uk * Dr. Thomas
Dietsch (terrestrial) tdietsch at earthwatch.org

 

 

 

Debbie Winton

Senior Research Officer

Earthwatch Institute | Mayfield House | 256 Banbury Road | Oxford | OX2
7DE | UK

Tel: 00 44 (0)1865 318805 | www.earthwatch.org/europe
<http://www.earthwatch.org/europe> 

 

- Thank you for your support of Earthwatch in 2010.  Donate now and
together we can do more in 2011 >
<http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/donate/> 

- The Amazon is an incredible ecosystem.  Join a research expedition
with us and help conserve it >
<http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/exped/bodmer.html> 

 

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