[Coral-List] Request for Proposals for Field Research

[Debbie Winton]

Earthwatch is seeking proposals for research projects. Full information
is below, and will be posted on the Earthwatch website later this week.
All questions should be directed to Dr. Samantha Burgess at
sburgess at earthwatch.org or to research at earthwatch.org 

 

 

Request for Proposals for Field Research

Marine Biodiversity Conservation

UK/Europe, Central America, Northeast Pacific, 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 marine biodiversity
conservation challenges. Of particular interest are projects which look
at species' interaction, conflict with ocean stakeholders and studies of
anthropogenic impact on habitats for species of conservation concern. 

 

Earthwatch will only consider proposals for field research that have a
strong rationale for requiring involvement of non-specialists
(Earthwatch volunteers) in a variety of scientific tasks. Earthwatch
volunteers are highly motivated citizens from around the world who are
interested in improving environmental understanding. A typical project
would engage a minimum of 30 volunteers over 3-10 teams per annum. Each
team can spend 3-12 days in the field. A priority audience for
Earthwatch is young scientists; therefore ideal projects have
flexibility to engage audiences such as high level school groups (15-30
participants, aged 16+). All projects are 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 as well as
providing scientific evidence to inform management strategies and
improve livelihoods of local communities. All projects should contribute
to the scientific literature and improve public understanding of
science. Professionals from any nationality are eligible to apply, but
should be affiliated with a university or environmental organization and
have in-country experience (and permits).

 

Concept Notes and Proposals

Concept Notes for projects starting in spring or summer 2013 will be
accepted through Friday, February 10th, 2012. Invitations for full
Research Proposals will be communicated in early March. Applications
must be submitted online in English:
http://fs22.formsite.com/EarthwatchResearch/ConceptNote/index.html

 

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

- Understanding the relationship between ocean stakeholders and
biodiversity - studies on resource competition or ecosystem service
provisioning, which take into account stakeholder perceptions and
sustainable livelihoods. E.g. activities such as fishing and unregulated
tourism

- Examining effects of marine pollution e.g. marine debris, diffuse
source pollution

- Research into habitat degradation and development of ecosystem
management strategies

- Investigations into impacts of climate change on species and habitat
interactions and improving conservation management strategies in
anticipation of future change

- Understanding connectivity between habitats for migrating species and
assessing impacts of increasing human use of the ocean. E.g. ship
strikes, marine spatial planning

 

Grants

Annual grants are available to cover research related costs which can
include equipment (<US$1000), supplies, transport, support staff, food
and accommodation during teams. The grant cannot cover scientist
salaries, overheads, capital equipment. Grants are negotiated on an
individual basis, but usually average around US$20,000. Volunteer costs
in the field (volunteer accommodation, food and transport in the field)
will be budgeted for in partnership with Earthwatch. The field research
proposals are tenable for three years, and potentially renewable in the
fourth year. 

 

Additional

- Comfortable accommodations for volunteers must be in reasonable travel
distance of the research site(s)

- Incorporation of time for volunteers to experience the surrounding
environment and culture is encouraged

- See link for more information
http://www.earthwatch.org/aboutus/research/scientistopps/reqresprop/ 

 

All questions should be directed to Dr. Samantha Burgess at
sburgess at earthwatch.org.uk or to research at earthwatch.org