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@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@earthwatch.org.uk * Dr. Thomas Dietsch (terrestrial) tdietsch@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> *Save paper - think before you print* This e-mail (and any attachments) is confidential and may contain personal views, which are not the views of Earthwatch Institute Europe unless specifically stated. If you have received it in error, please delete it from your system, do not use, copy or disclose the information in any way nor act in reliance on it and notify the sender immediately. Please note that Earthwatch Institute (Europe) monitors e-mails sent or received. Further communication will signify your consent to this. Conservation Education & Research Trust also known as Earthwatch Institute (Europe) is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales under company number 4373313 and charity number 1094467. The registered address is, Mayfield House, 256 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DE England.