Dear Listers,
Earthwatch is seeking proposals from scientists for a
field-based project located in the Caribbean focussing on coastal ecosystems, including
marine mammal and other threatened species research.
Interested scientists should go to our website and
download the concept note form and return it to Earthwatch by Tuesday, June 15,
2010.
http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/get_involved/research_grants/research_apply/
For further grant details please see the request for
proposals below. Please feel free to contact sburgess@earthwatch.org.uk with
any additional questions.
Kind Regards,
Debbie Winton, on behalf of Sam Burgess (Senior Oceans
Research Manager)
Request for Proposals: Caribbean Coastal Ecosystems
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 scientists
to develop new field-based research projects for citizen scientists, focusing
on coastal ecosystems in the Caribbean. Annual research grants will carry a
minimum value of $20,000 USD, tenable for three years. Concept notes for
projects starting in spring/summer 2011 will be accepted through Tuesday 15th
June, 2010. Invitations for full research proposals will be communicated by
early July 2010. Applications are to be submitted in English.
Earthwatch will consider proposals for hypothesis-driven
field research that requires the involvement and engagement of non-specialists
(Earthwatch volunteers) in data collection, scientific observation, and a
variety of research tasks. Earthwatch volunteers are highly motivated citizens
from around the world who are dedicated to improving scientific and
environmental understanding. Preference will be given to research projects that
foster partnerships in the local community and directly contribute to local
environmental or social change. A suitable project would employ 6-20 volunteers
on each of 4-8 teams per year. Research teams typically spend 5-14 days in the
field, however, both shorter and longer teams are encouraged where appropriate.
Research projects which can involve individual teenagers and school groups to
participate are desirable, but not essential. All volunteers speak English, and
projects must be conducted in English.
Research Focus
Earthwatch welcomes research proposals which focus on
marine ecosystem connectivity and understanding the impacts of environmental
change on ecosystem functions provided by coral reefs. Projects developing our
understanding of the intra/inter connectivity between coral reefs, and other
coastal ecosystems or involving species of conservation significance to acquire
the knowledge necessary to maintain functional ecosystems through adaptive
management are encouraged. In particular, a better understanding of the
specific threats that overfishing, habitat degradation, climate change, sea
level rise, and pollution pose to coral reef ecosystems is a priority,
especially those with biodiversity value, high species endemism, and those that
are important as a human resource.
Research topics that may be considered for funding
include, but are not limited to:
-• Impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems,
and how this is affecting the local community
- The role of coral reefs in coastal ecosystem
function, examining interactions with other key habitats such as mangroves and
seagrass beds, and how integrated ecosystem management can mitigate against the
impacts of human activities and climate change
- The effects of fisheries (including fish and
shellfish; and aquaculture practices) on coral reefs and how they can be
managed effectively to ensure sustainable fish stocks and healthy coral reef
ecosystem
Value of grant
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, overheads, capital equipment, and other expenses not
directly related to the project. Volunteer costs in the field will be funded by
Earthwatch separately from the research grant. These costs include volunteer
accommodation, food and transport in the field. The field research grants are
tenable for three years, and potentially renewable in the fourth year.
Additional information
-• Research field tasks should be conducted by snorkelling
over SCUBA diving where possible.
- Comfortable accommodation for the proposed
project should be located as close to the research site(s) as possible to
minimize daily travel.
-• Time for scheduled recreational activities
enabling volunteers to explore the surrounding area and experience cultural
aspects are encouraged.
All questions and concept note submissions should be
directed to:
Dr. Samantha Burgess, Senior Oceans Research Manager •
Earthwatch Institute • e-mail: sburgess@earthwatch.org.uk
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 318808 • www.earthwatch.org/europe
Debbie
Winton
Senior
Research Officer
Earthwatch
Institute | 256 Banbury Road | Oxford | OX2 7DE
Tel: 00
44 (0)1865 318805
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