Dear Sir/Madam, I wish to post the following message on Marmam e-mail list. Dear Sir/Madam, The Foundation is now inviting new funding applications for conservation research projects in 2008-2009. The application form and guideline can be downloaded from our website: www.opcf.org.hk. As the conservation arm of Ocean Park, the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) advocates, facilitates and participates in the conservation of wildlife and habitats, with an emphasis on the Asian region, through research and education. Our vision is to ensure the sustainability of wildlife and biodiversity. Funding support will be given to research and conservation projects on, but not limited to, marine mammals, Giant Pandas, amphibians, fishes, birds, terrestrial mammals and reptiles. To encourage Ocean Park to directly support the conservation projects, part of this funding will be allocated for conservation projects collaborated with Ocean Park. We also encourage institutions in Hong Kong to apply funding for projects based locally in Hong Kong. This financial assistance will be used to cover project related expenses, including travelling and field equipment but not to cover the in-house staff cost. Submission deadline for applications is Jan 31, 2008. All the funding applications will then go through our Scientific Advisory Committee members (SACs) for review and recommendation. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for the reviewing process. Research projects recommended by SACs will be further reviewed by the Foundation's Trustees. With Trustees' approval, confirmation of funding will be announced in late June 2008, the Foundation will set up agreements with the Principal Investigators or the Institutes who are in charge of the recommended projects. Thank you for your kind attention and I am looking forward to your application. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Yours Sincerely, Anna Situ Assistant Scientific Officer OPCFHK Tel: 852-2873-8679 Fax: 852-2553-5840 E-mail: anna.situ@oceanpark.com.hk