Image © Crispin Zeeman
Where your planet need 1. Restoring Belize’s Reef Ecosystem
I am also proud to announce that Earthwatch has been included in the charitable gift fund set up by Prince William and Miss Middleton, for those who wish to give a wedding present to the Royal couple. We have been chosen for our work in educating youth, and developing environmental leaders. You can find out more at www.royalweddingcharityfund.org. In this issue of Earthwatcher, we showcase three exceptional people helping to look after our life-giving forests, and have mapped out some of our projects most in need of your support in 2011. We have also enclosed a feedback form, for you to tell us what you’d like see more of in your newsletter. I hope you will join us in making this, our anniversary, our most successful and inspirational year yet. Thank you. Sincerely, Nigel Winser
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The Amazon basin is going through dramatic climatic changes that will impact the largest rainforest on Earth, with seasonal changes becoming dramatically more intense. In 2010, water levels in the Amazon were recorded at an historic low, which resulted in extreme dry conditions affecting both wildlife and indigenous communities. Pink river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) numbers declined; populations of fish relied on by the local Cocama Indians for food and income either died or left the region. Your support will allow us to continue monitoring species and environmental changes to help inform conservation action.
5. South Africa’s Scavenge
Image © Paul Harris
Scavengers play a vital role in the years, Earthwatch has supported in researching one of Africa’s mos the brown hyaena (Hyaena brunne to reduce local prejudice toward t the conflict between landowners a hyaena. To further deepen unders importance, Dr Scott has now exp project to incorporate other speci and dung beetles. Your help today understand the importance of the overall ecosystem, their ecology,
Thank you for your support! Over 40 years, Earthwatch influence has reached countries and cultures worldwide and continues to grow. Here are just a few of our highlights.
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Earthwatch Institute (Europe) is the working name for Conservation Education & Research Trust (CERT), a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number: 4373313) and a registered charity (number: 1094467). 656-03-11
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2. Amazon Riverboat Exploration
Executive Vice President and Head of Programmes, Earthwatch Institute
EARTHWATCHER is published in Spring, Summer and Autumn to help keep supporters informed of Earthwatch’s global work. Please spread the word about Earthwatch by passing this newsletter along to a friend. If you would prefer to read this online or do not wish to receive this newsletter, please contact our Development Office. Tel: +44 (0)1865 318878 Email: development@earthwatch.org.uk
Image © Nesbitt
We have cause to celebrate. This year marks Earthwatch’s 40th anniversary; that’s 40 years of Earthwatchers such as yourself helping us make a positive difference to our world.
Image © Dr James Crabbe
Dear Earthwatcher
The Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve in Belize was established to protect and replenish queen conch (Lobatus gigas) populations in the area, severely depleted through various impacts including overharvesting for food and the curio trade. The species is crucial to the health of the reef ecosystem and with your support this Earthwatch project can assess the effectiveness of the Reserve. Researchers will compare the conch populations before enforcement, against those after the protected status was introduced. The more data we can collect, the sooner meaningful conclusions and recommendations can be made for long-term conservation plans both here and in other reef ecosystems.
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