2013
Earthwatch Research Expeditions Unlocking Potential in People and the Environment
Dear Earthwatcher, Climate change and habitat degradation are taking a toll on our shared planet, and it’s easy to feel helpless in the face of global issues. What does it take to halt environmental damage, maintain ecosystems, and manage the effects of climate change on the natural world? The work of understanding, managing, and conserving the Earth requires on-the-spot research, community outreach, and untold hours of real and meaningful action. That’s why Earthwatch Expeditions were created. More than forty years of Earthwatch volunteerism have helped to make significant, positive changes around the world. That’s because Earthwatch volunteers are not “ecotourists”: they carry, measure, track, sweat, record, camp, hike, paddle, observe, snorkel, climb, identify, photograph, weigh, sample, smell, touch, listen, build, learn, teach, and tag. And, at the end of the day, their work makes a difference. Here are a few examples of what recent Earthwatch volunteers have helped to achieve in just the last few years:
Earthwatch documentation of the presence of grey whales in Cape Caution, Canada, led to establishment of a provincial park to safeguard whales in their feeding area.
Findings from Earthwatch researchers and volunteers investigating coral reefs in Thailand have helped encourage the creation of a ‘no-boat’ zone around key hard coral reef sites, decreasing boat-caused reef damage.
Earthwatch scientists and volunteers in South Africa discovered 18 new species of invertebrates including spiders, snails, millipedes, earthworms, centipedes, and true bugs. The discovery could help protect areas under pressure of development in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province.
In Mongolia’s Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, as a result of Earthwatch data collection, wildlife poaching activity has reduced to almost zero, illegal mining has reduced dramatically, and populations of endangered species such as wild argali sheep are growing.
If you’ve already volunteered for an Earthwatch Expedition, you know the sense of accomplishment that comes from taking an active role in the research process. If you haven’t yet volunteered, now is the time to get involved. During 2013, we offer you a choice of more than 50 vital research expeditions in over two dozen countries, details of which can be found in the pages of this guide and on the web at www.earthwatch.org/europe. We hope you will make 2013 your year to get involved. We know there are many competing demands for your time, but perhaps none will be more memorable, more fun, and more significant than the simple act of joining an Earthwatch Expedition or sponsoring a friend or family member. It’s time to join the Earthwatch movement. We look forward to working with you!
Ed Wilson, President & CEO Boston, United States
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Nigel Winser, Executive Vice President Oxford, United Kingdom
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Climate Change: P 24 Climate change poses one of the greatest challenges to the planet. We support research that improves our understanding of how climate change is affecting different environments, and find ways to help communities mitigate the impacts or adapt to the changes.
Archaeology & Culture: P 28 Our research shines a light on the combined genetic, ecological, cultural, and linguistic variation discovered in native biological and cultural communities. We unearth the past in a way that safeguards their future.
At Earthwatch, we combine world class scientific field research with experiential learning programmes that inspire the leadership needed to promote personal and organisational change. Earthwatch expeditions change volunteers; volunteers change the world.
2013 Earthwatch Research Expeditions
We work hard to protect marine biodiversity, and our focus is on those parts of the ocean most quickly impacted by society: highly threatened coastal habitats such as mangroves and coral reefs.
2013 Earthwatch Expeditions
Ocean Health: P 18
Keeping You Healthy and Happy
With your help, our goal is to enhance and protect biodiversity in global ecosystems that provide us with valuable goods and services, such as clean drinking water, food, timber and medicines.
Project List
Additional Project Experiences
Wildlife & Ecosystems: P 08
Earthwatch volunteers are vitally important to research that can profoundly improve the health of the planet.
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Earthwatch Offices Wildlife & Ecosystems Climate Change Ocean Health Archaeology & Culture
There are Earthwatch Expeditions with teams all over the world. Find the spot that’s right for you.
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Our Mission!
Our mission is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. What does that mission mean in practice?
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Earthwatch researchers and volunteers unearth ancient fossils, discover artefacts of past civilisations, and document new species.
Research conducted by Earthwatch teams forms the basis for planning wildlife reserves, conserving coral reefs, managing the impact of climate change, and understanding the lives and cultures of long-vanished human cultures.
Work completed by Earthwatch teams makes it possible to nurture the resurgence of species like China’s giant panda and Madagascar’s carnivorous fosa.
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Be among the first to unearth the ancient artefacts of Colorado’s earliest inhabitants.
Explore the rainforests of Queensland, Australia, by night. Your work will help to expand our understanding of the wildlife of the area and their special needs.
Monitor the movements of Ugandan chimps through the forests, collecting information about their foraging habits and diet.
Discover the unique behaviours of sperm whales off the coast of Norway.
Track, count and assess elephant, antelope, zebra, monkeys and if you’re lucky, lion, leopard, hyaena and rhino in Malawi’s Majete Wildlife Reserve.
Survey mangrove forests by foot; then board a boat to photograph the whales and dolphins of Costa Rica.
2013 Earthwatch Research Expeditions
2013 Earthwatch Expeditions
What’s new for 2013?
Keeping You Healthy and Happy
This year, we invite you to take a one-of-akind journey, and make your contribution to our understanding of our shared planet. Join an Expedition. Dive, hike, dig, discover, and learn. And know that you have helped to change the world for the better.
Project List
Additional Project Experiences
Join an Expedition.
Researchers can include only a limited number of volunteers on each Expedition, so act now to ensure your place on the team of your choice!
Donate Online If you can’t take part in an Expedition this year, consider making a financial donation and joining our online community. Donate online at earthwatch.org/europe, and we’ll put your gift to work helping to study and save the species, habitats, and cultural legacies you care about.
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Wildlife & Ecosystems Earthwatch volunteers have already discovered hundreds of new species, while also investigating the issues facing wildlife in today’s Ocean Health changing world. Visit earthwatch.org/europe or call us on +44 (0)1865 318831 for more info
You can explore the Amazon by boat or by foot, monitoring river dolphins, turtles, jaguar, puma, manedwolf, tapir, and giant anteaters. Help solve the mystery of Australia’s vanishing frogs. Help to restore the panda population in China. Where in the world will you go?
Archaeology & Culture
01. Amazon Riverboat Exploration
02. Australia’s Vanishing Frogs
Based on the Ayapua, a restored and remodelled 33-meter, three-deck boat, you’ll work with a team of skilled Peruvian biologists. Together you’ll collect information about the wildlife populations in the PacayaSamiria National Reserve, along the Samiria River, a major Amazon tributary. From a motorised canoe, you’ll rotate tasks like conducting surveys of dolphins, fish, and river turtles. You’ll also count macaws and conduct land surveys of peccaries, tapirs, deer, monkeys, and game birds. At night, you’ll search for caimans with a spotlight. The Ayapua is air-conditioned, and offers comfortable accommodations with an elegant dining room.
Along the pristine east coast of Australia in World Heritage temperate rainforests, nine species of frogs – about 5% of Australian frog species – have disappeared in the past two decades, while 20 species have declined alarmingly. This decline and disappearance of frogs in Australia is parallelled by losses of amphibians in other parts of the world. As a volunteer, you will be involved in regular monitoring of frog populations to determine why populations are declining. You may even, like four other Earthwatchers, discover a new species! You’ll be camping alongside cool mountain streams and working into the night when most frog species are active.
Scientist: Dr. Richard Bodmer, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology Location: Pacaya Samiria, Peru From: £1,650 Duration: 8 - 15 days ADULT TEEN
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Scientist: Dr. Michael Mahony, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle Location: Watagan National Park, Australia From: Call Duration: 7 days ADULT TEEN
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Tom Wyatt, Earthwatch Volunteer, Canopies and Wildlife in Ecuador 03. Blazing the Biodiversity Trail in Brazil The Araguaia River connects the Cerrado grasslands and the Amazonian rainforest. At the headwaters of the river lies Emas National Park, where the jaguar, puma, maned-wolf, tapir, and giant anteater roam. Your assignment: help determine whether expanding sugar cane plantations create barriers for these animals as they move from one fragmented area to another. You’ll record and map species, help install camera traps, and work with trained dogs to seek out animal tracks. At the park, accommodations are provided in a modern house; in towns along the Araguaia River, you’ll stay at small local hotels with standard amenities.
One of the most ferocious predators on Earth, the cat-like fosa is found only in Madagascar. Its habits and population status are virtually unknown; its habitat is nearly gone. To learn more about the fosa and help preserve its habitat, you’ll hike up to 20 km a day through the forests of Madagascar. You’ll set fosa traps and use radio-tracking transmitters and receivers, be trained to check trap lines, and may help measure trapped and sedated carnivores. You’ll stay at a tented research station with modern plumbing in Ankarafantsika National Park on Madagascar’s main island.
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Scientist: Dr. Mika Peck, University of Sussex Location: Santa Lucia Reserve, Ecuador From: £1,750 Duration: 11 days ADULT
Additional Project Experien
The Santa Lucia Reserve protects more than 390 bird species, thousands of plant species, and at least 45 mammal species in an Andean cloud forest. You’ll hike to a different assignment each day, with the aim of helping researchers to create habitat and species action plans. On any given day, you might help set up camera traps; conduct bird surveys; photograph animal tracks; or survey tree species, size, and density to determine the carbon storage of the reserve. Volunteers stay in the Santa Lucia Lodge, which offers shared rooms with spectacular views of the forest!
Wildlife & Ecosystems
04. Canopies, Climate, and Critters of the Ecuadorian Rainforest
Ocean Health
Scientist: Dr. Luke Dollar, Duke University Location: Ankarafantsika, Madagascar From: £1,850 Duration: 13 days ADULT TEEN
Archaeology & Culture
Scientist: Dr. Leandro Silveira, Jaguar Conservation Fund Location: Araguaia River, Central Brazil From: £1,750 Duration: 12 days ADULT
05. Carnivores of Madagascar
Wildlife & Ecosystems
Ocean Health
Archaeology & Culture
Like all valuable experiences, the best are the unexpected and unpredictable, from stumbling across a brace of toucans, to playing multi-lingual football in the clouds.
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06. Cheetah Conservation in Namibia Join the staff at Eland’s Joy, a 15,000-hectare farm and headquarters of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. You will assist CCF staff with wildlife surveys, help with the Livestock Guarding Dog programme and the management of goat and sheep herds, and take part in vital data collection and entry including a 12-hour waterhole count. You’ll also aid CCF staff with radio tracking and monitoring of cheetahs. At Eland’s Joy, you’ll stay in two-person bungalows, with sinks, beds, and mosquito nets. The bathhouse offers modern facilities. Meals are served in a shaded, thatched-roof pavilion with a view of the Namibian bush. Scientist: Dr. Laurie Marker, Cheetah Conservation Fund Location: Eland’s Joy Farm, Windhoek, Namibia From: £2,550 Duration: 15 days ADULT
07. Conserving Koala Country Great Otway National Park in southwest Victoria, Australia, is spectacular country with a thriving koala population. An understanding of the response of koalas to climate change and the impacts of overpopulation on their habitat and behaviour is crucial for the conservation of their population and habitats. During this expedition, volunteers will work closely with koalas. Team members will learn to capture and handle koalas, use radio tracking devices and cameras, assess koala habitat, and spotlight for animals at night. Accomodations are self-contained cabins in the Otway National Park. Scientist: Dr. Desley Whisson, Deakin University Location: Great Otway National Park, Victoria, Australia From: Call Duration: 10 days ADULT
08. Costa Rican Coffee From Community to Cup Adults and teens are invited to work side-by-side with local farmers and researchers at Coope Tarrazú, a farming cooperative located in central Costa Rica. You’ll work with researchers to collect data on soil conditions, shade tree coverage, erosion, plant yield, and biodiversity in the region. Your findings will help members of the cooperative maintain and improve their environmentally-friendly and economicallyjust growing practices. You’ll also meet and work with farmers from many other coffee farms, visit a coffee plant, attend coffee tastings, and learn more about fair trade issues. You’ll stay in simple but comfortable cabins with modern facilities. Scientist: Sebastián Castro Tanzi, University of Vermont Location: Santa Maria, Costa Rica From: £1,250 Duration: 8 days ADULT TEEN
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09. Daintree’s Hidden Coastline
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Wildlife & Ecosystems
Ocean Health
Scientist: Dr. Norm Duke, James Cook University Location: Daintree River, Queensland, Australia From: Call Duration: 10 days ADULT
Archaeology & Culture
The Daintree River runs through ancient rainforests to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Exploring the river by boat and on foot, you’ll help assess the condition of the fringing mangrove habitats by conducting surveys, filming the shoreline, measuring habitats and conducting biomass assessments. You’ll also meet with local Kuku Yalanji people, to learn about their culture, history, and relationship with the land. Your findings will help develop a strategy for effective management of tidal wetlands faced with climate change and local human pressures. You’ll stay at a simple, eco-friendly, tent-style village with modern facilities.
10. Darwin’s Finches and Natural Selection in the Galapagos New
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Keeping You Healthy and
Scientist: Dr. Alison Leslie, University of Stellenbosch, S. Africa Location: Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi From: £2,250 Duration: 12 days ADULT
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Additional Project Experie
Poaching, logging, and burning destroyed the fragile ecosystem of today’s Majete Wildlife Reserve in Malawi. In 2003, rehabilitation began, and the area rebounded. As a volunteer, you’ll help answer critical questions about the process and outcomes of animal reintroduction and land restoration and management. Your work will include animal tracking and counting, the assessment of predator-prey relationships, diet preference and other physiological studies, plant identification and vegetation monitoring and mapping, camera trapping, and even game capture. You’ll stay in a modern tented research camp on the edge of the reserve.
Wildlife & Ecosystems
11. Animals of Malawi in the Majete Wildlife Reserve New
Ocean Health
Scientist: Prof. Sonia Kleindorfer, The Flinders University of South Australia Location: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador From: £1,850 Duration: 7 days ADULT
Archaeology & Culture
In the Galapagos, evolution occurs rapidly — sometimes within just a few years. Darwin’s finches are undergoing evolutionary change as a result of an introduced fly which has changed the shape of the finch’s beak, and thus the sound of its mating song and its mating habits. While volunteering on this project, you’ll study changes in the relationship between Darwin’s finches and the parasitical fly. You will survey finch populations, mist-net birds, measure them, and collect blood samples for genetic analyses. You’ll also use in-nest cameras to video parasite-host interactions and bird behaviours. While in the Galapagos, you’ll share a room in a modern hotel.
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12. Conserving Leopards and Monkeys in South Africa Farmers in the Soutpansberg Mountains see local leopards, hyaenas, and monkeys as threats to livestock and crops. This can place the security of these animals under threat. Your assignment: help understand the behaviour of these flagship species and determine the actual damage done to livestock and crops in order to improve the relationship between farmers and wildlife. You’ll assist with camera-trapping, GPS data collection, and sample analysis. You’ll follow groups of primates such as samango monkeys, arriving at their sleeping-sites before they stir and monitoring them on foot until they return in the evenings. You’ll stay at the Lajuma Research Station, under a thatched living area. Scientist: Dr. Russell Hill, Durham University Location: Soutpansberg Mountains, S. Africa From: £2,050 Duration: 12 days ADULT
13. Managing Mangroves and Capturing Carbon in Kenyan Communities Kenya’s coastal village communities are leading the way in mangrove plantation experiments to restore coastal barriers, carbon sinks, and habitats. You will live and work with local villagers while helping to conduct pioneering plantation experiments to rehabilitate degraded mangroves in Gazi Bay. In addition to planting mangrove seedlings on two beach sites, you will also help monitor the effects of these plantations on rates of beach erosion and on crabs and fish. Your team will stay in a shared village house, getting to know the village. The houses have modern facilities, and provide bedding and mosquito nets. Scientist: Prof. Mark Huxham, Edinburgh Napier University Location: Gazi Bay, Kenya From: £1,550 Duration: 11 days ADULT
Carbon credits support mangrove restoration and community development in Kenya’s Gazi Bay.
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Work up close with pandas cared for in captivity, and help them adapt to life in the wild, so that they may breed and live longer and healthier lives. At two nature reserves, you’ll monitor mother pandas and newborn cubs, and prepare and deliver bamboo to the captive pandas. You’ll monitor captive pandas, record their behaviour to assist with their wilderness training, and evaluate how prepared they are to survive in the wild. You’ll also survey and monitor wild panda populations in the Wolong Reserve. Depending on the time of year you join us, you may even observe the birthing of a cub! Volunteers stay at a modern hostel and hotel, and spend one night camping.
Scientist: Dr. Aurélie Cohas, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and CNRS Location: La Sassière Reserve, France From: £1,450 Duration: 7 or 14 days ADULT
Scientist: Prof. Zhang Hemin, The China Conservation and Research Center for The Giant Panda Location: Sichuan, China From: £2,550 Duration: 6 - 12 days ADULT
16. Puerto Rico’s Rainforest
Scientist: Dr. Mark Nelson, Institute of Ecotechnics Location: Patillas, Puerto Rico From: £1,350 Duration: 10 days ADULT
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Additional Project Experien
Can we minimise rainforest destruction by harvesting trees in a way that mimics nature? To find out, researchers cut long slots through the forest, as if a canopy tree had fallen. They plant tree seedlings in each slot, and harvest the trees years later with minimal disturbance to the surrounding forest. Now, Earthwatch volunteers will help determine which planting sites are working best, and what their impact is on the surrounding forest. Earthwatchers will measure trees, count lizards, identify vine species, and join a night expedition to count frogs. Volunteers stay in tents on covered platforms and enjoy world cuisine.
Wildlife & Ecosystems
What characteristics influence a species’ ability to cope, or not cope, with climate change? To help answer that question, you’ll examine the behaviours of the alpine marmot. You’ll set traps to capture marmots, and record their biometric measures. You’ll film marmot behaviours, and observe family groups. You may also monitor chamois and ibex densities and plant species abundance and distribution. The results of this important, long-term research project will help predict wildlife responses to climate change and support effective conservation management. You‘ll stay high in the mountains, sharing comfortable modern accommodations with research staff.
Ocean Health
15. On the Trail of Giant Pandas in China
Archaeology & Culture
14. Of Mountains and Marmots: Climate Change in the French Alps
Wildlife & Ecosystems
Kristen Rekker, Earthwatch Volunteer, Puerto Rico’s Rainforest
Ocean Health
Archaeology & Culture
I would rate this as one of the most wonderful and interesting experiences that I have ever had the chance to participate in. It took me out of my normal surroundings and exposed me to people who are not just talking about sustainable living, but are actually doing it.
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17. Restoring Prehistoric Landscapes on Easter Island Outwitting harsh conditions, the ancient Rapa Nui people developed extraordinary agricultural practices which disappeared with the arrival of Europeans. You’ll help recreate this storied island’s ancient practices and rebuild its endangered forests. You’ll search for prehistoric gardens, livestock enclosures and agricultural fields, and help conduct experiments to evaluate how effective the prehistoric mulching system was in feeding the inhabitants of the island. You’ll prepare soil to better sustain native plants of Rapa Nui, helping to create a botanical reserve. You’ll also participate in reforesting critically eroded areas of the island. You’ll stay in cosy double rooms in a small family hotel. Scientist: Sonia Haoa Cardinali, Virginia Department of Historic Resources Location: Hanga Roa, Easter Island, Chile From: £2,775 Duration: 14 days ADULT
18. South Africa’s Scavenger Species While we know scavenger species are essential to ecosystem function, health, and biodiversity, we don’t fully understand their role – nor do we know what these species need to survive in human-dominated landscapes. To help find answers to these critical questions, you’ll look for hyaenas, vultures, and insects and their tracks, droppings, feeding sites, dens, and nests. You’ll help capture and tag individual vultures, monitor their colonies, and help assess their habitat. You’ll also conduct predator population counts at night, playing tape recordings of their prey to attract lions and leopards as you conduct spotlight transects. Living in the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve, you’ll sleep in either a small brick house, cabins, or a walk-in safari tent. Scientist: Dr. Dawn Scott, University of Brighton Location: Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa From: £2,050 Duration: 12 days ADULT TEEN
19. Spotting Songbirds in the Rockies Many songbird populations in the Jackson Hole area are declining, and you can help researchers study these birds and their habitats in an effort to stop this decline. You’ll search for migratory birds’ nests and relocate colour-banded birds and collect and count insects, providing information on seasonal survivorship and productivity. Some teams will observe birds up-close as project staff remove them from mist-nets and band them. Other teams will assist with vegetation measurements. You’ll stay in rustic cabins at the Kelly Campus of the Teton Science Schools. Each cabin houses 3-4 people and has modern facilities. Scientist: Jenny McCabe, Teton Science Schools Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA From: £1,350 Duration: 9 days ADULT
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Elephants in Thailand are endangered, yet we know little about their behaviours and needs. Your participation in this project will inform wild elephant management for the future. You’ll work up close with elephants, collecting behavioural and intelligence data in cognition experiments, participating with setup, apparatus building, food preparation, and assisting elephant caretakers in their daily routines. You’ll collect and input data, and help with analysis. You will also help with education initiatives for Thai, U.S. and other internationally-based communities. You’ll stay in a nearby guesthouse with modern facilities.
22. Tracking Chimps Through the Trees of Uganda New
Scientist: Dr Fred Babweteera, The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Location: Budongo Forest Reserve, Masindi, Western Uganda From: £1,650 Duration: 12 days ADULT
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Scientist: Dr. Josh Viers, Pacific Agroecology LLC Location: Cosumnes River Preserve, California, USA From: £525 Duration: 3 days ADULT
Project List
The lush Budongo Forest in Uganda is home to a large population of chimpanzees and other primates who rely on fruiting trees for their survival. Now, the trees are bearing less fruit, and chimps are raiding nearby farms, where they are at risk of injury. Your assignment: help researchers determine what has impacted the trees, and how dwindling availability of fruit impacts the chimps. Each day, you’ll track Budongo’s chimps and other primates through the forests, collecting information about their foraging habits and diet. You will also monitor the fruiting patterns of trees in the area. Your work will help answer the question “how can we help Budongo’s primates to survive in a changing climate?”
Additional Project Experien
California’s rivers are one of its most valuable resources, supplying drinking water, sustaining agriculture, and supporting iconic species. Scientists, non profits, and local governments are working to restore California’s rivers and surrounding habitat. You’ll work along several rivers in the California Delta region to determine how they are responding to riparian and floodplain restoration efforts. You’ll set up transects, identify vegetation, and measure trees. You’ll identify butterflies, wild bees, and birds, and collect other data necessary to evaluate changes to wildlife and water quality. You’ll stay at a hotel in Davis, and share a room with another same-gender volunteer.
Wildlife & Ecosystems
Ocean Health
20. Protecting the Rivers of the California Delta
Archaeology & Culture
Scientist: Dr. Joshua Plotnik, University of Cambridge Location: Chiang Saen, Thailand From: £1,950 Duration: 10 days ADULT
Wildlife & Ecosystems
Ocean Health
Archaeology & Culture
21. Thinking Like an Elephant in Thailand
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23. Walking with African Wildlife The right management interventions can help protect the diversity of wildlife species in one of Africa’s oldest wildlife reserves. You’ll help inform those strategies, as you work in teams of two, yourself and an armed guard, walking eight-to-ten-kilometer transects through acacia woodland, bushveld, and forest, starting at dawn. When you spot a herd or individual of one of the 15 target herbivore species, you will record the species, herd size, compass bearing, and distance. You’ll sleep on comfortable mattresses in a tent with one or two teammates. Scientist: Dr. Dave Druce, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife Location: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, S. Africa From: £2,550 Duration: 16 days ADULT
24. Wildlife of Australia’s Cloud Forest
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The wet tropics of Northern Queensland represent the last remaining part of Australia’s primeval forest. There, a unique ecosystem is home to cassowaries, parrots, pythons, possums, tree kangaroos, and primitive looking reptiles. You’ll work with world renowned ecologist Prof. Steve Williams, to help shape our understanding of how changes in our climate are altering the landscape and what this means for unique species in the area. Your work will include bird, lizard and frog surveys; nocturnal wildlife spotting, and insect collecting. Teams will travel throughout the region, camping in tents. Scientist: Prof. Stephen Williams, James Cook University Location: Wet tropics, Queensland, Australia From: Call Duration: 7 – 15 days ADULT
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25. Wildlife of the Mongolian Steppe For years, Earthwatch teams have worked to conserve Mongolia’s wildlife, including the argali—the largest mountain sheep in the world. Their findings have been used to develop improved conservation management policies. Now, you can join researchers in remote, spectacular areas of Mongolia to study the needs and behaviours of the argali, Siberian ibex, huge cinereous vultures, lesser kestrels, two species of hedgehogs, and prey species, from lizards to steppe snakes and marmots. Team members share quarters in traditional Mongolian gers, and a cook will prepare meals, including a Mongolian barbecue cooked with hot rocks. Interested volunteers may also have the opportunity to work with a parallel Earthwatch project, focused on archaeology. Scientist: Gana Wingard, Denver Zoological Foundation Location: Ikh Nart Wildlife Reserve, Mongolia From: £2,150 Duration: 14 days ADULT
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What do the animals of Mongolia need to survive and thrive? You’ll help find the answers.
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Ocean Health Earthwatchers are
diving in to answer key questions about marine life – a critically important step toward protecting the world’s oceans.
Archaeology & Culture Visit earthwatch.org/europe or call us on +44 (0)1865 318831 for more info
26. Snorkeling to Protect Reefs in The Bahamas
27. Coral Communities in the Seychelles
Critical fish habitats are under threat from climate change, overfishing, and development. Your assignment: complete research to help determine which ecological characteristics create better marine reserves. While snorkeling, you’ll identify fish species, sizes, and behaviours. You’ll help maintain fish nets at patch reef sites, take measurements at mangrove creeks, and help take biological samples from fish in the field and lab. You’ll also measure water flow rates in the mangrove creeks, and help search for, tag, measure, and monitor fish. Accommodations include dormitory-style rooms.
Curieuse Island is home to a marine park, hundreds of Giant Tortoise, the iconic Coco de Mer palm, and some of the world’s most beautiful reefs. Using digital photography, you will take underwater transects to measure biodiversity and coral growth. You’ll help identify biodiversity hot spots, areas of reef degradation, and areas that are more resistant to environmental change. Your data will help to identify the most important sites for protection and the species that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. You’ll stay in a traditional bunk house within the reserve, sleeping in bunk beds and sharing a room with three or four others.
Scientist: Dr. Alastair Harborne, University of Exeter Location: Cape Eleuthera, Bahamas From: £1,650 Duration: 10 days ADULT TEEN
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With your help, Ocean Hea Earthwatch researchers are exploring coral reefs, analysing the behaviours of dolphins and whales, and discovering the secret Archaeolo lives of manta rays. As a result, we are better able to manage marine reserves, protect whale migration routes, and ensure the future of the planet’s largest resource.
Scientist: Prof. David Smith, University of Essex Location: Curieuse Island, Seychelles From: £1,950 Duration: 15 days ADULT
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In just one year, Earthwatch volunteers counted over 5,600 fish on Bahamian reefs.
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28. Costa Rican Sea Turtles Leatherback turtles are an ancient species, growing up to six feet long and 1,500 pounds. Along the most important leatherback nesting beaches left in the world, you’ll monitor, protect, measure, and tag these critically endangered, gentle creatures. During your nights on the beaches, you’ll also count eggs to help determine which factors influence nesting success. Depending on the season, you may relocate threatened nests to the hatchery, protect hatchlings as they crawl seaward, excavate nests to determine hatching success rates, rescue stragglers, and help maintain the hatchery. You and the research staff will share a comfortably equipped beachfront duplex. Scientist: Dr. Frank Paladino, Indiana-Purdue University Location: Tamarindo, Costa Rica From: £1,750 Duration: 9 days ADULT
29. Dolphins of Greece On the west coast of Greece, you’ll help scientists understand and combat the main threats to dolphins and their ecosystem. From an 18 foot research vessel, your team will search for various species of dolphins, follow them, and record information on their numbers, group composition, behaviour, movement patterns, and interactions with the area’s fishing industry. Later, back at the field station, you’ll help enter data and prepare digital images of dolphins’ dorsal fins to compare them and match them with the project catalogue to identify which individuals were seen in the field. You’ll share a large, comfortable loft with bunk beds, and a conventional bathroom. Scientist: Joan Gonzalvo, Tethys Research Institute, University of Barcelona Location: Vonitsa, Greece From: £1,450 Duration: 8 days ADULT
30. Loons and the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill How has the common loon fared since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010? You’ll help scientists determine the impact of the spill on a large population of loons in Louisiana. You’ll assist in capturing loons and help to hold captured birds during tagging and measurements. You’ll go out in boats to conduct behavioural studies, and use radio telemetry to locate signals from loons with transmitters. Using a GPS unit and a compass, you’ll pinpoint the location of individual birds. In the lab, you’ll enter banding and behavioural data. You’ll stay at a furnished field house, with air conditioning and full kitchen. Scientist: Dr. Jim Paruk, Center for Loon Conservation at the Biodiversity Research Institute Location: Port Sulphur, Louisiana, USA From: £1,350 Duration: 7 - 14 days ADULT
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31. Project Manta
32. Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef
New
33. Shark Conservation in Belize
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Project List
Scientist: Dr. Demian Chapman, Science Stony Brook University Location: Glover’s Reef or Southwater Caye, Belize From: £1,750 Duration: 8 days ADULT TEEN
Additional Project Experien
Do marine reservations really protect sharks and other ocean life? You’ll help gather information on local Belizean and tourist perceptions of sharks and marine reserves using questionnaires and short video interviews. You’ll help deploy and operate baited, remote underwater cameras to capture footage of sharks, and you’ll conduct snorkel surveys. Working on research boats, you’ll help with capture, measurement, tissue sampling, tagging, and safe release of reef, nurse, Caribbean sharpnose, great hammerhead, lemon, night, and tiger sharks. You’ll stay in simple accommodations at Glover’s Reef Research Station, or at Southwater Caye.
Ocean Health
Scientist: Dr. David Bourne, Australian Institute of Marine Science Location: Orpheus Island, Brisbane, Australia From: Call Duration: 8 days ADULT
Catherine Martens, Earthwatch Volunteer, Dolphins of Greece
Archaeology & Culture
Orpheus Island, a part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, lies off the coast of Townsville, Australia. Even in this pristine area, coral diseases threaten reef ecosystems. As a member of this Expedition, you’ll conduct underwater surveys, tagging and photographing diseased areas, which will then be monitored over time to assess the condition of the coral. In the aquarium, you will set up and conduct experiments to determine the impact that changes in light, temperature, pH, and nutrients have on diseased corals. While staying in this spectacular region, you’ll enjoy modern accommodations.
Ocean Health
Scientist: Dr. Kathy Townsend, University of Queensland Location: Lady Elliot Island, Australia From: Call Duration: 8 days ADULT
I was totally amazed at how well we could see the dolphins and how photographs could so easily identify them. We really were up close and personal. It was a great experience being so close to these wonderful animals. Archaeology & Culture
Gentle manta rays are vulnerable to fishing pressures, but so little is known about them that it‘s difficult to design appropriate protection. The Manta Identification Database is rectifying this problem by identifying individual rays and following them to understand their behaviours and needs. As an Earthwatch SCUBA diver or snorkeler, you’ll photograph rays in their natural habitat, helping to add to the database. You’ll also assist with plankton sampling and analysis, and may also take part in filming manta rays. You’ll stay on the island’s only eco-resort, in comfortable, four person permanent tents.
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34. South African Penguins Robben Island is a World Heritage Site hosting the second largest colony of African penguins on the planet. It also lies in the middle of major oil shipping lanes. You’ll monitor seabirds to help reduce threats to this fragile environment, conduct population surveys on penguins and other seabirds to determine their breeding success and survival, and help test a new system which detects and recognises individual penguins as they pass remote cameras. You’ll share rooms in a simple, comfortable island house near the penguin colony which offers modern conveniences. Scientist: Prof. Peter Barham, University of Bristol Location: Robben Island, South Africa From: £1,750 Duration: 12 days ADULT
36. Safeguarding Whales and Dolphins in Costa Rica New Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica is home to a large and vulnerable community of whales and dolphins. To protect these marine mammals, researchers must first collect information about the habitat, the animals, and human/ animal interactions. You’ll observe and record whale and dolphin behaviour and environmental conditions aboard a motor boat, taking photos which will provide the basis for a photo ID catalog. You’ll also hike along rivers to collect information about mangrove forests and palm oil plantations in the vicinity. You’ll stay at El Chontal, an ecolodge run by a local family. Scientist: Lenin Enrique Oviedo Correa, University of Hong Kong Location: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica From: £1,550 Duration: 7 days ADULT
35. Trinidad’s Leatherback Sea Turtles Volunteers work alongside local conservation leaders to identify, examine, and protect the world’s largest turtles. Each night, your team will patrol the beach with staff and volunteers. In peak season, you may find as many as 150 sea turtles nesting each night. At every encounter, you’ll tag, measure, and weigh these turtles and collect other data crucial for local and worldwide conservation efforts. Since green and hawksbill sea turtles also nest in the area, you may record data on them, as well. You’ll share double rooms with modern facilities in a large and comfortable guesthouse. Scientist: Dennis Sammy, Nature Seekers Location: Matura, Trinidad From: £1,850 Duration: 12 days ADULT TEEN
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Ocean Health
Archaeology & Culture About 4,800 Earthwatchers have spent over 240,000 total hours collecting sea turtle data.
Share the waters of California’s Santa Catalina Island with Pacific grey whales, and help determine how shipping lanes, recreational boating, and pollution affect marine mammal populations along the coast. You’ll work on the water, photographing whales to identify individuals, recording GPS coordinates, video-recording any unusual behaviours, and taking water samples. From the shore, you’ll help spot both whales and boats using binoculars, tracking their movement using a theodolite, and video-recording activities. You’ll also use GIS technology to examine spatial relationships between marine mammal distribution patterns and oceanographic and human variables. Summer teams will stay in a dorm-style waterfront townhouse, while winter teams will stay in a hotel.
Scientist: Iva Kovacic, The Marine Research and Education Fund of Andenes Location: Vesterålen region, Norway From: £1,450 Duration: 8 days ADULT
Scientist: Dr. Lei Lani Stelle Location: Huntington Beach or Palos Verdes, California, USA From: £1,550 Duration: 3-14 days ADULT TEEN
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Project List
In the arctic waters of Norway, migratory sperm, killer, and beaked whales are abound. As a result, whale watching has become increasingly popular off the Norwegian coast. Earthwatch researchers are eager to learn more about arctic whales and help protect marine mammals. Volunteers collect data from boats and the Andenes lighthouse observation station. You’ll identify whale species and individual animals, count groups, and collaborate with the crew to collect data on wind, temperature and sea state. You’ll also learn to interpret cetacean behaviour and social calls, and assess human impacts on whales and dolphins. Research may help define regulations around whale watching to help protect whales from negative impacts. Volunteers will stay at a nearby house.
Additional Project Experien
38. Whales and Dolphins Under the California Sun
Ocean Health
Archaeology & Culture
37. Investigating Whales and Dolphins of the Norwegian Arctic New
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Climate Change The more we know about climate change, the more we can do to slow and manage its impact on our planet’s fragile forests, seas, wetlands and deserts.
Wildlife & Ecosystems
Visit earthwatch.org/europe or call us on +44 (0)1865 318831 for more info
Ocean Health
Ocean H
Archaeology & Culture
Archaeo
39. Climate Change at the Arctic’s Edge
40. Climate Change and Caterpillars in Costa Rica
Wetlands at the edge of the Arctic contain much of the world’s carbon, usually locked in permafrost. As the permafrost thaws, carbon dioxide and methane are released, increasing the rate of global warming. Working from dormitory-style lodgings at the Churchill Northern Studies Center, summer and fall teams will use ground-penetrating radar and soil coring to measure the permafrost’s organic carbon levels. These teams live-trap small mammals, and monitor plant development. February teams will travel by sleds towed by snowmobiles, classify ice crystals, and measure snowpack thickness, density, and temperature. August teams conduct similar projects in the Northwest Territories.
Join Dr. Lee Dyer’s research team to explore the impact of climate change on parasites and the caterpillar population in Costa Rica. Caterpillars are a model species; your findings may help provide the key to understanding many complex interactions among species. Your work will include collecting caterpillar species and their host plants, observing their reproduction, and analysing the toxins caterpillar get from plants to ward off predators. Your findings will help answer key questions about the impact of climate change. While in Costa Rica, you’ll stay in simple lodgings at two research stations.
Scientist: Dr. Peter Kershaw, University of Alberta Location: Churchill or Mackenzie Mountains, Canada From: £2,050 or £3,550 Duration: 10 - 11 days ADULT TEEN
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Human activity and Climate natural events both contribute to climate change. Join an Expedition and help to monitor the impact of climate change on wildlife and plants in Wildlife African rainforests and Canadian tundra. Or explore environmental variations created by volcanic activity in Iceland and Nicaragua.
Scientist: Dr. Lee Dyer, University of Nevada, Reno Location: Heredia Province, Costa Rica From: £1,550 Duration: 11 days ADULT
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Earthwatch scientists and volunteers discovered a two-decade arctic warming trend of 1.25 Celsius.
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Earthwatch scientists are currently studying 24 endangered species worldwide.
41. Climate and Landscape Change in Borneo’s Rainforests Can Borneo’s astoundingly diverse rainforests survive and thrive in the face of climate change, logging, and agriculture? To help answer this critical question, volunteers will assess the ability of forest and soil to manage the impact of climate change. You’ll collect plant specimens, measure seedling survival and growth over time, collect and analyse soil and insects, and more. Your findings may be the difference for Sumatran rhinos, clouded leopards, pygmy elephants, and thousands of plants, birds and other animals. In Borneo, you’ll stay in simple dormitory-style accommodations with modern conveniences. Scientist: Dr. Glen Reynolds, Royal Society SE Asia Rainforest Research Programme Location: Malua Field Centre, Borneo From: £1,350 Duration: 10 - 12 days ADULT
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42. Mammals of Nova Scotia How is climate change impacting Canadian wildlife? To help find out, you’ll explore gorgeous forests, lakes, meadows, wetlands, and rocky beaches. You’ll observe the behaviour of raccoons, beavers, skunks, and porcupines, and establish the locations of their dens and trails. You may use infrared video and camera traps to monitor fisher, coyote, or bobcat, or learn to catch and release smaller animals with trapping grids. During your stay, you’ll live in single-gender, double rooms with twin beds and shared bathrooms, a lecture room, and a large garden with a deck for relaxing in the evening. Scientist: Dr. Christina Buesching, Wildlife Conservation Unit, Oxford University Location: Cherry Hill, Nova Scotia, Canada From: £1,250 Duration: 7 - 14 days ADULT TEEN
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Climate Change
Wildlife & Ecosystems
Ocean Health
Archaeology & Culture
43. Volcanology in Iceland
44. Volcanology and Ecology in Nicaragua
Jennie-Jo White, Earthwatch Volunteer, Volcanology and Ecology in Nicaragua
2013 Earthwatch Research
2013 Earthwatch Expeditio
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The staff was articulate, knowledgeable, and warm… The climb into the caldera was awesome! Keeping You Healthy and H
Scientist: Prof. Hazel Rymer, Open University Location: Masaya, Nicaragua From: £1,550 Duration: 7 - 14 days ADULT
Project List
Additional Project Experien
Explore life in the shadow of an active volcano in Nicaragua. As a team member, you’ll hike around Nicaragua’s active Masaya Volcano and survey the surrounding areas to help determine the effects of volcanic activity (acid rain, ash, sulphur dioxide) on plant, animal, and human communities. You’ll use GPS technology, monitor volcanic gases, and deploy devices to collect geoelectric activity and gravity. You’ll also dig holes, take soil and water samples, and conduct butterfly surveys. Accommodations are in a charming hotel, with shared rooms and facilities. Meals include local cuisine served at your hotel and at nearby restaurants.
Climate Change
Scientist: Prof. Hazel Rymer, Open University Location: Eastern Iceland From: £1,650 Duration: 7 - 14 days ADULT
Wildlife & Ecosystems
Ocean Health
Archaeology & Culture
Magma (molten rock under the Earth’s crust) erupts onto the Earth’s surface as lava. Volcanologists believe that seemingly separate volcanic systems may be linked to the same magma sources. These scientists need to know what effects such connections have on overall regional volcanic activity, and where they’re happening. Working around the Vatnajokull ice cap and near the spectacular Upptyppingar, Askja, and Krafla volcanoes in Iceland, you’ll help scientists conduct gravity studies and collect GPS data from field sites. Volunteers will stay in modern accommodations and share meal preparation responsibilities, enjoying typical Icelandic fare.
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Archaeology & Culture How
did ancient people live, work, and play? Dig into the past with an archaeological expedition to uncover the secrets of the past.
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45. Archaeology of the Mongolian Steppe
46. Uncovering the Mysteries of Colorado’s Ancient Basketmakers
The Ikh Nart Reserve in Mongolia is a model for wildlife conservation. It’s also a significant archaeological site. As a team member, you’ll identify, inventory, and document potentially important archaeological finds, including Buddhist rock art, burial cairns, and ancient campsite tools, some of which have not been used by humans for more than 2,000 years. Your descriptions, drawings, and maps will help to guide wildlife management plans and future archaeological excavations. While in Mongolia, you’ll live in traditional gers or tents and eat foods prepared by a local cook. You may also have the opportunity to work with a parallel Earthwatch team investigating local wildlife.
Between 500-725 A.D., the Basketmaker peoples lived in today’s Mesa Verde, Colorado, laying the groundwork for future Pueblo society. The Basketmaker peoples are poorly understood; researchers are now beginning a dig which will provide insight into the transformation of Southwestern huntergatherer societies into agricultural economies. Earthwatch volunteers will assist in the excavation of a Basketmaker site and wash, sort, catalog and label artefacts. Evening programmes will include an introduction to Crow Canyon’s research and presentations by staff archaeologists or guest lecturers on current research in Southwestern archaeology. Volunteers will stay in Hogan accommodations (Navajo-style log cabins) equipped with electricity and wireless internet access.
Scientist: Gana Wingard, Denver Zoological Foundation Location: Ikh Nart Wildlife Reserve, Mongolia From: £2,150 Duration: 14 days ADULT
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Be among the first to Archa unearth the agricultural secrets of prehistoric Easter Islanders. Discover the remains of 10,000 years of human habitation in New Mexico. Explore the history of Buddhism as part of an Expedition to Mongolia. Each project offers a different window into humanity’s past.
New
Scientist: Susan Ryan, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center Location: Indian Camp Ranch, Colorado, USA From: £1,350 Duration: 7 days ADULT
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Tony McMahon, Earthwatch Volunteer, Discovering Italy’s Roman Coast 47. Discovering Italy’s Ancient Etruscan and Roman Coast
Scientist: Dr. Andrea Camilli, Cantiere delle Navi Antiche di Pisa Location: Populonia, Italy From: £1,150 Duration: 7 - 13 days
ADULT TEEN
48. Encountering the Prehistoric People of New Mexico
Scientist: Dr. Anastasia Steffen, Valles Caldera National Preserve Location: Jemez Springs, New Mexico, USA From: £1,850 Duration: 10 days ADULT
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Additional Project Experien
Take part in the first excavations ever to be conducted at obsidian quarries in the Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP) in northern New Mexico! You’ll help carry out laboratory analyses of the abundant obsidian toolmaking debris from these sites, thus helping archaeologists to better understand how humans have adapted to and transformed the landscape over 10,000 years. With this knowledge, VCNP will better preserve the cultural heritage of the region. In New Mexico, you’ll stay at the new VCNP Science and Education Center in Jemez Springs. Rooms are double occupancy with single beds.
Archaeology & Culture
Populonia is one of the most important archaeological sites in Tuscany—a rich record of Etruscan, Roman and Medieval cultures. As a member of the archaeological team, you’ll dig with the archaeologists and document all finds, carry out experimental archaeology, and survey the area surrounding the dig site to collect, clean, and document artefacts such as pottery shards, mosaic, fresco, metal, and coins. While in Italy, you’ll stay in modern, simple-but-comfortable apartments in the quiet village of Populonia Stazione. You’ll also have the chance to visit nearby medieval villages.
Archaeology & Culture
The Italian archaeological team were magnificent in both their enthusiasm and in the sheer amount of hard work they put in not only to ensure that the dig itself and the accompanying training were first rate, but also in ensuring that we were comfortable and very well fed!
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49. Fort Arbeia and the Roman Empire in Britain
50. Mammoth Graveyard in South Dakota
Adults, families and teens are all welcomed as active participants at this permanent large-scale excavation site near Hadrian’s Wall, York, and the North Sea. Here, Earthwatch teams survey the remains of the days when ancient European cultures such as the Iron Age Britons met the Roman Empire. You’ll help to map pre-Roman and Roman settlements, excavating jewellery, armour, game pieces, and ceramics. You’ll rotate among tasks including excavation, recording site data, site surveying, and sampling, cleaning, and processing finds. Your team will enjoy local guest houses close to your work site in this pleasant, coastal resort town.
The famed Ice Age sinkhole in Hot Springs, South Dakota has been under excavation for more than 30 years, and has yielded the remains of 60 mammoths. Join Dr. Larry Agenbroad’s Earthwatch team, and you’ll learn how to excavate, record, and preserve bone fragments from 26,000-year-old sediments and how to map your finds on a computer. You’ll also share your knowledge with the many visitors to the site, now a £1.3 million museum and a National Natural Landmark. As a critical member of the research group, you’ll work hard — but when the work day is done, you’ll enjoy comfortable accommodations, great food, and friendly local hosts.
Scientist: Dr. Paul Bidwell, Tyne and Wear Museums Location: South Shields, United Kingdom From: £950 Duration: 3 – 14 days ADULT TEEN
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Scientist: Dr. Larry Agenbroad, Northern Arizona University Location: Hot Springs, South Dakota, USA From: £2,050 Duration: 15 days ADULT
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51. Origins of Angkor
Scientist: Dr. Nigel Chang, James Cook University Location: Ban Non Wat, Thailand From: £1,250 Duration: 7-14 days ADULT
The Arlington Archosaur Site produces fossils from Cretaceous rock, approximately 95-100 million years in age. Its unique fossils include a large herbivorous dinosaur, a newly discovered large crocodile and lungfish, carnivorous dinosaurs, turtles, sharks, skates, bony fish, and invertebrates. You’ll excavate in the soil and peat of a gently sloping hill, and map fossil specimens as they are found. In the lab, you’ll prepare the fossils for identification and storage. You may also help sort through the screenwashed sediment looking for microinvertebrate fossils under microscopes. Your team will stay in an extended stay hotel with full amenities.
Archaeology & Culture
The village of Ban Non Wat in Northeast Thailand is a key archaeological site for understanding the origins of the Angkor Empire. You’ll help search for new prehistoric sites and identify the location of resources such as salt and potting clay. You’ll participate in ongoing excavations at Ban Non Wat, and possibly other nearby sites. You’ll also process finds from excavations to help reveal how Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Age peoples here were affected by their environment, by changing climates, by the development of agriculture, by technological advances, and by contact with those from other lands. While working on the dig, you’ll stay at the comfortable Phimai Inn, with a large swimming pool, hot showers, air-conditioned rooms and delicious Thai meals.
52. When Archosaurs Attacked and Reptiles Ruled Texas
Scientist: Derek Main, University of Texas Location: Arlington, Texas, USA From: £1,450 Duration: 7 – 14 days ADULT TEEN
Additional Project Experien
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Archaeology & Culture
Earthwatchers have spent 16 years exploring the ancient Angkor Empire.
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Earthwatch Expeditions are life-changing.
100,000 Earthwatch volunteers since 1971.
Earthwatch projects are designed by top researchers with the goal of scientific discovery. Earthwatch offers researchers the opportunity to train and involve motivated volunteers in the process of discovery. In some cases, volunteers may be needed for several weeks; in other cases they may be needed for just a few days. Some Expeditions may be appropriate for families and teens; others welcome only adults. In all cases, volunteers are doing far more than observing or learning: they are taking an active and essential role in the process of research and discovery.
How Much Time Do You Have? Typical Earthwatch Expeditions run for up to two weeks, and allow volunteers the opportunity to get involved not only with hands-on research but also with teaching and community interaction. Some Earthwatchers, though, have just a few days to dig in. Even our short-term projects, some as short as a weekend, involve volunteers in meaningful research activities.
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Who Are You Travelling With? Perhaps you’re travelling alone, as a couple, or with friends. Maybe you know a child or teen who is eager to get involved with an expedition. Whatever your travel plans, there’s likely to be an expedition that will suit your needs.
Customised Group Expeditions Earthwatch works with educators and students at schools, colleges, and universities, and with community and professional organisations of all kinds, to design group Expeditions based on our existing projects. These Expeditions offer valuable in-the-field science training, team-building, environmental action, and complements to classroom or workplace learning. They also help schools, organisations, and communities realise their ability to combat our most pressing environmental challenges. Contact us at groups@earthwatch.org to start exploring the possibilities.
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Our standard expeditions are appropriate for adult volunteers of all ages. Those aged 15 to 17 are also welcomed when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Special Opportunities for Teens and School Groups TEEN Earthwatch’s Teen Teams are a great way for teens between 15 and 18 to unlock their potential. Mentored by scientists and assisted by Earthwatch Facilitators, teens perform field research in every part of a world that needs them, from studying scavengers in South Africa, to tagging turtles in Trinidad, to snorkeling marine reserves in the Bahamas, to surveying wildlife populations along the Amazon in Peru, to digging for ancient artefacts in Italy, and more. Find detailed information about teen teams at earthwatch.org/europe/teenteam. Secondary school students can also join expeditions organised and led by their own teachers. If you’re interested in this opportunity, learn more at earthwatch.org/europe/groups.
Family Programmes
FAMILY
Interested in bringing your family or friends on an Earthwatch Expedition? Some of our Expeditions can be specifically designed to meet your needs. Learn more about family programmes: earthwatch.org/europe/familyteams.
Where Will You Sleep? Are you happiest sleeping in a tented bungalow, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle? Or do you prefer a small inn, run by a local family and offering modern facilities? Earthwatch Expeditions feature a wide range
If you have any questions about Earthwatch or an expedition of interest, please call us. Our knowledgeable staff are here to assist.
of accommodations, including standard hotels, local inns and guest houses, dorm-style shared rooms and baths, safari-style tented bungalows, and simple, rustic camping.
How Much Physical Activity is Right for You? Earthwatch volunteers may hike miles through spectacular cloud forests, or drift down coastal rivers aboard motor boats. They may spend the day SCUBA diving and snorkeling, or examining samples in a lab. Choose the level of physical exertion that’s right for you by checking the activity level of the expeditions that interest you.
Additional Project Experiences
Standard Expeditions for Almost Everyone ADULT
How is Earthwatch Committed to Your Safety? Every Earthwatch expedition goes through a rigorous vetting process by our international Programme team. Project staff are trained in appropriate emergency response procedures and field safety standards. All projects have comprehensive Risk Assessments and Emergency Response Plans in place, including emergency communications and transportation to major medical facilities. Before we send you into the field we proactively asses and manage risks as a matter of course. Have more safety questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions and Safety Policy pages online: earthwatch.org/europe/faqs. This Guide would not have been possible without the stunning photography contributions from Earthwatch researchers, volunteers, and staff. Thank you Carole Favre-Bonvin, Duncan Brake, Simon Cowling, David Croad, Prof. Ian Gaigher, Joan Gonzalvo, Yoka Heijstek, Iva Kovacic, Nelly Nedialkova, Dr. Shirley Powell, Jess Rands, Dr. Richard Reading, Louisa Richmond-Coggan, Sally Silverstone, Ed Talbot, Geordie Torr and Anne Woodward.
Call Mon–Fri, 12PM–10PM GMT Phone: +44 (0) 1865 318831 email: info@earthwatch.org.uk web: earthwatch.org/europe
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#
2013 Earthwatch Expeditions
01
Amazon Riverboat Exploration
02
Australia’s Vanishing Frogs
03 04 05
Blazing the Biodiversity Trail in Brazil Canopies, Climate, and Critters of the Ecuadorian Rainforest Carnivores of Madagascar
06
Cheetah Conservation in Namibia
07 08 09
Conserving Koala Country Costa Rican Coffee From Community to Cup Daintree’s Hidden Coastline
Wildlife & Ecosystems
10
Darwin’s Finches and Natural Selection in the Galapagos
11 12 13
New Animals of Malawi in the Majete Wildlife Reserve Conserving Leopards and Monkeys in South Africa Managing Mangroves and Capturing Carbon in Kenyan Communities
14
Of Mountains and Marmots: Climate Change in the French Alps
15 16 17
On the Trail of Giant Pandas in China Puerto Rico’s Rainforest Restoring Prehistoric Landscapes on Easter Island
China Puerto Rico Chile
Prof. Zhang Hemin Dr. Mark Nelson Sonia Haoa Cardinali
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South Africa’s Scavenger Species
South Africa
Dr. Dawn Scott
19 20 21
Spotting Songbirds in the Rockies Protecting the Rivers of the California Delta Thinking Like an Elephant in Thailand
22
Tracking Chimps Through the Trees of Uganda New
23 24 25
Walking with African Wildlife Wildlife of Australia’s Cloud Forests Wildlife of the Mongolian Steppe
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Peru
Dr. Richard Bodmer
Australia
Dr. Michael Mahony
Brazil Ecuador Madagascar
Dr. Leandro Silveira Dr. Mika Peck Dr. Luke Dollar
Namibia
New New
Lead Scientist
Dr. Laurie Marker
Australia Costa Rica Australia
Dr. Desley Whisson Sebastián Castro Tanzi Dr. Norm Duke
Ecuador
Prof. Sonia Kleindorfer
Malawi South Africa Kenya France
Dr. Alison J. Leslie Dr. Russell Hill Prof. Mark Huxham
Dr. Aurélie Cohas
USA USA Thailand
Jenny McCabe Dr. Josh Viers Dr. Joshua Plotnik
Dr. Fred Babweteera
Dr. Dave Druce Prof. Stephen Williams Gana Wingard
Snorkeling to Protect Reefs in The Bahamas
Bahamas
Dr. Alastair Harborne
Coral Communities in the Seychelles
Seychelles
Prof. David Smith
28 29 30
Costa Rican Sea Turtles Dolphins of Greece Loons and the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
Costa Rica Greece USA
Dr. Frank Paladino Joan Gonzalvo Dr. Jim Paruk
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Project Manta
Australia
Dr. Kathy Townsend
32 33 34
Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef Shark Conservation in Belize South African Penguins
Australia Belize South Africa
Dr. David Bourne Dr. Demian Chapman Prof. Peter Barham
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Trinidad’s Leatherback Sea Turtles
36 37 38
Safeguarding Whales and Dolphins in Costa Rica New Investigating Whales and Dolphins of the Norwegian Arctic New Whales and Dolphins Under the California Sun
39
Climate Change at the Arctic’s Edge
40
Climate Change and Caterpillars in Costa Rica
41 42 43
Climate and Landscape Change in Borneo’s Rainforests Mammals of Nova Scotia Volcanology in Iceland
44
Volcanology and Ecology in Nicaragua
Nicaragua
Prof. Hazel Rymer
45
Archaeology of the Mongolian Steppe
Mongolia
Gana Wingard
46
Uncovering the Mysteries of Colorado’s Ancient Basketmakers New
47 48 49
Discovering Italy’s Ancient Etruscan and Roman Coast Encountering the Preshistoric People of New Mexico Fort Arbeia and the Roman Empire in Britain
50
Mammoth Graveyard in South Dakota
51 52
Origins of Angkor When Archosaurs Attacked and Reptiles Ruled Texas
Climate Change
Ocean Health
Uganda South Africa Australia Mongolia
Archaeology & Culture
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Country
New
New
Trinidad
Dennis Sammy
Costa Rica Norway USA
Lenin Correa Iva Kovacic Dr. Lei Lani Stelle
Canada
Dr. Peter Kershaw
Costa Rica Borneo Canada Iceland
USA
Dr. Lee Dyer
Dr. Glen Reynolds Dr. Christina Buesching Prof. Hazel Rymer
Susan Ryan
Italy USA United Kingdom
Dr. Andrea Camilli Dr. Anastasia Steffen Dr. Paul Bidwell
USA
Dr. Larry Agenbroad
Thailand USA
Dr. Nigel Chang Derek Main
Earthwatch programme contributions, dates, duration and lead scientists are subject to change. Some 2013 team dates are estimated based on 2012 team dates. Contribution shown is for least expensive standard-duration expedition team expected in 2013. Australian programme contributions are undetermined at time of printing. See our website for full listing of available teams and contributions.
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8 days
Call
21 21 22
8 days 8 days 12 days
Call £1,750 £1,750
12 days
TEEN
22
£1,850
TEEN
22 23 23
7 days 8 days 3 - 14 days
£1,550 £1,450 £1,550
TEEN
24
10 - 11 days
24
TEEN
26 26 27
10 - 12 days 7 - 14 days 7 - 14 days
27
7 - 14 days
14 days
7 days
30 31 31
£1,550
£1,550
28
£2,050/3,550
28
TEEN
£1,350 £1,250 £1,650
29 29 30
TEEN TEEN
11 days
£2,150
£1,350
7 - 13 days 10 days 3 - 14 days
£1,150 £1,850 £950
15 days
£2,050
7 - 14 days 7 - 14 days
£1,250 £1,450
Call Earthwatch at +44 (0)1865 318831
TEEN
2013 Earthwatch Research Expeditions
TEEN
May
2013 Earthwatch Expeditions
7 days
Apr
Keeping You Healthy and Happy
8 - 15 days
08
Mar
Project List
08
Feb
Additional Project Experiences
TEEN
TEEN
Jan
35
Are you ready to take an active part in research that could change the world? Open our 2013 Research Expeditions guide to explore the possibilities!
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