Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organization that brings science to life for people concerned about the Earth’s future. Founded in 1971, Earthwatch supports scientific field research by offering volunteers the opportunity to join research teams around the world. This unique model is creating a systematic change in how the public views science and its role in environmental sustainability.

Earthwatch is a diverse community of scientists, educators, students, businesspeople, and resolute explorers who work together to get the fullest benefit from scientific expeditions. In addition to 150 dedicated staff in the United States, England, Australia, and Japan, Earthwatch supports more than 130 scientists each year and builds networks of hundreds of students and teachers.

Today, Earthwatch recruits close to 4,000 volunteers every year to collect field data in the areas of rainforest ecology, wildlife conservation, marine science, archaeology, and more. Through this process, they educate, inspire, and involve a diversity of people, who actively contribute to conserving our planet.

In addition to its volunteers the Earthwatch community also includes nearly 50 collaborating conservation organizations and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference.
Their sheer size is only part of the reason Earthwatch is one of the world’s leading environmental organizations. The organization uses a unique model of citizen science, matching volunteers with researchers to investigate some of the greatest environmental challenges facing our planet.

Earthwatch is dedicated to creating an environmental legacy through scientific research projects, education and learning opportunities and engaging people in field research.

Their research program involves a global community of researchers, conservation volunteers, NGOs and businesses, working together towards a sustainable environment. Earthwatch invests $5.7 million annually to support 100 research projects across 38 countries. Since 1971 Earthwatch has inspired 90,000 volunteers to join vital conservation research projects in the field, helping to make them not only the largest environmental volunteer non-profit organization in the world, but also the best in the world, as ranked recently by Bradt’s Wildlife & Conservation Volunteering, The Complete Guide.

As one of the world’s largest private funders of scientific research, the Earthwatch research program involves a global community of leading researchers, conservation volunteers, NGOs and businesses. The organization is looking to create an environmental legacy in the following four key areas:

1. Ecosystem services - biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry, freshwater
2. Climate change - adaptation, mitigation
3. Oceans - coastal ecosystems, marine biodiversity conservation
4. Cultural heritage -  Sacred landscapes, indigenous knowledge systems

In addition, to date, more than 3,700 students and 4,500 classroom teachers have received career training through Earthwatch expeditions. Fellowships funded by individuals, foundations, and corporations allow educators to teach ‘live’ from the field using the latest internet technology via real-time video streams. Student fellowships give young people the unique opportunity to participate first-hand in scientific research, instilling in tomorrow’s leaders a powerful sense of civic and environmental awareness. Many go on to pursue science as a career.

Earthwatch is recognized by the IRS as an eligible nonprofit organization and any gifts, donations, and grants may be tax deductible. You can donate by clicking here.

If you are interested in learning the specifics of the organization’s programs, click here for their home page