Earthwatch Fellows help in botanical survey of rare plants in Cameroon

Photo: Ford

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford Motor Company is donating $5 million to Earthwatch Institute to promote further research into the conservation of natural resources. This alliance accelerates the conservation process in some of the world's most threatened and valuable habitats.

The donation, made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund, will enable Earthwatch Institute to implement a series of 'Conservation Research Stations' in South America, Africa, Asia-Pacific and North America over a five-year period. Working in partnership with other leading international conservation organizations, Earthwatch Institute will implement multiple field research projects at key sites of exceptional conservation value which are also highly threatened. Uniquely, members of the public will be invited to join in the effort by working alongside scientists as their field assistants.

"Ford Motor Company is committed to being a good corporate citizen. We are set on making an impact that is replicable and sustainable for today's environment and tomorrow's future," said John Rintamaki, Group Vice President and Chief of Staff, Ford Motor Company. "I believe very strongly that corporations could be and should be a major force for resolving environmental and social concerns in the 21st Century, including climate change."

The initial relationship between Ford and Earthwatch began two years ago, and included a cooperative study with Conservation International, offering an opportunity for the organizations to broaden scientific study, coverage and research in the Pantanal wetlands in Brazil. Coming off of this success, Earthwatch is looking to partner once again with other environmental organizations and local not-for-profit environmental partners in the U.S., Latin America, Africa, and Asia-Pacific for research and fellowship opportunities. 

A 'Ford Conservation Fellowships' program will be developed to enable educators, conservationists and staff from corporations to work on frontline conservation projects in the field at the stations. Participants initially will be selected from the United States and host country nations where the Conservation Research Stations are located. The aim will be to build awareness of conservation issues amongst teachers, students and company employees but also to transfer skills and build professional capacity in developing nations.

"Earthwatch is a world leader in leveraging partnerships between people and scientists, and through this exciting initiative we aim to bring local stakeholders together with major international organizations in a powerful alliance to investigate and protect the world's biological hotspots," said Roger Bergen, President of Earthwatch. "Ford has shown exceptional vision in allowing us to play to our strengths in launching this program and to contribute to the challenge of saving these uniquely valuable environments."

This donation is one facet of the partnership between Ford Motor Company and the Earthwatch Institute that has been ongoing. Ford's donation promotes sustainable conservation of natural resources and cultural heritage by creating joint ventures between scientists, educators and the general public. Earthwatch's scientific field research and data collection has been a long-term effort to better understand and conserve wetlands, endangered species and other environmental issues. Earthwatch's membership includes more than 50,000 grassroots volunteers.

(November 26, 2000)