Earthwatch
Travel & Citizen Science: Looking to travel AND work alongside some of the world’s most innovative scientists?
Visit Earthwatch: a non-profit international environmental group that connects volunteers to scientists who need help! Choose from a wide range of projects locally, nationally or internationally – it’s a great chance to travel and make a difference.
In our world today, answering the call to protect our environment has never been more urgent. Earthwatch stands out as a unique platform for those of us eager to take part in this vital mission. This global environmental nonprofit connects volunteers with scientists working on essential research, offering a range of projects that span local to international scales. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to travel purposefully and make a real difference.
A Personal Journey: The Tidal Forests of Kenya Expedition
In 2008, I applied and was selected to attend the Earthwatch expedition, "Tidal Forests of Kenya," situated in the serene Gazi Bay, a quaint fishing village nestled near the coast of Mombasa, Kenya. This expedition was not just a trip; it was a deep dive into the heart of conservation, working alongside a diverse team of educators and scientists from across the globe. Our mission was clear yet challenging: to learn about and contribute to restoring a fragile and vital ecosystem.
Mikoko Pamoja: Mangroves Together
At the heart of our efforts was Mikoko Pamoja, or “Mangroves Together,” a groundbreaking project in community-based mangrove conservation funded by *carbon credits. This initiative not only focuses on ecological restoration but also on uplifting the local community by creating sustainable income avenues. It’s a shining example of how local efforts can have a global impact, blending environmental care with social upliftment.
*Carbon Credits Demystified: Think of carbon credits like balance tokens. If a company wants to lessen its impact on the planet or meets environmental standards, it can buy these tokens to compensate for the extra CO2 it has put into the air. The goal is to motivate everyone to add less CO2 to the air by either doing good things themselves to earn tokens or buying them from others who have. INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO COMPLEX PROBLEMS!!!!
The Ripple Effect: From Local Actions to Global Impact
The experiences and lessons learned from the Tidal Forests of Kenya expedition and the Mikoko Pamoja project underscore a vital truth: local projects hold the potential to address global issues in innovative ways. Every effort to conserve an ecosystem, no matter how small or localized, contributes to the global fight against environmental degradation and climate change. These initiatives remind us of the interconnectedness of our actions, from the energy we use to the carbon footprint we leave behind.
Meet Dr. James Kairo: Gazi Village (Mombasa, Kenya 2008)
I had the honor of working alongside Dr. Kairo, a marine ecologist whose credentials are as vast as the ocean he studies. Dr. Kairo dives deep into the mysteries of mangroves, exploring everything from marine biodiversity to the crucial role these ecosystems play in climate change. He led us on a sweat inducing, adrenaline fueling day of mangrove exploration, dubbed “mangrove marathon” where we learned about the intricate structure and function of these amazing plants that store carbon.
Reunited with Dr. James Kairo! (Westchester, New York 2022)
Dr. Kairo participated in a significant meeting at the United Nations focused on developing a globally recognized agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This agreement aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction—essentially, parts of the ocean that are not owned or controlled by any single country. The conference sought to establish common rules and standards to protect these vital oceanic regions and their biodiversity, promoting responsible stewardship and utilization of marine resources for present and future generations. Dr. Kairo's attendance underscores his commitment to marine conservation and the importance of international collaboration in safeguarding our oceans.
