Ecologists Without Borders’ mission is to provide ecological assistance to at-risk communities around the world so they can avoid or mitigate, and adapt to, detrimental environmental change. We are concerned with the long-term health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and the human activities and natural processes that affect them. We empower people to live sustainably by conveying ecological knowledge and assistance to areas of the world that face environmental challenges. We believe that hunger, poverty, and strife can be alleviated through the wise use of natural resources, coupled with positive economic and social change.
We promote sustainability by coordinating the efforts of Ecological Service Providers – professionals who possess expertise in one or more of the natural science disciplines and who are willing to donate their time and skills to improve the lives of others. The EcoWB expert network comprises a multi-national cadre of biologists, foresters, ecologists, water resource engineers, hydrologists, planners, GIS professionals, and facilitators/ negotiators with experience in natural resource research and management. We focus on developing and transitional countries, where natural resources are depleted and ecological processes disrupted to the point that human welfare is adversely affected.
The effectiveness of Ecologists Without Borders is dependent on our ability to work collaboratively and productively with host communities and other organizations and institutions that share our vision. It also depends on the willingness of people who are comparatively well off to support our endeavors. If you are inclined to help us further the mission and goals of EcoWB, please get involved.
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Mission & Goals
The mission of Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) is
“To provide ecological assistance to at-risk communities around the world so they can avoid or mitigate, and adapt to, detrimental environmental change.”
We believe that a healthy environment is key to reducing poverty and strife, ensuring food security, enhancing livelihoods, and improving the quality of life of the earth’s inhabitants.
EcoWB Goals
- Increase awareness of ecological integrity, or harmony, as essential for economic, social, and environmental sustainability;
- Provide expert ecological services to areas of the world that face environmental problems stemming from natural or human causes;
- Create an international network of volunteer Ecological Service Providers: ecologists able to provide technical assistance, training, and hands-on support when and where it will do the most good;
- Promote the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources to ensure the sustenance, economic viability, and welfare of the community over the long-term;
- Provide educational opportunities that foster environmental stewardship and informed, ecologically sensitive decisions; and
- Engage and collaborate with scientists, resource managers, community leaders, social workers, conservationists, other organizations, governments, NGOs, and local communities to achieve economic, social, and environmental sustainability
Our Story
Realizing we couldn’t tackle the world’s problems alone, we brainstormed and expanded on the concept of forming a non-profit organization to facilitate the transfer of ecological knowledge and expertise to developing areas of the world.
Great idea, but how are we to turn this dream into reality? One..ecologist..at..a..time! Many of you would like to lend a hand, but may not know where or whom to help, or may be unprepared to deal with the logistical hassle of working overseas. What would happen if we eliminated the hassle and provided you with the opportunity to contribute your specialized knowledge or skills toward solving ecological problems around the world?
Our Partners
To join the list of distinguished partners who are committed to sustaining global ecosystems, or to learn more about giving opportunities, please contact us at info@ecowb.org. To make an individual donation, please see our Get Involved section.
CORPORATE
- AMEC Environment and Infrastructure
- CH2MHill
- EcoAssets, Inc
- Green Advocates – West Africa
- Northwest Marine Technologies
- PACLAND
INSTITUTIONAL
- American Fisheries Society
- American Fisheries Society Washington-British Columbia Chapter
- The Evergreen State College
- Université de La Rochelle
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
- University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Science
ORGANIZATIONS
- Sustainable Fisheries Foundation
- Global Social Business Partners
- Meacham Foundation
Our Approach
EcoWB uses two types of program delivery approaches. First, we are responders (emergency or immediate, short term, long-term, or intermittent as-needed) to organizations, governments, institutions, or businesses having a need for professional environmental specialists in proposed, funded, or ongoing projects. Secondly, EcoWB takes a project-oriented approach to work with interested parties in developing project concepts, parterning to build robust environmental qualifications into their proposals, and funding the travel and support of techincal experts. EcoWB maintains a pool of “Ecological Service Providers” (ESPs) – competent, motivated individuals who possess profound knowledge of ecological science. Professionals in watershed managment, planning, policy, and environmental and natural resource law also comprise the international ESP pool. EcoWB stimulates positive change by facilitating the exchange of ecological knowledge and resources, as long as it is culturally and socially appropriate and we are welcomed by the local community. We strive to adapt our approach to the people and cultures we serve. Our goal is to empower people through education and technical assistance so they can address problems that affect them directly.
As an organization, EcoWB’s function is to serve as matchmaker and provide the administrative, technical, financial, and logistical support necessary for ESPs to do their job.
We also encourage inquiries from representatives of local communities and other organizations who have a need for ecological assistance and are interested in partnering with EcoWB.
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