Education in Science and Conservation Grants
Background
The need for financial support of education in the field of ocean science and conservation is of paramount importance today given the challenges we face on the planet. We need to make sure we are introducing as many youths as possible to ocean sciences and educating them about the importance of marine sciences and conservation around the globe. The Society for Conservation Biology’s Marine Program is initiating the Education in Science & Conservation Grants Program (ESCGP) to support innovative and outstanding educational projects which promote early introduction, education and recruitment of students and community members in the field of marine science and conservation. The objective of the ESCGP is to advance access to and education of marine science and conservation among the communities which are served by the respective educational projects in support of the program’s Mission and Goals:
Mission
To advance the science, education and practice of conserving the Earth’s marine biological diversity.Â
Goals
Be a global focal point for marine science education conservation.
- Facilitate the dissemination of the science of marine conservation through education, publications, presentations, and media outreach
- Promote marine science education conservation as a priority for SCB
- Inform and educate students across the globe
- Create the capacity to accomplish the aforementioned goals
- Grants range up to $1,000 USD.
Eligibility
Applicants must be members of the Society for Conservation Biology and are either a K-12(age 5 through secondary school or age 18 in the US) School session, college/university institution or show a partnership with a community service organization Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate capacity to accomplish the proposed work (e.g., through matching funds, matching funds in kind, or existing in-country capacity), and to first-time applicants. Funds must be spent within 12 months after award.
Eligible activities
Examples of eligible activities:
- Providing materials to train students to reduce impacts of human activities on marine organisms, and their habitats.
- Developing educational materials for implementing conservation practices, such as teaching students the importance of learning about sustainable fishing and which fish they purchase are sustainably farmed.
- The installation of rain gardens to teach students the importance of helping clean runoff prior to entering the oceans.
- Installation of water bottle filling stations and associated education at various locations in the local community.
- Education of students through engagement in beach cleanups and associated events
Non-eligible activities
Travel to education conferences or other meetings.
- Professional membership fees;
- Tuition or course fees.
Application Period
The applications for 2023, run through November 15, 2023 11:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time. Applications are currently being accepted. You can access the application template here.
Winning grants will be notified by December 15, 2023, and funds will be dispersed by January 5, 2024.
If you have questions, please email the Marine Program Education Officer goffscience@gmail.com.
If you require the guidelines document or forms in large print, audio, Braille, or a colored background, please reach out to us and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Award Winners Education Small Grants by SCB Marine
Please find below, the initial awardees of the Education Science Small Grants by
SCB Marine in no particular order.
Awardee Name: Dr Caroline Ferguson
Project Description: Palau is world renown for its extraordinary marine biodiversity and endemism. Sedimentation from recent military development threatens coastal ecosystems on two islands, Angaur and Peleliu, which creates an opportunity to mobilize environmental education of youth and local community members toward a positive end. With 11-15 Palauan high school students we have already recruited into year-round environmental education programs with local non-profit Ebiil Society, we will teach and learn about sedimentation and its impacts on the coral reefs and seagrass beds adjacent to military sites. Students will summarize learnings and findings for community members, and will be further evaluated with pre and post-tests.
Awardee Name: Anne Singeo
Project Description: Palau is world renown for its extraordinary marine biodiversity and endemism. Sedimentation from recent military development threatens coastal ecosystems on two islands, Angaur and Peleliu, which creates an opportunity to mobilize environmental education of youth and local community members toward a positive end. With 11-15 Palauan high school students we have already recruited into year-round environmental education programs with local non-profit Ebiil Society, we will teach and learn about sedimentation and its impacts on the coral reefs and seagrass beds adjacent to military sites. Students will summarize learnings and findings for community members, and will be further evaluated with pre and post-tests.
Awardee Name: Mr Harris Wei Khang
Project Description: Environmental education transcends the mere acquisition of knowledge; it forges a profound connection between humans and nature. In Malaysia, where biodiversity is rich and cultural diversity is vibrant, Rhapsody of Nature aims to revolutionize environmental education through the innovative initiative “Connecting Natural Science Through Storytelling”. This project envisions a participatory and immersive experience for young learners, using visually illustrated stories and storytelling modules rooted in folklore and local knowledge to effectively communicate environmental concepts. By engaging with stories, children are encouraged to explore the world beyond mere knowledge, fostering intrinsic motivation to love and care for nature.
Awardee Name:Â Dr Abraham Ogheneruemu Ekperusi
Project Description:This project seeks to create awareness on the end-of-life disposal methods for fishing gears among fishers in Okerenkoko community. Demonstrate proper fishing gear disposal methods and improve the knowledge of local fishers towards the proper disposal of fishing gears in coastal communities.
Awardee Name: Dr Jessica Pratt
Project Description:This proposal seeks funding for the dissemination of educational materials and activities on ocean conservation and sustainability developed for elementary-aged youth in spring of 2023 by a team of undergraduate science and education students at the University of California, Irvine working under the direction of Dr. Jessica Pratt.Â
