Why Earthwatch
My company Alcoa sponsors 15 employees worldwide every year to join an Earthwatch expedition. I was lucky enough to be chosen in 2008.
Purpose of the Expedition
The purpose of our work was to examine the ecosystem dynamics of replanted mangrove forests. Mangrove forests are among the most productive wetland ecosystems on Earth, but also one of the most threatened habitats. They have one of the highest rates of degradation of any global habitat, thus it is important to understand their ecology and determine the best form of restoration.
The aim of the expedition is to gather data about existing mangrove ecosystems and determine, through the success or failure of different re-plantation experiments, the best way to replant mangroves.
This research project started in 2005 and is still ongoing today.
How I Helped
Photographer : Rinska
Caption : Mangrove sediment height measurements
Lots of mangrove data needed to be recorded, this data would tell scientists what conditions were important for mangrove survival and also, how the mangrove ecosystem evolves. This is important because by better understanding the ecosystem, we can ensure we are doing all we can to help mangrove survival. Scientists also use this information to study how we can use this ecosystem for our own benefit, for example carbon sequestration.
Tasks I performed included sediment height, redox, above ground and below ground biomass measurements plus lots of tree planting.
Meeting New People
Photographer : Helen Holdsworth
Caption : Expedition volunteers
One of the great experiences from my expedition was having the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world. The expedition consisted of volunteers from the UK, USA, UAE, Netherlands, France and Malaysia. By sharing time with these new friends I learnt about their backgrounds and cultures. So not only did I get to experience the Kenyan way of life, but I learnt about all sorts of different ways of life.
Gazi Village
Photographer : Helen Holdsworth
Caption : Village kids playing marbles
It is really hard to convey the experience of living in this small village in just one photo. I chose this photo because not only can you see a bit of the village infrastructure but it shows some of the village kids playing marbles. All around the village, kids play with simple toys that you would associate with the 50's when computer games and the internet didn't exist.
The majority of homes don't have power, some don't have furniture, there's no heating or cooling and water comes from the local well. The experience showed me a massive contrast to my way of life, but taught me how content and happy people can be without these luxuries. Everyone I met in the village had a smile on their face and were genuinely content with life.
Safari
Photographer : Helen Holdsworth
Caption : Giraffes on the Maasai Mara
A trip to Kenya wouldn't be complete without taking the opportunity to go on Safari. I went on safari in the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Ambosselli. Wow, what a fantastic experience it was seeing so many animals up close and personal.
Links
www.earthwatch.org/australia/
www.earthwatch.org/australia/exped/huxham.html
www.alcoa.com/global/en/home.asp
www.alcoa.com/global/en/environment/ew/2008/diary_holdsworth.asp
What next?
My Earthwatch experience enriched my life so much so I want to do it again! It's such a fantastic cause, not only do I get to help the environment, but I get to learn so much about our world. My aim is to join another expedition, hopefully towards the end of 2009.
