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“For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for Nature cannot be fooled.”
~Richard P. Feynman
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Current Projects
The Travelers Conservation Trust (TCT) is an ongoing program to identify
and contribute to organizations conducting projects in environmental
conservation, education and cultural preservation. Below are some of
the exciting new projects being undertaken by TCT supported organizations.
AFRICA
 Ethical
Conduct of Tourism Industry Project
Kenya is one of the leading tourist destinations on the African
continent. At the same time, tourist experts agree that nowhere in Africa
has the devastation of the environment by irresponsible tourism been brought
into such stark focus as in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The Maasai
Environmental Resource Coalition (MERC), in its commitment to defend
the wildlife of Maasailand and to return the rewards of tourism to the
true custodians of the land - the Maasai people, is taking the initiative
to bring necessary change to the tourism industry. In June, 2002, MERC
proposed to develop a Code of Ethics and Conduct for tourism industry in
Kenya. Since then MERC has been working with a wide range of ecotourism
concerns including tour operators, legal experts, and local Maasai communities
to develop this important document. Goals include working with Kenya Wildlife
Service to develop and implement the code, ensure that it conforms to international
standards, create a system for monitoring and enforcement of the code guidelines
and enable a system for tourism operators to return some of the profits
into local conservation and community based programs.
» Read more about this
project...
 Using
Advanced Spatial Technologies for Gorilla Habitat Analysis
One very exciting component of Dian
Fossey Gorilla Fund International's (DFGFI) work involves the use of cutting-edge
technologies in pursuit of conservation solutions. For example, DFGF International
has established a multi-faceted project with Georgia Tech, Clark Atlanta University
and the National University of Rwanda to establish a Geographic Information System
(GIS) center in Rwanda , with emphasis on remote sensing technology. Scientists
from DFGFI and these universities are using these new tools to study the gorillas'
fragile habitat, help determine how many gorillas the land can support, assess
habitat loss and better manage protected areas. This work involves creating virtual
environments for training students in Africa and in the United States on how
to use the technology, and finding ways to replicate this scientific model in
other parts of Africa where endangered species live.
» Read more about
this project...
Blue
Swallow Working Group
The Blue Swallow Working Group was established in 1986 by the Endangered
Wildlife Trust to identify and resolve conflicts between the requirements
of the Blue Swallow and the factors threatening the Swallow’s requirements.
The Blue Swallow Working group has completed many tasks including the first national
survey of Blue Swallows, the creation of a Swallow Natural Heritage Site, and
the listing of the Blue Swallow on Appendix 1 and 2 of the international Convention
on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, April 1997.
» Read
more about this project...
NORTH AMERICA
 Rainforest
Wolf Project
In the summer of 2000, the Raincoast
Conservation Foundation embarked on a pioneering wolf research project in
British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest (GBR). This project supports the
science-based rationale for protecting ecologically important watersheds and
the interacting marine environment in the Great Bear Rainforest, and provides
the basis for hard-hitting conservation campaigns. In 2003 Raincoast will shift
focus from field work to the application and implementation of results- influencing
land use planning, applied conservation biology initiatives, and public awareness
and education.
» Read more about
this project...
CENTRAL AMERICA
 La
Amistad Internation Park
Amistad is the Spanish
word for “friendship,” an appropriate
name for this bi-national park spanning the borders of Panama and Costa
Rica. In La Amistad, ANCON contributed
to the construction of the first sentry posts and shelters, completed
the initial demarcation of park boundaries, and provided basic equipment
to the park rangers. Today ANCON cooperates with Instituto Nacional de
Recursos Naturales Renovables (INRENARE) and the Direccion Nacional de
Areas Protegidas y Vida Silvestre in the management of the park and protection
of park boundaries.
» Read more about this
project...
PACIFIC
 ‘KIWIS FOR KIWIS’
The Forest and Bird 'kiwis
for kiwis' campaign is aimed at saving the kiwi on mainland New Zealand.
A key objective of this campaign is to secure twelve large kiwi sanctuaries
of 10,000 to 20,000 hectares and decrease predator numbers in the sanctuaries
by at least one third. Today an estimated 95% of kiwi chicks are killed
by stoats or cats within the first year of life. One scientist has suggested
that even if 10% of chicks survive it may not be enough to ensure a self-sustaining
population. All kiwi species in the North and South Island face extinction
in the next 15 years unless work is done to protect them. Five kiwi sanctuaries
that have high levels of predator control have been established already,
but more work needs to be done to ensure that the last remaining wild
populations don't disappear.
» Read
more about this project...
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