Rio Tinto | Minerals and Metals for the world

Philippa Roberts explains: "In the developing countries there aren't yet professional networks and most conservation specialists are working in isolation. An important part of biodiversity is in ensuring that the capacity is there for these countries." Such fellowships are open to a wide range of individuals involved in conservation work - park wardens, government officials, staff from NGOs or academic institutions, for instance.

Recently, for example, eight African scientists, who work in their countries' tropical rainforests, were brought together on the Cameroon botanical study. All had been working separately; their fellowships provided a useful forum for the exchange of ideas and working practices. According to Philippa Roberts, it's "a very practical way of training individuals".

It is perhaps this "hands on" philosophy that characterizes the Earthwatch/Rio Tinto alliance. At the heart of the partnership lies a firm belief that the two sides can learn from each other - both at a corporate and an individual level. Benefits of the relationship are sometimes unplanned and unfunded. While Earthwatch has had an active role in raising the profile of the Group as a responsible corporate citizen, citing examples of its activities in its work with other commercial organizations, so Rio Tinto people on Earthwatch projects have been able to advise on health and safety issues, such as vehicle safety.

As Graham Spurling wrote when he was chairman of Earthwatch Institute, Australia: "We believe that the best way to educate people about environmental issues is to put them face to face with such an issue, where they are working with a researcher as part of a research team and sharing directly in the learning and experience. They are part of the action; they learn new skills and develop a deeper understanding of their role in building a sustainable future."

Helen Plummer is a freelance writer based in Berkshire, England.



Philippa Roberts explains: "In the developing countries there aren't yet professional networks and most conservation specialists are working in isolation. An important part of biodiversity is in ensuring that the capacity is there for these countries." Such fellowships are open to a wide range of individuals involved in conservation work - park wardens, government officials, staff from NGOs or academic institutions, for instance. Recently, for example, eight African scientists, who work in their countries' tropical rainforests, were brought together on the Cameroon botanical study. All had been working separately; their fellowships provided a useful forum for the exchange of ideas and working practices. According to Philippa Roberts, it's "a very practical way of training individuals". It is perhaps this "hands on" philosophy that characterizes the Earthwatch/Rio Tinto alliance. At the heart of the partnership lies a firm belief that the two sides can learn from each other - both at a corporate and an individual level. Benefits of the relationship are sometimes unplanned and unfunded. While Earthwatch has had an active role in raising the profile of the Group as a responsible corporate citizen, citing examples of its activities in its work with other commercial organizations, so Rio Tinto people on Earthwatch projects have been able to advise on health and safety issues, such as vehicle safety. As Graham Spurling wrote when he was chairman of Earthwatch Institute, Australia: "We believe that the best way to educate people about environmental issues is to put them face to face with such an issue, where they are working with a researcher as part of a research team and sharing directly in the learning and experience. They are part of the action; they learn new skills and develop a deeper understanding of their role in building a sustainable future." Helen Plummer is a freelance writer based in Berkshire, England.
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Review is published by Rio Tinto, 6 St James' Square, London SW1Y 4LD, England Telephone +44 (0)20 7930 2399 Editor: Cherry DeGeer