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ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER
MARCH 3, 2008
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In this issue:
** UPCOMING ES PROGRAM EVENTS: Film: Blue Vinyl -- Monday, ES
Colloquia: What are the Top Five Public Health Issues for Maine, and How are
They Being Addressed? -- Tuesday
** UPCOMING EVENT: Conference: Protecting Livelihoods and
Landscapes in Northern Maine
** ALSO ON CAMPUS: The Community Water Jar: Gender and Technology
in Guinea West Africa
** JOBS & INTERNSHIPS: Many WWF-US internships, Penobscot
River Restoration Program, EPA, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Maine Natural Areas
Program
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** UPCOMING ES PROGRAM EVENTS:
Film: Blue Vinyl
TODAY -- MONDAY, March 3
7:00 p.m.
Diamond 142
The worlds first toxic comedy, BLUE VINYL, is a detective story
and eco-activist documentary that has acted as a highly effective catalyst for
organizers and activists whose efforts are focused on the phase -out of PVC and
the just transition of that industry.
Since its triumphant debut at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival and
its broadcast on HBO in 2003, BLUE VINYL has been part of a revolution to
reduce our country's dependence on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the most common
plastics in our consumer society and one of the most toxic known to science.
What are the Top Five Public Health Issues for Maine, and How are
They Being Addressed?
Wednesday, March 5
12:00 pm in the Fairchild Room in Dana, join us at 11:30 for lunch
with Andy.
Andy Smith, State Toxicologist and Director, Environmental and
Occupational Health Programs, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Dr. Smith will discuss current public health issues in the state
while illustrating the types of careers available in environmental public
health, including the public health career but also a research opportunities
within this field.
ES 402 Credit
** UPCOMING EVENT:
Protecting Livelihoods and Landscapes in Northern Maine
Thursday Evening, March 13 and Friday, March 14, 2008
Sponsored by the Environmental Studies Program and the Goldfarb
Center for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement
By convening diverse representatives of major private and public
interests, we seek to encourage thoughtful discussion about the long-term future
of Northern Maine . The time is
right for a Òbig pictureÓ look at the parties and institutions that will shape
Northern MaineÕs future. Recent
decades have witnessed accelerating changes in landownership, the forest
products industry, conservation and public access in Maine's Unorganized
Territory. More than 90% of the state's 17.7 million acres of forestland are in
private ownership, mostly in the northern part of the state. State regulatory
and zoning authority over the unorganized territories has led to contentious
disputes among owners, gateway communities, the state government, and
conservation groups. If you want to learn more about one of the most important
long term issues facing Maine, we urge you to attend.
Visit: http://www.colby.edu/environ/LandscapeConf/Landscapes.html
for more information. This event is free, registration is required to plan for
meals and seating. NOTE: You can
attend one or all panel discussions. Full day participation is not required.
** An opportunity will be available for Colby students to meet
with graduate students and law students during the conference to talk about
opportunities for new graduates interested in the field of land use. Email
<Beth.Kopp> for details.
** ALSO ON CAMPUS:
The Community Water Jar: Gender and Technology in Guinea West
Africa
Wenda K. Bauchspies, Professor of STS and Women's Studies, Penn
State University
Friday, March 7, 2008, 4:00 pm, Miller 14 (cookies at 3:45)
Water remains a chaos until a creative story interprets its
seeming equivocation as being the quivering ambiguity of life -- Ivan Illich.
Clean water for drinking and washing is a necessity for life and good health;
however, it is not readily available in many parts of West Africa. Mainly women
and children (with some men) face "less than optimal conditions" and
"enormous difficulties" in their daily search to access and collect
water for drinking, bathing, washing, and cooking. My research describes the
meaning and role of women, water and their technologies in a social, cultural and
historical context over the last fifty years in urban West Africa. Through
participant observation and household surveys of concessions in Guinea, I
document the access to, collection and storage of water in order to describe
the water realities experienced by individuals/families in a mid-sized West
African city. Based upon in-depth interviews with female elders I explore the
practices and applied knowledge used by water workers to maintaining standards
of cleanliness and health for their families. My objective is to understand how
"water knowledge" has been transferred, acquired, adapted, adopted,
applied and produced by water workers in the everyday/night worlds of Guinean
households and the implications of this knowledge for "modern life"
and global development goals.
** JOBS & INTERNSHIPS:
Penobscot River Restoration Project:AmeriCorp Position
The Penobscot River Restoration Project is one of the largest,
most creative river restoration projects in our nation's history. In an
unprecedented collaboration, hydropower company PPL Corporation, the Penobscot
Indian Nation, six conservation groups, and state and federal agencies, are
working together to restore 11 species of sea-run fish to the Penobscot River,
while maintaining energy production. Successful implementation of the project
will revive not only native fisheries but social, cultural and economic
traditions of New England's second largest river- the Penobscot.
The AmeriCorps memberÕs duties will include:
¥ Assist the TrustÕs outreach staff at public events where the
Penobscot River Restoration Project materials will be on display
¥ Grow the list of project supporters and project endorsements.
¥ Help develop and identify opportunities to inform members of the
community about the project and anticipated benefits through workshops, river
tours, and targeted forums.
¥ Be involved in communications and outreach by disseminating
materials, scheduling meetings and events, gathering materials for
distribution, web site review, maintenance, and content development, as well as
general office administration on an as needed basis.
¥ Produce written materials that may be incorporated into Trust
publications, including the newsletter, web site, and other educational
materials.
¥ Develop research files for future feature articles. Prepare
folders with research, news articles, photos, graphics, and other materials.
¥ Actively engage in identifying and recruiting volunteers. Be the
primary volunteer coordinator.
Term of Employment:
¥ 5-6 months for a total of 900 hours starting in spring of 2008
Benefits of being an AmeriCorps volunteer include:
¥ $2362.50 educational award for qualified student loans (federal
loans) (taxable when used)
¥ variety of training opportunities
¥ networking opportunities with nonprofits and other AmeriCorps
members
¥ stipend of $5550 divided evenly over length of term (taxable)
¥ can work and go to school
¥ child care reimbursement if eligible
¥ educational loan forbearance for qualified federal loans
¥ health insurance
For questions about AmeriCorps volunteer benefits, please contact
Joely Ross at Joely.Ross@trcme.com
To Apply: Please send a letter of interest, resume and three
references whom we may contact to Search Committee, PRRT, P.O. Box 5695,
Augusta, ME 04332 or george@penobscotriver.org. For more information visit:
www.penobscotriver.org.
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Marshall Island Stewards - CANDIDATES MUST APPLY AS A TEAM
These are full time temporary positions. The stewards will live and
work as a team on Marshall Island, a 1000-acre undeveloped, mainly forested
island off the Maine coast. Marshall Island is located about seven miles
southeast of Stonington, nine miles southwest of Mount Desert Island, and one
mile south of Swans Island. The island is owned and conserved by Maine Coast
Heritage Trust and is used by local people and folks cruising the coast for
picnicking, hiking and exploring. There is currently an 8 mile trail network
which will be expanded by 3 miles this summer. We will also be adding up to 3
public campsites in 2008. The areas around a resident pair of nesting bald
eagles and a private 10 acre lease area are off-limits to the public.
The stewards will camp in tents provided by MCHT and are
responsible for maintaining trails, monitoring and recording public use
patterns, studying roosting and feeding patterns of the eagles and other
wildlife, assisting with trail and campsite maintenance, setting up biological
monitoring protocols, providing visitors with information about Maine Coast
Heritage Trust and the islandÕs cultural and natural history, maintaining
communication with the local community, and ensuring that visitors respect
preserve guidelines and the private leased areas. The stewards will also be
responsible for maintenance and operation of an 18Õ motorboat and must be
experienced with boat handling. The stewards have to be self-reliant, able to
live in isolated/primitive conditions, and must enjoy communicating with a
variety of people. Familiarity with Maine coastal flora, fauna and culture, the
ability to collect data, and experience with equipment maintenance are
important and helpful skills for the stewards. Stewards ideally would spend 5
days on the island followed by 2 days off the island and weekends must be spent
on the island.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
- Familiarity with coastal Maine flora, fauna, and culture.
- Experience handling outboard boats and navigation skills.
- Experience with chainsaws and other trail maintenance equipment.
- Attention to detail, in particular with data collection and
equipment maintenance.
- Self-reliance and ability to work independently.
- Willingness to live in primitive and isolated conditions and
experience camping.
- Interest in meeting and talking with a wide variety of people.
- Courtesy, tact, good judgment, good humor and patience.
SALARY: Each person will earn $10.00/hour, based on a 40 hour work
week and paid on the 15th and last day of each month, subject to required
withholdings. As short-term employees, you will be entitled to legally required
benefits, i.e., WorkerÕs Compensation and Social Security (housing and boat
transportation provided). This is short-term, full-time, 40-hour week, 12-week
employment for each person. Work-related travel will be reimbursed at $.50 per
mile.
Maine Department of Conservation, Natural Areas Program
Summer Field Ecology Intern
The Maine Natural Areas Program seeks a summer intern to assist
with inventory of rare plant and natural community sites in various locations
throughout the state of Maine. Activities include recording data, collection
and identification of plant specimens, use of hand-held GPS, and data entry.
Individual must be able to work outdoors for long periods of time under a wide
variety of conditions, including long hikes and some canoeing. Requires a
strong interest in plant ecology, ability to read USGS topographic maps, and
unmitigated enthusiasm. Familiarity with GIS software such as ArcMap or ArcView
a plus, as well as familiarity with New EnglandÕs flora or related field
experience. Position is 40 hours/week @ $9.00/hour. Position runs from
approximately May 2008 to September 2008. Some overnight travel required.
To apply, send a cover letter and resume with references to:
Maine Natural Areas Program
Attn. Kristen Puryear
93 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0093
Two important web sites for jobs and for internships with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
The EPA Summer Opportunities Website is now up and running and the
site provides a central Web portal through which students may enter to learn
about EPA offices and summer employment opportunities.
The EPA Jobs Website is located at: http://www.epa.gov/careers. The direct link to the Summer
Student Employment Opportunities Website is http://www.epa.gov/ohr/student. The
Summer Student Employment Opportunities Website will be available until May 28,
2008. So far, just a few EPA
Regions have posted openings [but many more will be appearing in the weeks
ahead.]
WWF
The following internships are available at WWF-US this
summer. Apply as instructed
below. Applicants must be U.S.
citizens or permitted to work in the USA, unless otherwise noted. No email or phone inquiries, please.
2008 WWF Science Internships
The following internships are available at the World Wildlife Fund
- United States. They are designed typically for graduate students,
although some may be appropriate for advanced undergraduates.
Projects can be undertaken over he
summer (with extensions, as necessary, into the fall semester). Most projects
could also be extended over the course of one or two semesters as part of a
student's course work or thesis requirements; advance arrangements would be
necessary with faculty advisors. Internships are typically unpaid unless
otherwise noted, but facilities, library resources, and computers at WWF headquarters
are available. Hours are flexible. To qualify for an npaid internship, the student must provide documentation
that they are receiving credit from their university, or that the work they
will be performing is consistent with a course requirement.
In general, our interns need solid data management and writing
skills, self-motivation, an ability to work both independently and
collaboratively. Specific skills (required or preferred) are
listed with each project, along with the primary contact person. For more
information on WWF's Conservation Science Program,
www.worldwildlife.org/science/ ; on WWF's Climate Change Program,
http://www.worldwildlife.org/climate/ ; and on WWF's Species Program,
http://www.worldwildlife.org/endangered/
To apply, please email a cover letter and resume/CV to the
contact individual listed for each
project, with "INTERNSHIP" and the relevant
internship number listed in the subject line. Conservation Science Program 5. Title:
Social and Ecological Impacts of MPAs
Description: There exists a critical need to understand why some
MPAs provide both biodiversity and social benefits and others do not. We are
addressing this need in multiple ways, ranging from the general to the
specific, and more than one internship might be available. Our goal is an
enhanced understanding of the link between MPA governance and performance. A
specific project is an interdisciplinary analysis of data from Mozambiquen
MPAs. We are working with WWF-Mozambique to consolidate and synthesize ecological
and social data for this understudied region. This internship will involve
analyzing and evaluating ecological, fisheries, and social data using a mix of
qualitative and quantitative methods to identify links between MPA governance
structure, human behavior, ecological performance, and social outcomes
(especially poverty impacts). The project will include drawing upon published
literature, unpublished reports, and raw data from the field and will result in a peer-reviewed
manuscript and internal spin-off products. Requirements: Degree in natural or
social science; familiarity with MPAs. Statistics and program evaluation
experience/expertise and foreign language competency (Portuguese) preferred.
Stipend: Modest stipend possible.
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2008
Contact: Helen Fox (Helen.Fox@wwfus.org)
8. Title: GIS analysis of Conflicts
Description: The WWF Humanitarian Partnership program is looking
for a graduate intern to develop GIS maps and datasets related to
international conflict, humanitarian assistance, and biodiversity.
In particular, the intern will be investigating how future conflict
projections may impact WWF's 19
Priority Places. The analysis will augment companion datasets on natural
disasters and climate change. Experience: A aplicants should have in-depth expertise with GIS software,
preferably ArcView and/or ArcGIS, including use of model tools. Knowledge and
ability to access, download, organize and spatially represent databases is
essential. Strong preference for independent candidates who can work with
minimal guidance and supervision.
Stipend: modest stipend will be provided Due date for CV and cover
letter: April 1, 2008 Contact: Jonathan Randall (Jonathan.Randall@wwfus.org)
9. Title: Spatial planning for Congo Basin Landscapes
Description: GIS intern sought to assist with spatial planning and
land use analysis for the Salonga-Lukenie-Sankuru landscape in the Democratic
Republic of Congo. The Salonga National Park is the largest tropical rainforest
park in Africa. It hosts a large variety of species including the endemic
bonobo ape and forest elephant, as well as a large and growing human community
in and around the park. Spatial planning is needed to
address species and human land requirements for the landscape.
Decision
support systems (DSS) and other modeling tools will be used to
determine
what habitats are threatened by human access and hunting for
bushmeat,
usage area requirements of certain species, and what should be
specifically protected, patrolled or assigned to certain land uses
to
benefit local communities. Experience in ArcGIS, spatial analyst
required.
Experience with MARXAN DSS, Remote Sensing, and knowledge of
French a
plus.
Stipend: TBD
Due date for CV and cover letter: N/A
Contact: Aurelie Shapiro (Aurelie.shapiro@wwfus.org)
10. Title: Conservation Social Science Capacity-Building (A)
Description: Biodiversity conservation is a social enterprise, yet
social science capacity within the conservation community remains limited. This
project will build upon the work of WWF and the Society for Conservation
Biology's Social Science Working Group (SCB SSWG) by
developing and disseminating social science tools and resources
for conservation practitioners. The project will produce an online social
science glossary, strengthen the global network of SSWG
Ambassadors, and
enrich the SSWG website. Requirements: degree in social science or
a
related field; excellent writing skills; familiarity with
biodiversity
conservation in developing countries. Web skills preferred,
especially
related to wiki functionality in ColdFusion.
Stipend: Unpaid
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2008 (include
internship
title
and number in subject line)
Contact: Mike Mascia (michael.mascia@wwfus.org)
11. Title: Conservation Social Science Capacity-Building (B)
Description: Biodiversity conservation is a social enterprise, yet
social science capacity within the conservation community remains
limited. This project will help WWF to build its social science capacity by
disseminating current social science products, informing future
program activities, and facilitating knowledge exchange between WWF, other
conservation organizations, and university researchers. The
project
intern will develop website materials and fact sheets, organize
seminars, and conduct a social science needs assessment. Requirements: degree
in social science or a related field; excellent writing skills; familiarity
with biodiversity conservation in developing countries. Needs assessment
training or experience preferred.
Stipend: Unpaid
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2008 (include
internship
title
and number in subject line)
Contact: Mike Mascia (michael.mascia@wwfus.org)
12. Title: Mapping of watershed service values in the Heart of
Borneo.
Description: Economic studies on the value of watershed services
have been
conducted on other Indonesian islands but not on Borneo, where
WWF's
Heart
of Borneo initiative aims to conserve the last remaining large
blocks of
upland forests. The intern would aid in investigating the
feasibility of
mapping service values to the Indonesian side of Borneo using a
benefit
function transfer approach. This is a desk position that will
require
extensive computer modelling knowledge and effort. Applicants
should
have
in-depth expertise with GIS software, preferably ArcView and/or
ArcGIS, including use of model tools, performing time-consuming calculations
across large data layers, etc. Knowledge of environmental
economics methods for non-market valuation, e.g., stated preference methods,
hedonic pricing, travel cost, benefits transfer, etc., a plus.
Strong preference for independent candidates who can work with minimal guidance
and supervision. The person chosen
for this position will have latitude to shape the direction of the work,
commensurate with their skill and experience. One anticipated output is a
peer-reviewed publication.
Stipend: modest stipend
Due date for CV and cover letter: N/A
Contact: Robin Naidoo (Robin.naidoo@wwfus.org)
13. Title: Option values of tropical forests
Description: Option and quasi-option values refer to future
benefits that are uncertain and that may be irreversibly lost subject to
decisions
that must be made in the present. Despite appearing highly
relevant to biodiversity conservation (e.g., tropical forests are being cut
down
now, but we are uncertain of the benefits they may provide in the
future, and these benefits will likely be irretrievably lost once deforestation
has occurred), there is little in the way of empirical assessment of option
values in this area. The intern would conduct a literature/data search for
information pertaining to option values and tropical forests. Subject to the
information that is
uncovered, an empirical assessment of option values for a
particular area may be attempted. Requirements: Degree in environmental
economics and/or significant non-market valuation experience. Familiarity with
calculus, differential equations, dynamic programming, and statistical
simulation methods a plus. Preference for candidates that can work
independently.
Stipend: Unpaid.
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2008
Contact: Robin Naidoo (robin.naidoo@wwfus.org)
14. Title: Valuing Ecosystem Services: Timber in the Eastern Arc
Mountains of Tanzania
Description: The focus of this internship is on gathering data on:
timber species names, yields (actual or potential), yield curves, production
costs (cutting/felling etc), commercial uses, and market prices, from existing
databases, government reports and other available literature. A key goal of
this work would be to put this information within a spatial context. An ideal
output would be a map of timber species extraction and uses with embedded
market prices as the timber goes from the forests to local or commercial uses.
Through the Natural Capital (NatCap) network we have many timber species
spatially referenced in eastern Tanzania. Incorporating information on market
values and commercial uses would greatly enhance the next phase of this module,
ground truthing and modeling economic value. A further aspect of this work
would be researching to what extent timber species being used in TZ are
substitutable and on what scale (e.g. can locals substitute species among uses;
what happens to TZ production if the global timber market changes?) Preferred
experience: ArcGIS, some knowledge of forest ecosystems Stipend: unpaid
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2008
Contact: Neil Burgess (Neil.Burgess@wwfus.org)
15. Title: Ecosystem Services in the Eastern Arc Mountains of
Tanzania: socio-economic dimensions
Description: The focus of this work in on identifying the
socio-economic
makeup of the people/wards/villages in the Eastern Arc Mountains.
Drawing on several household budget surveys this work would help
to disaggregate current TZ poverty mapping efforts and move from the large
scale district mapping to a finer grained estimation of poverty. Here poverty
is broadly defined, and important aspects of poverty include income, education,
ownership of assets, infant mortality, food insecurity, access to fresh water,
access to health infrastructure etc... Information for this is scattered, among
academic articles, government reports and INGO assessments. Despite the fact
that a comprehensive study is years away from reality, coordinating the
existing information and making it spatially explicit will highlight gaps, and
will give an indicative picture of a broad vision of poverty in the Eastern
Arcs. This work will provide a critical first step in improving our
understanding of the role of ecosystem services in the quality of life for
people in the Eastern
Arc. Preferred experience: some social science background, ArcGIS
Stipend: unpaid
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2008
Contact: Neil Burgess (Neil.Burgess@wwfus.org)
16. Title: Valuing Ecosystem Services: Non-timber Forest Products
in the Eastern Arc Mountains of
Tanzania
Description: This internship would focus on the provision of NTFPs
from
the Eastern Arc Mountains. Bringing together relevant data on
goods such
as honey, mushrooms, medicinal plants, fibers, fuelwood, building
poles
etc... This information exists in a variety of outputs including
government
documents, academic literature, household surveys, and NGO
reports.
However this data has not been brought together and made spatially
explicit - which would be the focus of this work. The driving
questions
for this work is where are NTFP services being produced? Where are
NTFP
services being utilized? What is the cost to rural households of
not
using
NTFPs ?(i.e. what are the costs of market substitutes?) Is there
an
indication of time spent on NTFP collection, processing,
transporting
etc Preferred experience: ArcGIS, some social science background,
some knowledge of forest ecosystems
Stipend: unpaid
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2008
Contact: Neil Burgess (Neil.Burgess@wwfus.org)
17. Title: Measuring conservation outcomes: a framework for analyzing
the effectiveness of large-scale interventions
Description: WWF has adopted a standard approach to monitoring and
evaluating the effectiveness of its strategies. By identifying
robust
biological indicators, we measure the change in the key biodiversity
targets included in our strategic plans. We seek to strengthen our
performance measurement systems by learning from analogous sectors
(e.g.,
development, humanitarian relief). To this end, the intern will
review
methodologies for evaluating large-scale interventions employed by
development organizations and other relevant actors. S/he will
also
assess
the availability of data sources on indicators broadly used by
these
organizations, such as data used to assess the Millennium
Development
Goals. Expected outcomes include a written report of the review,
recommendations for WWF, and a list of potential data sources.
Requirements: graduate training in social sciences with an
interest in
examining the linkages between conservation and human development;
ability
to work independently; strong analytical skills; and understanding
of
the
challenges of linking conservation and development.
Stipend: Unpaid
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2008
Contact: Sheri Stephanson, (sheri.stephanson@wwfus.org)
18. Title: Analyzing quantitative social data at the
Landscape/Ecoregional Scale
Description: WWF is testing a standardized approach to measuring
the
biological and social status of the landscapes in which it works,
relying
on existing data to the extent possible. Synthesizing and
analyzing data
at such large scales may require sophisticated statistical methods
to
extrapolate data from smaller scales and otherwise manipulate data
collected within boundaries that do not coincide with
landscape/ecoregion boundaries. This internship will involve
analyzing social data from up
to six landscapes and determining the methodology necessary to
extrapolate and manipulate quantitative data from various sources and various
scales to the boundaries of the relevant WWF geography. Requirements: graduate
training in statistical methods for social analysis; strong quantitative
analysis skills; conservation experience a plus.
Stipend: Unpaid
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2008
Contact: Sheri Stephanson, (sheri.stephanson@wwfus.org)
Climate Change Program
19. Title: Analysis of Carbon Offsets
Description: For over a decade now companies and individuals have
been
taking action to go 'carbon neutral,' or 'offset' their greenhouse
gas
emissions. However, carbon offsets are still an extremely
contentious
issue in the conservation community. Whether additional emissions
reductions are achieved through existing offset offerings is an
open
question. It is also unclear what role offsets could play in the
context
of a cap and trade regime, and whether they could be incorporated
into a
compliance framework. This internship will research case studies
where
WWF
has been involved in 'offsetting,' review the literature for
current
thinking on offsets, and suggest new models for offsets to be
incorporated
into a climate change regulatory framework and new models for how
WWF
should engage on this issue; this synthesized information will be
presented in a paper to be submitted for peer-review and used for
other
policy analysis. Requirements: degree in a social science;
knowledge of
climate change science and policy; and an interest in biodiversity
conservation.
Stipend: Modest stipend
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2008
Contact: Keya Chatterjee (keya.chatterjee@wwfus.org)
20. Title: Analysis of US Public Perceptions of Climate Change and
Energy
Description: Conservation organizations around the world are
constantly
communicating the urgency of dealing with climate change, and
although
we have seen some action at the state and regional level, we have
seen
relatively little change in the behavior of the US public in
response to
this threat. Dozens of organizations have surveyed public opinion
on the
topic, as well as assessed trends in public opinion and public
actions.
This internship will summarize existing literature on (a) public
awareness
of the issue of global warming; (b) public understanding of the
causes
of
global warming; (c) public perceptions of the need to reduce
energy
consumption in their appliances and other purchases, including
public
awareness of the energy star program; (d) positive behaviors that
have
been adopted to reduce energy consumption; (e) barriers to public
action
to reduce individual energy consumption; and (f) public
understanding of
the impacts of global warming. Based on this literature review,
the
intern
will design a set of questions that WWF should address through
focus
groups and surveys, in preparation for future public campaigns on
climate
change. Requirements: degree in a social science; familiarity with
focus
group and/or survey methods; knowledge of climate change science
and
policy; and an interest in biodiversity conservation.
Stipend: Modest stipend
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2008
Contact: Keya Chatterjee (keya.chatterjee@wwfus.org)
Species Program
21. Title: Spatial analysis of human-wildlife conflict
Description: Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) occurs world-wide and
continues to be a significant obstacle to conservation. Mitigating
HWC demands better awareness and understanding of the nature and extent of the
conflict. Using HWC data from areas where WWF has a field presence (possibly
focused on E Africa or the northern bank of the Eastern Himalayas), one or more
interns will conduct GIS analyses that examine social and biophysical factors
correlated with HWC (e.g., distance to a village, land use patterns, etc.), as
well as spatial and temporal trends
in HWC. This mapping project will be used to better inform
conservation issues surrounding HWC. Interns must have excellent analytical
skills, be resourceful and creative in their work. Interns must work well
independently and as part of a team. Familiarity with ArcView and
ArcGIS
is required. Research (internet, institutional and literature)
capabilities and a substantial knowledge of HWC are also
essential.
Field experience working on HWC is a strong plus.
Stipend: This is a paid internship.
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2008 Include: "HWC
Mapping
Internship" in the subject line.
Contact: Shannon Barber-Meyer Shannon.barber-meyer@wwfus.org
22. Title: Review of best practices in Human-Wildlife Conflict and
Development of Web Library
Description: Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) occurs world-wide and
continues
to be a significant obstacle to conservation. Best practices in
HWC from
one geographic area are not always transferred to another area
where
they
could also be successfully employed (e.g., successful methods of
mitigating human-elephant conflict in Africa may not be
implemented or
even known in Asia). One or more interns will work to develop a
"best
practices" report for both elephants and also large felids
that will
promote cross-learning among field staff. Field staff will utilize
the
report to better mitigate HWC in their priority places. Interns
will
also
conduct a thorough literature review of HWC and develop a digital
library.
Field staff will use this library to stay abreast of the most up
to date
HWC research findings to better inform their conservation
practices.
Interns must have excellent writing and synthesis skills. Research
(internet, institutional and literature) capabilities and a
substantial
knowledge of HWC are also essential. Field experience working on
HWC is
a
strong plus.
Stipend: This is a paid internship.
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2008 Include: "HWC
Review
Internship" in the subject line.
Contact: Shannon Barber-Meyer Shannon.barber-meyer@wwfus.org
................................................................................................................................................................
Beth Kopp
Coordinator, Environmental Studies Program
Colby College
5356 Mayflower Hill Drive
Waterville, Maine 04901
Office: 208 Diamond Building
207.859.5356