Case Studies

Although only 1.5 million species worldwide are recognised officially, it is estimated the actual number may be closer to 30 million. Hundreds of new species are discovered every year, and on the Asian continent, recent discoveries have included orchids, frogs, ‘walking’ sharks and blonde-haired lobsters. However, up to 27,000 species could be becoming extinct every year. The number one threat to species is loss of natural habitat due to large-scale deforestation. The Asian Conservation Training Programme (ACTP) was created by Earthwatch through Investing in Nature to enable conservation volunteers and researchers to work together across Asia to help protect the diversity of species.

The programme offers direct support for community projects and a network for sharing best practice, research techniques and findings. During the five years of Investing in Nature, 90 researchers were funded, of whom 50 were directly supported by HSBC. ACTP also encouraged stronger stakeholder involvement in the projects, to help facilitate communication between scientists and researchers.

Thailand Coral Reefs

One project that was supported by the Asian Conservation Training Programme was an expedition to the islands of Chumporn Province in the western gulf of Thailand. Cheryl Rita Kaur, a researcher for the Centre of Coastal and Marine Environment, based at the Maritime Institute of Malaysia, was given the opportunity to work with other conservationists to monitor Thailand’s coral reefs. She exchanged new ideas in research and conservation and was able to create networks with the other volunteers. Upon returning to Malaysia, she shared her experiences and new knowledge with Maritime Institute staff members and friends. She applied skills learned on the reefs to influence policy-making on the effects of marine tourism on coral reefs and the importance of monitoring these effects and protecting the reefs.