Field science, the environment and non-governmental organisations

Abstract

In this wide ranging article, Brian Walker examines the role of the field scientist from a number of different perspectives and within the framework of the non-governmental organisation. He suggests that both the field scientist and the NGO are important catalysts for change, arguing that independence from government is a vital characteristic of the NGO if their operations are to remain at their most effective. If we are to tackle effectively those questions which now sit at the top of the political and economic agenda - soil erosion, global warming, ozone depletion, the degradation of the oceans, the loss of tropical forests and biodiversity generally - then we must turn, and can only turn, to the cinderellas of science, the field scientists. Remote sensing satellite technology needs to be rigorously balanced by verification on the ground - what the Americans call “ground truthing”. This requires field scientists and their supporting staff to labour on the ground within the discipline of their own skills, but more importantly as members of interdisciplinary teams, so as to correct misinformation from satellite photography and, indeed, to push knowledge beyond the reach of remote sensing imagery. This year 3,500 people will support the 133 Principal Investigators who will lead the Earthwatch science research teams across some 45 countries. The volunteer's cash contribution is calculated so that in the aggregate for that project the field scientist receives one hundred percent of his/her budget as well as a one hundred percent labour force.