By Gary Thomas
Ernst & Young partnering with the Earthwatch Institute has announced that they are sending 30 volunteers based on their skills for expeditions to Costa Rica and Brazil in order to carry out field research and suggest strategies so that economically sustainable and eco-friendly practices can be implemented to local businesses.
Volunteers have been sent for the fourth consecutive year on a one-week journey together with Earthwatch Institute. This program has been conducted in Costa Rica for the fourth year and in Brazil for the second year. It has been repeated in Ernst’s Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA) area. The program will be introduced in the Asia-Pacific Area (APAC) during August 2012.
Every three expedition teams comprise 10 member firm employees of Ernst from Canada, Central America, Israel, Mexico, South America and the US. The volunteers together with scientists in Brazil work to measure information on tree species, gather samples of water and track mammals present in the Atlantic Forest. Their scientific research supports Earthwatch’s researchers to understand about the most significant attributes in managing the forest during climatic changes. The ambassadors will work in close tandem with an ecotourism cooperative to enhance productivity.
The volunteers work along with a 2,600 member coffee farming co-operative in Costa Rica. Ernst & Young member firm workers along with Earthwatch researchers gather information to understand the methods, which result in more sustainable coffee production.
The focus of the Ambassadors of Earthwatch on sustainability and environment will definitely continue even after they return from the expedition to Ernst & Young. Participants will continuously incorporate their experiences and integrate ecological awareness into their careers and behaviors on a daily basis.
Ernst & Young firms chose the 2012 ambassadors from Earthwatch based on their enthusiasm, performance, and commitment towards the environment.
Source: http://www.ey.com/