Working hand in hand with the Earthwatch Institute, Ernst & Young are sending 30 skilled volunteers to Costa Rica and Brazil. Their job is to research and recommend methods of sustainable development and practices, both environmental and economic.

For four years in a row, Ernst & Young has been sending volunteers on weeklong excursions with Earthwatch. The Earthwatch Institute is a scientific organization that conducts field research worldwide. The program has been quite successful. So successful in fact, that this marks the fourth year that the research scientists and volunteers have come to Costa Rica. The program is the model base for Ernst & Young’s EMEIA Area (Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa) projects. They will also launch an Asia-Pacific area project in August of this year.

“As one of the highest growth emerging markets and home to the Atlantic Forest, Brazil is poised for robust environmental innovation. Our work with Earthwatch helps local business and entrepreneurs develop practices that will benefit their bottom line. Business communities continue to become more connected across geographies and our Earthwatch Ambassadors are gaining global exposure in these increasingly important regions while making a difference in the local communities,” said Deborah Holmes, Americas Director of Corporate Responsibility for Ernst & Young.

There are 3 teams of 10 Ernst & Young employees who will work as volunteers at the side of Earthwatch researchers. The volunteers come from employment positions in the United States, Central and South America, Canada, Israel and Mexico.

On the Brazil project, they will compile and decipher data from water samples and trees as well as track mammals in the Atlantic Forest. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is a severely threatened biodiversity hot zone. The research will help Earthwatch scientists to adjust forest management in light of climate change and human encroachment.

Costa Rican project volunteers are working with a coffee farming co-operative. The data research will assist in the development of more sustainable coffee production. Ernst & Young volunteers will also help with communication strategies for the 2,600 member coffee co-op, their employees, customers and community.

“We’re seeing a growing interest in this type of program from other organizations and are thrilled that the Ernst & Young program is expanding across the globe. It’s a testament to the organization’s commitment and to the power of employing this model of field research and skills-based volunteering to make a difference on the ground. It’s inspiring to see our corporate volunteers bring their knowledge, passion and experience to help us improve scientific understanding and local businesses in the communities in which we operate,” said Ed Wilson, CEO of Earthwatch.

Source: Marketwatch