The Royal Scottish Geographical Society
Exploration and Discovery 2005
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The Royal Scottish Geographical SocietyExploration and Discovery 2005 |
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In March 2005 the Society's Expeditions Committee awarded grants totalling £3,750 to eight school and university expeditions travelling to all corners of the world from Peru to Vietnam
University of Aberdeen - Peru 2005
Six students collaborate with three local field naturalists in a six-week study of the importance of soil to the sustainability of a subtropical rainforest ecosystem in the Tambopata region.
University of Aberdeen - Veracruz, Mexico
A group of five students visit a range of sites in this state to assess the impact of coffee-growing on the natural habitat, using the diversity and abundance of fern, bromeliad, and amphibian species as indicators of water-availability.
University of St Andrews - Ngozumpa Glacier Cave Research Project, Himalayas
A team of seven glacial geomorphologists, led by Himalayan expert Dr Douglas Benn, pioneer the exploration and systematic scientific study of glacial cave systems in the Khumbu Himal region of Nepal.
University of Glasgow - Gambia 2005
A group of ten undergraduate students (including some from the University of Edinburgh) set-out to blend zoological research with geographical education in the River Gambia National Park. Working for two months with local professionals, they will study bird, western baboon, and hippopotamus populations, as well as run a short summer-school for children in the bordering village of Sambel Kunda.
University of Edinburgh - Belize 2005
A team of five researchers from the Institute of Geography return here to establish methods of mapping and monitoring the condition of tropical savanna land-cover at a test site in the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area.
University of Edinburgh - Project Kodok, Borneo
Six students spend nine weeks in the tropical Tanjung Puting Reserve in central Borneo, studying the ecology and distribution of amphibians, as part of an international IUCN-backed effort to compile an amphibian database for South-East Asia.
Merchiston Castle School - Fiji Millennium '3' Project
Fifteen students return with leader Tony Millard to Vanua Levu to assist in refurbishing one of the primary schools which forms part of a rural development project on the island. Students will live with local families, and take part in excursions to the coral reef and rainforest.
Borders Exploration Group - 2005 Vietnam
A group of 36 adults and young people travel to North Vietnam to work with the community of Quyet Tien in preparing terraces for rice paddy-fields. Environmental studies, cultural visits, and an adventurous trek up Mount Fansipan will add to a range of activities designed to advance the education of young people, and develop their capabilities for the benefit of society.