Fiji's Ancient Seafarers Dr. Patrick D. Nunn - Earthwatch Institute

Dear Earthwatcher,
Welcome to Earthwatch! We greatly appreciate your decision to contribute to important hands-on environmental
science and conservation. As an Earthwatch volunteer, you have the opportunity to create positive change for our
world, while having a life-changing experience of your own! Each year we send almost 4,000 people just like you
out into the field to understand and help an array of species, landscapes and cultures. We offer approximately 130
research projects in more than 40 countries and 20 US states. These projects focus on our four priority areas:
Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, Climate Change, Oceans, and Sustainable Cultures.
At Earthwatch, we place the highest priority on the health and safety of all individuals involved in our
activities anywhere in the world. Although risk is an inherent part of the environments in which we work, we
believe that through careful risk management and diligent planning all participants can have a safe, educational
and inspirational Earthwatch experience. That’s why our dedicated Field Management team works around the
clock to assess and manage the risks involved with conducting field research in a variety of locations and
conditions. We’ve been in the business of providing safe and rewarding experiences for more than 35 years, so
rest assured you’re in good hands!
As part of our effort to keep Earthwatch teams safe and happy, we require that all expedition participants
prepare for their experience by reading this Expedition Briefing and completing a number of volunteer forms.
See the Volunteer Forms section of this Briefing for instructions on completing your forms.
It is essential that you carefully read your Expedition Briefing, which includes important logistical
information such as instructions for reaching the project site, what to pack, where your team will be staying,
what immunizations you might need, how to physically prepare for your expedition, entry requirements for the
project country, and more. Your Briefing also explains the research being conducted through the project, why it is
important, and what role you will play in the work as an Earthwatch volunteer.
If you have any questions as you prepare for your expedition, feel free to contact your Expedition Coordinator:
Tel: +1 978-461-0081 x254
Toll free: 1 800-776-0188 x254
Elisabeth Shedd
Fax: +1 978-461-2332
Email: eshedd@earthwatch.org
Well prepared volunteers are better able to enjoy the unique and exciting experiences that an Earthwatch
expedition offers, and are also a greater help to the scientists’ important work. While most expeditions do not
require prior experience, those who are attentive, open-minded, comfortable working in a team environment, and
eager to learn will be most successful. Your expedition may have fitness requirements, so please carefully review
the Project Conditions section. Participants with writing, fine arts, photography, and videography experience are
encouraged to lend their skills to the project and pass on photos, etc. from the expedition to Earthwatch.
Thank you for your support, and enjoy your expedition!
Sincerely,
Laurie R. Belton
International Director of Field Management
PS: Upon returning from your expedition, you will receive an email welcoming you back and asking you to fill
out an online Expedition Evaluation. Please take the time to complete this evaluation in order to help us improve
the Earthwatch experience. Your feedback is appreciated!
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