Biodiversity PEEK: For Global Citizen Scientists

Biodiversity PEEK (Photography Educating & Empowering Kids and their Communities) is the international citizen science program of The Biodiversity Group. We provide equipment and train local adult mentors to work with youth to... [ view full abstract ]

Biodiversity PEEK (Photography Educating & Empowering Kids and their Communities) is the international citizen science program of The Biodiversity Group. We provide equipment and train local adult mentors to work with youth to use digital cameras as a means to explore and digitally document the overlooked, threatened flora and fauna around them. Biodiversity PEEK strives to increase the rate of literacy of both computers and the written word, as well as feelings of empowerment, and regenerative lifestyles, all while raising awareness and appreciation of local conservation concerns in the often impoverished communities where we work; from Ecuador to Vietnam to Mexico. And, Biodiversity PEEK is scalable and adaptable to other communities and organizations around the globe. Biodiversity PEEK is a hands-on, place-based program that satisfies these outreach objectives:
• To collect data in the field at our research sites year-round, as opposed to just interval research trips.
• To give real, concrete assistance to the educationally, economically, and technologically impoverished communities at our study sites; knowing that people can only afford to take care of their wild places if their own human needs are met first.
• To help develop a relationship between local people and their neighboring ecological reserves; run by organizations with whom we partner in the field.
• To be both place-based and international in function; something carried out on a local level around the world, extending to places where we do not have a physical presence.
Our talk will give you the basics of how Biodiversity PEEK works for us, show you how it can work for you, and "wow" you with some of the incredible photographs from our international, local participants!