August 18, 2009
Earthwatch International Trip: Zebras in Samburu
ASD is proud to announce that it is offering an Earthwatch International Expedition over the Eid break, November 26 –
December 4, 2009. Earthwatch Expeditions put students on the front line of conservation efforts by allowing them to assist
research scientists in field studies devoted to gathering information about endangered or threatened species.
Students will be flown to Nairobi International Airport where they will be met by Earthwatch local staff and be flown by charter
plane to the Earthwatch Wamba Research Station near Samburu National Park (Lat. 0°58'60N/Long. 37°19'0E). The Wamba
research site is dedicated to Zebra conservation and works to study the impact of human activity on zebra habitat. While at the
Wamba Station, students will aid in data collection by conducting transects, taking GPS coordinates of wildlife sightings and
gathering data to form GIS maps which will eventually be used to track changes in the population of Grevy’s Zebra in relation to
the location of human settlements and predator populations. Students will be under the direct supervision of Earthwatch Staff
and the 2 on-site scientists. Accommodations will be at the Wamba Research Station site and will consist of shared rooms. The
Station is equipped with running water and plumbing.
Due to the technical nature of this trip, only students currently enrolled in or having successfully completed AP
Environmental Science, AP Biology, and IB Biology will be considered. Students enrolled in IB CAS will also be
considered based on science experience and teacher recommendations. Final selection will be made on the basis of subject
teacher recommendations. Earthwatch regulations also stipulate that participants be at least 16 years of age at the time of
travel. It should be noted that this trip involves authentic research tasks and students must be up to that. This trip is limited to 10
students. More specific information can be found at http://www.earthwatch.org/expeditions/samburu.html.
The approximate cost for airfare will be $1000 USD and the land portion (inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner,
accommodations, full medical and medivac insurance) is $3200 (total $4200 USD). The bulk of this fee goes towards the
Earthwatch Research Grants that are given to participating projects. Students will be responsible for the cost of their Kenyan Visa
and vaccinations. Due to the remote location of activities, the need for spending money will be minimal. More information on
specifics will follow.
Due to the short timeframe before departure, confirmed participants will need to pay the non-refundable land cost and a $300
USD airfare deposit (total: $3500, QAR 12,775) no later than Thursday, September 10. The balance of the airfare will be due on
October 1 ($700 USD, QAR 2555).
If you are interested, please fill out the attached sign-up sheet and follow up with the payment of $3500 USD (QAR
12,775) to the accounts office as soon as possible. Payment can be made by cheque in Qatari Riyals, or by cash in US
Dollars or Qatari Riyals. Sign up sheets should be returned to Mr. Shang either through the HS office or to Mr. Shang in
Room 2415.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the trip sponsor, Mr. Shang at cshang@asd.edu.qa.
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_____________________________
Student Name (as in passport)
__________________________________
Parent Name
_____________________________
Parent Mobile Phone
___________________________________
Student Birthdate (DD/MM/YYYY)
_____________________________
Parent e-mail (print in block letters)
___________________________________
Senior Science Courses Enrolled in (AP Enviro,
AP Biology, IB Biology, IB CAS only)
_____________________________
Parent Signature
___________________________________
Senior Science Courses Previously completed
(AP Enviro, AP Biology, IB Biology, IB CAS
only)
** PLEASE NOTE, UPON SUBMISSION OF THIS DOCUMENT, THE DEPOSIT OF USD
$3500 (QAR 12,775) NEEDS TO BE PAID TO THE ACCOUNTS OFFICE TO CONFIRM
YOUR SPOT. PAYMENT DEADLINE IS NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 10. ON
SEPTEMBER 10, WE WILL DETERMINE IF THERE IS ENOUGH CONFIRMED
INTEREST TO PROCEED; 10 STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE THE TRIP
VIABLE **
This Sheet needs to be returned to Mr. Shang (HS office or
Room 2415)
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