The United Nations recognise the importance of the proper training of conservationists and scientists native to areas most threatened by environmental challenges, and how vital this is for the future of conservation, yet, many conservation organisations in Africa, Southern Asia and Eastern Europe have very limited funding for training staff members. Earthwatch's Capacity Development Programme is trying to solve this issue of lack of training and development resource in the developing world.

The programme: •brings together conservationists, scientists and research staff from a region or within the same field of research to share ideas, best practice and to learn by others examples. •equips participants with the skills and knowledge to collect and process environmental data. •provides young scientists with the inspiration and confidence to initiate their own research programme. Earthwatch offers tailor made training programmes to as many individuals as we can throughout the year