Project Description

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Canopy in the Clouds is designed to partner emerging professionals in science, photography, and cinematography to create the next generation of environmental outreach materials. The project seeks to

1. Promote conservation through educational media delivered in an innovative and engaging manner.
2. Inspire young scientists by sharing our passion and excitement for carrying out science.
3. Engage people in the beauty, biodiversity, and importance of tropical montane cloud forests from the perspective of the forest canopy.

We are fortunate to carry out this project in Monteverde, Costa Rica, one of the world’s most renowned tropical montane cloud forests. Fieldwork will be carried out in July and August of 2008 and again in January of 2009. In addition to frequent updates to our website, we seek to generate the following products as a result of our time in the canopy:

1. Web-based educational videos and curriculum supplements that use tropical montane cloud forest as a vehicle to discuss relevant conservation issues.
2. Web-based videos that use viral techniques to convey both a sense of adventure and the urgent need for additional scientific research in these forests.
3. Traveling multimedia exhibitions that emphasize still photography to convey the immense biodiversity of this compelling ecosystem.

Primary support for this project is provided by Young Explorers Grants from the Expeditions Council and the Committee for Research and Exploration at the National Geographic Society.