Shumway Lab – Conservation

Aquatic Biodiversity

Aquatic Biodiversity Initiative:  The Aquatic Biodiversity Initiative highlights the value of science in addressing pressing questions in aquatic biodiversity, the interdependence of humans with other species and ecosystems, and the importance of changing human behavior. Efforts span grassroots and community programs, scientific research, and public education in Africa, the South Pacific, and the U.S.. Key Objectives are to foster aquatic stewardship by changing human behavior toward the natural world; and provide practical, science-based advice to communities and NGOs dependent on their aquatic resources.

Changing Hearts and Minds: A Values-based Approach to Environmental Stewardship  

This grassroots project, launched in 1999, links environment and religion in Papua New Guinea (PNG) through collaborative partnerships among scientists, conservationists and local religious leaders. The project tests a new conservation model—that addressing people’s existing values and beliefs can be a powerful force for change in human behavior towards the environment. Through rallies, training workshops, networking, and service projects, we work to inspire people to improve natural resource management of the region's extraordinary rainforests and reefs. Collaborators include Christians for Environmental Stewardship-US and PNG, the Bismarck Ramu Group (PNG), and Christians Advocating for Stewardship of the Environment (PNG).

 

Congo River Environment and Development Project (CREDP)

The Congo River is a global treasure, the world’s second most important river for freshwater fish biodiversity. Devastated by war, the riverine communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo confront deforestation, erosion, water quality and stagnant economies. I was the Biodiversity Advisor for this USAID-funded project, implemented by Innovative Resources Management. In the fall of 2002, I led a biodiversity survey of select riverine sites, discovering new species, and recommending simple monitoring methods for fisheries management. I recently completed the first field guide to Congolese fish; I hope this guide will be useful to fishermen, conservationists, and riverine communities.


Aquatic Scientists without Borders

The conservation and sustainable management of aquatic life (both freshwater and marine) by tropical communities is often constrained by a lack of scientific and non-governmental capacity. Scientists without Borders is a new community-based research and networking program designed to provide scientific advice and assistance to African and South Pacific community and grassroots organizations. The program is mutually beneficial – the communities receive the research and expert advice they need, and the participants receive valuable training and course credit and/or small stipends. To date, we have identified potential collaborators and interested scientists and are creating a consortium of NGOs and Universities. We are currently identifying pilot sites to begin the program.

Our new website: aquaticscientistswithoutborders.org is currently under construction

If you are interested in joining this program, please email me at cshumway@neaq.org

 

 

Living
Links: Choices for Survival Exhibit  

I was the PI for this National Science Foundation-funded traveling exhibit on aquatic biodiversity. The first comprehensive exhibit in the nation, this exhibit helps visitors explore the impact of their individual actions and their connection to the aquatic world. The exhibit uses innovative techniques to encourage behavioral change toward the environment. From April 2002 to December 2003, the exhibit informed and inspired more than two million Aquarium visitors. An additional 3 million visitors are expected to see the exhibit as it travels to zoos and aquaria across the country for the next several years. The Frog module will soon be at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. www.neaq.org/livinglinks

Funding provided by NSF

More conservation at the New England Aquarium

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