CONSERVATION GRANTS FROM THE BCG
From time to time I report to members the grants of funds made by the BCG Committee to assist worthy causes in support of our aim - the care and conservation of chelonia. I thought that for my piece this time that you should know how the system works for making applications with the hope that you may be able to suggest a project which the BCG might consider.
APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS
As Conservation Officer my role is to investigate the validity of applications and make recommendations to the BCG Committee who make the final decisions at their meetings usually five times a year. Applications are sent to me by organisations and individuals engaged on the work of chelonia conservation such as zoos, universities, zoologists, students etc in this country or overseas. When dealing with these applications I make it plain at the outset that the size of any grant is usually up to a maximum of £1000 in any one year. This permits the BCG to spread their assistance over a number of different projects covering tortoises, marine turtles and terrapins. Where a project is ongoing over a number of years the BCG will consider applications in the second or subsequent years. For examples we have regularly supported Gerald Kuchling's Western Australian Swamp Tortoise project, the cause of Giant Tortoises in the Galapagos and Brendan Godley's Marine Turtle Expeditions to North Cyprus.
VETTING OF APPLICATIONS
My principle in dealing with applications is to ask the applicant to state clearly how their project is going to further the cause of care and conservation of chelonia. It could be that their work involves research or protections of endangered species. We particularly favour projects where the BCG receives public acknowledgement for support. With Gerald Kuchling's work with the Swamp Tortoise in Western Australia he has virtually saved a species from extinction while Brendan Godley has added immeasurably to our knowledge of the marine turtles both in the Mediterranean and elsewhere. However one does not have to be a famous or experienced zoologist to benefit from BCG grants. We also like to consider applications from students who are engaged on chelonia conservation projects and we have often made grants to those with the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece or Earthwatch etc.
HOW TO MAKE AN APPLICATION
The first thing to keep in mind is to give me and the Committee plenty of time to consider your application. Ideally I would like to receive your application at least three months before the date when the funds are required. Secondly, there must be a detailed budget justifying the need for funds. It may be that the BCG can help with part of the expenses such as one or more items of equipment or the cost of the travel expenses. We like to know which other organisations, charities etc are supporting you or to whom you have made applications. If you are a student then a CV is necessary and we like to see a couple of references both as to character and academic standing. If you have been engaged in chelonia conservation or research previously, then please provide the details of such work.
THE BCG REWARD FOR HELP
It is not unreasonable that the BCG should reap some reward or return for help provided. Normally therefore I ask for a report at some agreed date on the results of the project or activity. This could take the form of a report, preferably with photos, for the newsletter or an article for our Journal TESTUDO where the author must meet the editorial guidelines prescribed for a work of scientific nature. Just occasionally we are able to invite recipients of BCG funds to talk about their project at one of our two annual symposia held at The Open University in the Spring and at Chester Zoo in the Autumn.
CONCLUSION
The message that I want to leave is that the BCG has a responsibility to use its funds wisely to assist the cause of chelonia conservation and care - and to help those who are actively pursuing that aim. Accordingly I welcome serious applications from genuine applicants for funds. You do not have to be a member of the BCG to qualify for help - but certainly membership helps. You may contact me at any of the following addresses below.
ANNE ROWBERRY, CONSERVATION OFFICER