Why I Started Nova Conservation: Part I
For my first blog post, I need to let folks know one main reason why I felt compelled to start Nova Conservation.
Have you ever worked the type of job where there is an imbalance of supply and demand? Say you’re a computer programmer. You’re extremely passionate about it all: computers, programming… and whatever other things computer programmers do.
But, in this hypothetical situation, the rest of the world doesn’t seem to value computers and programmers. In fact, computers stop being produced because people aren’t buying them. Programmers are losing jobs right and left. There is too much supply, not enough demand.
That is exactly the state of conservation biology jobs. There are many more of us who are highly qualified, trained individuals, and yet we are competing for hard-to-get jobs. And, due to this imbalance, these jobs pay very little. I once worked a seasonal job where I was receiving less than $4 per hour! And I have a Master’s degree!
This is unacceptable.
One of my goals with Nova Conservation is to generate more financial resources to the hard-working scientists who do this invaluable work. Researchers are already competing for grants and funding, so let’s lighten the burden on them a bit.
Banding cerulean warblers for a genetic study
For the participants, these trips are engaging, fun, educational. Additionally, there is a huge “give back” component. Participants can either a) give their time to help the researchers with necessary field work or b) pay extra for a premium experience, where the excess funds go directly to helping the wildlife.
That’s why we say we are on a mission to shake up the world of conservation.
