Society for Conservation GIS (SCGIS)

The Society for Conservation GIS (SCGIS), in its own words, is a non-profit organization that aims to build community, provide knowledge, and support individuals using Geographic Information Systems and science for the conservation of natural resources and cultural heritage.

The web site goes on: "SCGIS assists conservationists worldwide in using GIS through communication, networking, scholarships, and training. Membership is open to any individual seeking assistance in the achievement of personal or organizational conservation goals. The Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization."

Sponsors
The program's sponsors were listed on its web site as Esri, Garmin, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Planetaction, The Nature COnservancy and the World Wildlife Fund. Others who have contributed over the years are the Money/Arenz Foundation, the US Fish and Wildlife Foundation, University of California,and Wildlife Conservation Society. The Esri Conservation Program helped found the society in 1997, and continues to support it.



Based in California, the Society has international chapters in Brazil, Cameroon, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Philippines, and Slovenia.

Conference
In addition to scholarships and various other programs, the society organizes an annual conference in summer. The 2011 conference has the theme 'building strength.' According to the society, it 'will focus on elements necessary to build strength and capacity in the world of conservation GIS, including healthy partnerships, strong support networks, innovative tools and comprehensive training.'

The keynote speaker is Dr. Richard Pearson, Director of Biodiversity Informatics Research at the American Museum of Natural History. A special topic at the conference is wildlife habitat connectivity.

Past conferences have had themes like building community, connecting across boundaries, and conservation without borders.

The society has also supported Conservation GIS conferences worldwide.



Scholars
The society's international scholars program invites scholars from various countries to make presentations at the conference on projects they are working on. The scholars also receive training in GIS and community building.