The Rainforest Alliance is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for the 1995 Kleinhans Fellowship for Research in Tropical Non-timber Forest Products. Following is a description of this program. *** KLEINHANS FELLOWSHIP FOR RESEARCH IN TROPICAL NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS Guidelines for Application (Applications Due April 3, 1995) Purpose: The purpose of this award is to promote research into the practical means of managing and using tropical forest resources without destroying the integrity of the forest ecosystem. The research will synthesize elements of conservation and business and must lead to the development of a product or marketing technique that can provide incomes for community-based groups living in or near tropical forest areas. The results of the research should be an economically viable strategy that encourages sustainable resource extraction from tropical forests. This extraction could supply food, fiber, medicinals or other products for which there is an existing or potential domestic and/or foreign market. Research concerning products that encourage the reforestation of degraded areas is also eligible. Strategy options include using one or several forest products, building on the knowledge of native forest inhabitants (as long as this method proves useful to those same people), and adding value to forest products through processing. At the end of the project, a thoroughly documented paper suitable for publication is required. Geographic Focus: Please note that, as of 1995, the Kleinhans Fellowship research area will be restricted to Latin America, though projects that can eventually be replicated in other parts of the world are encouraged. Eligibility: Research involving any tropical forest type, wet or dry, in Latin America is eligible. Anyone with a master's degree in forestry, ecology, environmental science or appropriate related fields may apply; doctoral candidates or post-doctoral researchers preferred. Applicants may substitute relevant experience for degrees. Amount of the Award: The fellowship provides a grant of $15,000 (US) per year, for two years. Please note that the Fellowship will not subsidize academic tuition and fees, nor will it cover costs of purchasing transport vehicles or unnecessary or unreasonable equipment. Administering Agency: The Kleinhans Fellowship is administered by the Rainforest Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of tropical forests. This fellowship is part of the Rainforest Alliance's program to develop ecologically and socially sound alternatives to the economic practices that cause tropical forest destruction. Judging: Each application will be judged on the merits of the proposal, the feasibility of the plan, and the qualifications of the candidate. Judging will be done by a panel of forestry products experts and tropical conservationists. The following are some of the questions that will be asked: * Can the research be carried out as proposed? * Does the investigator appear to have the necessary skills and experience to bring the research to a fruitful conclusion? * Is the proposal practical and does it have commercial potential? * Will the research help provide a livelihood for tropical forest inhabitants, without causing the destruction of the forests? * If the research is site-specific, can the methodology be adapted by people in other countries? * Is the project new and entrepreneurial? * Will the research be useful to someone with no business experience and with little or no venture capital? Application Format: There is no official application form. Completed applications will include the following: * A proposal in English that may not exceed five typed pages in length. * An abstract, a review of the relevant literature, a budget, references, and figures and appendices. * A copy of the candidate's curriculum vitae or resume. * Two letters of recommendation in English. * A list of past, current and, potential funding sources for both the applicant and the project. Please do not fax or e-mail applications. Proposals should be clipped together, but not bound or enclosed in folders. Also, please do not send photographs or videos. All applicants must submit three copies of the entire application. This requirement may be waived for candidates residing in developing countries. Schedule: The fellowship will begin in September 1995. Completed applications, including all letters of reference, must be received at the Rainforest Alliance office by 5:00 P.M., April 3, 1995. Send application VIA REGULAR MAIL to: Rainforest Alliance, c/o Ina F. Chaudhury, Kleinhans Fellowship, 65 Bleecker Street, New York, New York, 10012, USA. For more information, please the Rainforest Alliance: 212/677-1900. Acknowledgement cards will be sent via regular mail approximately three weeks after receipt of proposals. The final decision will be made in early June 1995. # # #
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