Scgis Global Program

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Since it's beginning, SCGIS has worked hard to bridge the technology gap between large and small nations. Although its origins were in the USA, the goal was that technology and support should go where the biodiversity was in the developing world. When I started at Esri in the late 1980’s, GIS was mainly a tool of developed nations and there were very few international folks ready and able to adopt GIS technologies. In the early years only about ten percent of the first SCGIS members and programs were in developing countries. Since then it has been the goal of the SCGIS Global (formerly International) program to increase that.  Currently we are close to 80% tropical country members and programs. Worldwide we support several Conservation GIS conferences each year. Our Global conference in California each year receives about 20-30% international attendees. Our chapters in a couple dozen countries have accounted for up to 90% of our projects and funding, especially in the 00’s thanks to a large Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation grant to support the growth of our international program.

Throughout its 22-year history, this program has been made possible by generous foundation support from many donors including The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, The Money/Arenz Foundation, the US Fish and Wildlife Foundation, University of California, The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund - Education for Nature Program, and thousands of SCGIS Members.  Esri has provided core funding and logistical support since the program was founded. Other business sponsors have included Garmin and Hewlett-Packard   Of course, the program would not exist at all if not for the over 6,000 hours/year of volunteer time from the members & leaders of the Scgis Global Committee.