EcoWB Program Spotlight: GIS
February 26, 2021

EcoWB Program Spotlight: GIS

Maps are one of humanity’s most important tools. They allow us to navigate in unfamiliar areas and visualize geographic features across the landscape. Modern maps are typically created in GIS (Geographic Information System) software packages by technicians and analysts with specialized training. In the modern era, map making and spatial analyses are also supported by remote sensing, typically in the form of satellite or aerial imagery.

Ecologists Without Borders has a specialized GIS program that supports our global projects with mapping and remote sensing expertise. Our GIS volunteer roster includes nearly 50 people whose experience level ranges from beginner to expert, allowing us to provide training opportunities for students and early-career professionals while also meeting the needs of more complex mapping and analytical projects.

The EcoWB GIS program is currently supporting the Amazon Megafish project in partnership with Juniata College. Volunteers on this project are developing a spatial database of environmental parameters to help solve the riddle of largetooth sawfish migrations, with help from multispectral satellites such as Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2. Recent work by the GIS program also includes mapping invasive water hyacinth coverage in Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria using Sentinel 1 radar imagery and habitat mapping for a scallop fishery improvement project in Sechura Bay, Perú (see figure below).

 

The EcoWB GIS program welcomes additional volunteers, whether they are beginners or experts. We are also looking for more opportunities to expand our impact through additional projects. Please feel free to reach out to our GIS Program Manager, James Cash ( james.cash@ecowb.org ), to volunteer, propose a new project, or seek GIS assistance on a current project.

Supporting Those in Need During Uncertain Times

By Becky Muston • June 4, 2025
As a volunteer-supported ecological assistance organization, EcoWB contributes to the vital work of the international aid community—supporting humanitarian and conservation efforts where ecological expertise can make a meaningful difference. In recent months, critical funding and staffing for international aid once provided through U.S. government programs have been withdrawn. The effects are already visible: environmental and humanitarian programs paused, local teams let go, and progress at risk of stalling. Among the efforts most affected are those tackling biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, water pollution, and climate change—areas where EcoWB has long provided professional expertise and hands-on project support. In response, we’re actively looking for opportunities to support projects that need ecological guidance or technical capacity to keep going. With our global network of skilled volunteers, we’re well placed to step in where others no longer can. If you know of places, partners, or organizations where environmental needs are going unmet—or if you're looking to make a meaningful impact— we’d love to hear from you . We also encourage those with the means to do so to take a moment: research the organizations struggling on the frontlines, see where funding may have been cut, and consider offering your support. Now more than ever, action matters—whether it’s donating, volunteering, or simply amplifying the work that still needs doing. 

EcoWB Welcomes Biljana Aljinovic as Program Manager

May 24, 2025
We are delighted to announce that Biljana Aljinovic has joined Ecologists Without Borders as our new Program Manager. Biljana brings over 15 years of experience in international conservation, having led projects across Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Her work spans both marine and terrestrial ecosystems and covers a wide range of areas, including sustainable fisheries, climate adaptation, marine regeneration, and environmental policy. She holds an MSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Padua, Italy. Raised on Mljet, a biodiverse island in the Croatian Adriatic, Biljana developed a deep connection to nature early in life. This connection has fueled her commitment to conservation and her focus on long-term impact and collaboration with local communities. In her role at EcoWB, Biljana will oversee our expanding portfolio of environmental projects, support the development of new initiatives in collaboration with partner organizations and communities worldwide, and help strengthen our internal systems to ensure we can respond swiftly and effectively to emerging needs. We’re excited to welcome Biljana to the EcoWB staff team and look forward to the expertise and energy she brings to this important role.