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Global Grant Proposal Form for Project G-3492 Last updated by Patricia Case <pcase858@me.com> on 4-Oct-24 Project Title Dan Cain Memorial Scholarship Type of Project [ ] Humanitarian [ ] VTT [X] Scholarship Primary Host Partner Information
Primary International Partner Information
Grant Host Committee
Grant International Committee
Do any of these committee members have potential conflict of interest? If so, please briefly explain. No members have potential conflict of interest. Tell us a little about your project. What are the main objectives of the project, and who will benefit from it? The primary objective of this PhD research is to explore sustainable, community-based strategies to improve the economic security of marginalized sea cucumber fishing communities in East Africa. This project will focus on understanding the socioeconomic impacts of recent international protections (CITES Appendix II listings) on these communities, challenges faced by management authorities in implementing equitable regulations, and mapping legal and illegal trade routes to reduce resource-based conflict. This research aims to offer solutions that support both conservation efforts and the economic stability of fishing communities, fostering sustainable livelihoods and equitable resource management. The primary beneficiaries will be the coastal fishing communities in Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, and Mayotte. Which area of focus will this project support?
Which goals of this area of focus will your project support? - How will you measure your project impact?
Do you know who will collect information for monitoring and evaluation? -
Scholarship Feb. 15, 2025
Cooperating Organization (Optional)
Why did you choose to partner with this organization and what will its role be? - Partners (Optional) List any other partner that will participate in this project. - Volunteer Travelers (Optional) Provide name, email of traveler(s). - Describe this person's role in the project. - Scholarship Candidate Provide name and email for the scholarship candidate. Upload the candidate's admission letter. Taylor Bratton tbratton@seacollective.org Academic Institution Provide the name and address of the academic institution. National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, Australia 2 Bay Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia Rotarian Participants Describe the role that host Rotarians will have in this project. The Coffs Harbour Daybreak Rotary Club serves as the host club for Taylor Bratton's Rotary Global Grant Scholarship. Their role involves providing guidance and support during Taylor's stay in Australia. This includes helping her integrate into the local community, connecting her with Rotary members and activities, and offering mentorship throughout her PhD research at Southern Cross University. The club also helps with any logistical needs, such as finding housing and assisting with her local engagement in Rotary projects. Additionally, they will monitor her progress during the scholarship period to ensure she meets Rotary's goals and requirements. Describe the role that international Rotarians will have in this project. The Del Mar Solana Beach Rotary Club is the international sponsor for Taylor Bratton’s Rotary Global Grant Scholarship. Their responsibilities include nominating Taylor as a scholar and supporting her throughout the scholarship process. Additionally, they will coordinate with the Rotary district to secure matching funds and oversee the submission of the Global Grant application through Rotary’s grant system. The Del Mar Solana Beach Rotary will also continue to provide mentorship, guidance, and encouragement during Taylor’s research project, helping her align her work with Rotary's mission. They will ensure ongoing communication between Rotary International, Taylor, and the host club in Coffs Harbour, monitoring her progress and involvement in community development initiatives, particularly as her work focuses on supporting marginalized sea cucumber fishing communities in East Africa. What is the budget for this grant?
Tell us about the funding you have secured for your project.
Humanitarian Projects - Project Planning Describe the community needs that your project will address. - How did your project team identify these needs. - How were members of the benefiting community involved in finding solutions. - How were community members involved in planning the project. - Humanitarian Projects - Project Implementation Summarize each step of your project's implementation.
Will you work in coordination with any related initiative in the community? If yes, briefly describe the other initiatives and how they relate to this project. If no, please explain. Are local initiatives not addressing these needs? Or, if they are, why did you decide not to work with them? - Please describe the training, community outreach, or educational programs this project will include. - How were these needs identified? - What incentives (for example, monetary compensation, awards, certification, or publicity), will you use, if any, to encourage community members to participate in the project? - List any community members or community groups that will oversee the continuation of the project after grant-funded activities conclude. - Scholarship (See Below for Scholar Profile Questions) Describe the process your team used to select this candidate. The Del Mar Solana Beach Rotary Club conducted a thoughtful and thorough process to select Taylor Bratton as the candidate for the Rotary Global Grant Scholarship. The selection process involved the following steps: Initial Application and Nomination: Taylor approached the DMSB Rotary Club to express her interest in applying for the Rotary Global Grant Scholarship. She presented her research project, which focused on the economic development of sea cucumber fishing communities in East Africa, aligning closely with Rotary’s area of focus on Community Economic Development. Review of Project and Credentials: The club carefully reviewed Taylor’s academic background, her dedication to protecting the rights of fishing communities through marine conservation, and the significance of her proposed PhD research. They assessed how well her project met the scholarship criteria, including its potential to have a lasting impact on vulnerable communities. Board Discussion and Approval: Following Taylor’s presentation and the submission of a formal proposal, the DMSB Rotary Board held discussions to evaluate her qualifications, the project’s alignment with Rotary’s mission, and the feasibility of supporting her as a scholar. The board and club members collectively decided to nominate Taylor as the Global Grant Scholar candidate. Fundraising and Support: Recognizing the financial requirements, the club committed to providing a portion of the initial funding needed to secure district and Rotary Foundation matches. DMSB pledged $3,000 towards the scholarship and began assisting Taylor in the process of fundraising the remaining funds. Coordination with District and Rotary Foundation: After securing board approval, DMSB worked closely with Rotary District representatives and facilitated her introduction to the host club, Coffs Harbour Daybreak Rotary, which will oversee her during her PhD studies in Australia. The Del Mar Solana Beach Rotary Club ensured that Taylor’s selection as a Global Grant Scholar was both well-considered and aligned with Rotary’s goals of fostering sustainable economic development. How did this candidate's background, studies, and future plans qualify them for a global grant under this area of focus? Since her childhood, Taylor has been passionate about protecting our planet and those who depend most heavily on it. Her pursuits and passions show how she truly emulates “Service Above Self.” Taylor is the founder and director of Sea Collective, a 501c3 nonprofit advocating for the rights of marginalized fishing communities. Her academic journey includes a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Marine Ecology, during which she received the award for the top thesis in her master’s cohort. Professionally, she has developed three marine protected areas as the Science and Communities Director for Blue Alliance, integrating fisherfolk perspectives into conservation. Her research and work have consistently focused on equitable fisheries management and community resilience in the face of climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction. She has led projects in Kenya, India, Indonesia, Belize, and the Philippines, collaborating with local NGOs and fishing communities to enhance livelihoods and protect marine ecosystems. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that true conservation success comes from empowering local communities. This scholarship will enable her to continue her mission, focusing on the impact of international protections on sea cucumber fisheries in East Africa. She is committed to using her knowledge to create lasting positive change, aligned with Rotary's values of service, integrity, and advancing global understanding. Scholar Applicants Will Answer the Following Questions: List the two educational institutions you have most recently attended In 2022, I graduated with a Master’s of Marine Science from the MARRES MSc program at the Université Côte D’Azur in Nice, France. Within this interdisciplinary program, my studies were focused on social-ecological fisheries management. Previously, I graduated from California State University Monterey Bay with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Ecology in 2020. Provide the following information about the academic program you plan to attend: Matriculating educational institution (including city and country): The National Marine Science Centre at Southern Cross University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Coffs Harbour, Australia. Language of instruction: English Website: https://www.scu.edu.au/national-marine-science-centre/ Academic program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Academic program start date: February 15th 2025 Academic program end date: May 15th 2028 List the classes you plan to take and provide any relevant links to information about the program. My PhD program at Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre is purely a research-based degree, and therefore I will not be taking any formal classes. The focus of my studies will be on conducting original research under the supervision of Dr. Steven Purcell, the world’s leading expert in social sea cucumber research. I am particularly eager to study at Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre because it offers the invaluable opportunity to work with Dr. Steven Purcell, whose pioneering work and commitment to integrating community perspectives into marine resource management closely align with my own values and aspirations. Having admired his work for years, this PhD program represents the culmination of my professional and academic goals, providing a prestigious platform to conduct impactful research. Studying at Southern Cross University will not only enhance my knowledge and skills but also allow me to contribute meaningfully under a mentor whose vision I deeply share. Program Links: Doctor of Philosophy at Southern Cross University: https://www.scu.edu.au/graduate-school/higher-degrees-research/doctor-of-philosophy/ National Marine Science Centre: https://www.scu.edu.au/national-marine-science-centre/ How does your educational, professional, or volunteer experience align with Rotary's goals in the selected area of focus? My previous and current educational, professional, and volunteer experiences align closely with Rotary's goals in the area of Community Economic Development, particularly as they intersect with environmental sustainability. I hold a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Marine Ecology, during which I focused on understanding the complex relationships between marine ecosystems and human communities. My master’s thesis, which was awarded the top thesis in my cohort, investigated the “Social Drivers of Compliance in Belize’s Marine Reserves”. This academic background has equipped me with a deep understanding of both the ecological and human dimensions of marine resource management, aligning with Rotary’s goal of creating sustainable and adaptable livelihoods that maintain social well-being. As the founder and director of Sea Collective, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, I have dedicated my career to advocating for the rights of marginalized fishing communities around the world. In my previous role as the Science and Communities Director for Blue Finance, I developed and managed three marine protected areas in the Philippines and Belize. These projects involved integrating the perspectives of local fisherfolk into conservation strategies, ensuring that the benefits of marine protection were equitably distributed. Additionally, I am currently the Sustainable Fisheries Lead for PanaSea, a sea cucumber aquaculture business that seeks to provide alternative livelihoods for fishers in Panama by farming sea cucumbers. By promoting community-led initiatives and sustainable fishing practices, my work has directly contributed to the economic resilience and empowerment of these communities, aligning with Rotary’s objectives of developing opportunities for productive work and improving access to sustainable livelihoods. What are your plans immediately after the scholarship period? After completing my PhD, I will identify the areas in which I can have the greatest impact in protecting the rights of fishing communities. I plan to look for or create the highest leverage situation in which I can integrate marine conservation with socioeconomic development. This could be through fortifying the work I can do with my nonprofit, working for international agencies, or developing socially equitable management strategies while continuing my academic research. Some examples of specific future employment opportunities that I would find meaningful and aligned with my life mission are: Act as an advisor, either independently or with an organization, to develop or restructure marine protected areas to prioritize providing benefits to communities. Work with sustainable sea cucumber or octopus “sea ranching” aquaculture farms in developing coastal areas to provide meaningful, culturally affirming jobs for women. Conduct research on the relationship between ecosystem health, adaptive capacity, and resource dependency in the context of climate change. Strengthen community-based fisheries management by providing training to fishers on how to conduct their own population assessments and monitor fish stocks. Leverage traditional ecological knowledge to help communities develop sustainable solutions to overfishing. Other aspects of my career goals include collaborating with and uplifting other young marine and social scientists from the developing countries in which I plan to work. I hope to have the opportunity to reallocate some of my “luck” as a person from a developing country and bring others along with me as we protect people and the planet. Achieving a PhD would not only be a joyous experience for me since I am passionate about conducting influential, change-inducing research, but it would also allow me to have the qualifications, connections, and authority to become a leading marine social ecologist. With this advanced degree, I aim to create lasting positive changes for small-scale fishing communities, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected. This scholarship will enable me to leverage my expertise and drive systemic change, ultimately enhancing the resilience and sustainability of marginalized fishing communities around the world. How do your long-term professional goals align with Rotary's goals in the selected area of focus? My long-term professional goals align closely with Rotary’s focus on Community Economic Development. I aim to leverage my research and experience in natural resource management to strengthen adaptive capacity and develop culturally affirming, sustainable livelihood opportunities in fishing communities. By integrating marine conservation with socioeconomic development, I seek to create sustainable, resilient communities that can thrive in harmony with their natural environment. A significant part of my work will focus on alleviating poverty by improving the health of ecosystems on which people depend. Healthy marine ecosystems are the foundation for productive fisheries, which in turn support local economies. Through my research, I will develop and advocate for sustainable fisheries management practices that ensure long-term ecological balance while providing stable, productive work for fishing communities. Empowering women in fisheries is another crucial aspect of my long-term goals. Women play a significant role in many small-scale fishing communities, yet they often face systemic barriers that limit their economic opportunities and social standing. By highlighting their contributions through research and advocating for gender-inclusive management strategies, I aim to support women’s economic empowerment and foster more equitable community development. My work will provide actionable insights and practical solutions that can be implemented at the community level to ensure women have equal access to resources and opportunities. Building local capacity is also a key component of my goals. I plan to work closely with local leaders, organizations, and networks to enhance their ability to manage marine resources sustainably. This includes providing training and resources to local communities to empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to take charge of their own development. By fostering strong local leadership and community-led initiatives, I hope to create a lasting impact that endures beyond the duration of my direct involvement. I am committed to integrating environmental and socioeconomic goals in all my projects. By ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both ecosystems and the people who depend on them, I aim to create a model of sustainable development that can be replicated in other communities. This aligns with Rotary’s objective of empowering communities to develop environmental and natural resource conservation skills for economic gain. Ultimately, my long-term professional goals are centered on creating positive, lasting change in marginalized fishing communities. By addressing both ecological and economic challenges, I aim to build resilient communities that can adapt to environmental changes and thrive economically. This holistic approach to community development aligns with Rotary’s mission of alleviating poverty and supporting sustainable livelihoods. My career aspirations are deeply connected with Rotary’s goals for Community Economic Development. I am dedicated to using my expertise to foster sustainable, equitable growth in fishing communities, ensuring that the benefits of conservation and development are shared by all. Through collaboration, empowerment, and innovative solutions, I believe we can create a brighter future for these communities and the environments they depend on. Budget Will you purchase budget items from local vendors? Explain the process you used to select vendors. No. Rotary’s terms and conditions for global grant scholarships specify that the budget should focus on covering tuition fees and living expenses rather than purchasing equipment or materials from vendors. Did you use competitive bidding to select vendors? If no, please explain. - Please provide an operating and maintenance plan for the equipment or materials you purchased for this project. This plan should include who will operate and maintain the equipment and how they will be trained. - Describe how community members will maintain the equipment after grant-funded activities conclude. Will replacement parts be available? - If the grant will be used to purchase any equipment, will the equipment be culturally appropriate and conform to the community's technology standards? If yes, please explain. If no, describe how the project team will help community members adopt the technology. - After the project is completed, who will own the items purchased by grant funds? No items may be owned by a Rotary district, club, or member. - Funding Have you found a local funding source to sustain project outcomes for the long term? If yes, please describe this funding source. Yes. I am in the process of securing research funding through a combination of sources such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and a Fulbright research award. These funds will support the ongoing research and ensure that the outcomes of my PhD can be applied to coastal communities in East Africa for long-term impact. Will any part of the project generate income for ongoing project funding? If yes, please explain. No. The project is focused on research and capacity building for marginalized fishing communities. While it aims to promote sustainable livelihoods through improved fisheries management and conservation strategies, the project itself will not directly generate income for further funding. Is your economic and community development activity a microcredit project? If yes, upload your microcredit supplement file. No. This project does not involve microcredit. It focuses on the sustainable management of natural resources and the economic resilience of fishing communities through conservation and aquaculture initiatives. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||