Since it's beginning, SCGIS has worked hard to bridge the technology gap between large and small nations. Although our origins were in the USA, our goal was that technology and support should go to where the biodiversity was in the developing world. When we started in the early 1990's GIS was mainly a tool of developed nations and there were very few international folks ready and able to sdopt GIS technolgies. In the early years about ten percent of our members and programs were in developing countries. In the early years about 10% of our members and programs were in tropical developing countries. Since then it has been the goal of the SCGIS 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 about 12 countries have accounted for over 90% of our projects and funding over the past 4 years, thanks mainly to a large Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation grant to support the growth of our international program from 2005-2008.

In past years, this program has been made possible by generous foundation support from 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 and Wildlife Conservation Society and the thousands of members of the SCGIS itself.

Esri has provided core funding and logistical support. Other business sponsors have included Garmin and Office Depot

Sponsors for our 2010 program include Jack Dangermond, The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, Wildlife Conservation Society.

Of course, the program would not exist at all if not for the countless hours of volunteer time from SCGIS members.

SCGIS SCHOLARS AT WORK AROUND THE WORLD: