Call for applications: Internship at World Wildlife Fund- US Headquarters in Washington DC
Protected Area Downgrading, Downsizing and Degazettement – Africa Internship
Conservation policy assumes that protected areas are 'forever', but reality suggests otherwise. World 
Wildlife Fund – US (WWF-US) is systematically investigating patterns, trends, and causes of protected 
area degazettement, downgrading, and downsizing (PADDD), and their implications for the 
sustainability of conservation efforts. WWF-US is seeking a currently enrolled graduate student to 
conduct an internship to investigate PADDD in Africa. The successful candidate will identify and explore 
PADDD in Africa by drawing upon existing datasets (e.g., UNEP-WCMC); popular, gray, and peer-
reviewed literatures, and personal communication. Outputs may include map and graphs of PADDD 
patterns and trends, as well as statistical analyses identifying predictors of PADDD. Results will be 
published in the peer reviewed scientific literature and shared widely across the conservation 
community. These outputs will inform conservation policy and practice by providing a scientific 
assessment of PADDD; allow conservation decision-makers to identify potentially "at risk" protected 
areas; and potentially inform REDD negotiations regarding the appropriateness of REDD funding to 
support forest protected areas.
Requirements: Current enrollment in a graduate degree program in the social sciences, natural 
resources management/conservation, or related; strong research skills; proficiency in French, Arabic 
and/or Portuguese; and familiarity with GIS and statistical software. Preference will be given to 
applicants for whom this research could serve as the foundation for a master’s thesis or doctoral 
dissertation This position requires eligibility to work or study in the United States. 
Duration: This is an unpaid full-time position, up to six months, based at WWF-US headquarters in 
Washington DC.
Deadline for Applications: November 15, 2009

Contact: Please contact Sharon Pailler at Sharon.pailler@wwfus.org for more information.