The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) is an international professional organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of conserving the Earth's biological diversity. The Society's membership comprises a wide range of people interested in the conservation and study of biological diversity: resource managers, educators, government and private conservation workers, and students. The Rufford Small Grants Foundation is pleased to be a silver sponsor of the 2009 SCB Annual Meeting.

Since 1999 when the very first Rufford Small Grant was awarded, over 1,000 projects have now been awarded around the world. With a focus on supporting grass-roots projects run by individuals in developing countries, the scheme has provided funding to a wide range of projects.

We are pleased to announce that the 1000th RSG has been awarded to Khaled Sawalha for his project in Palestine 'Ecotourism and conservation of biodiversity in Bani Naim'. Khalid says 'I express my gratitude to the Rufford Small Grants Foundation for its support of the first Palestinian project on conservation of local and national flora'.

With immediate effect we are suspending the Innovation Grants (those which have already been awarded will continue to be funded). In their place we are giving the chance for people who have successfully completed a ‘booster’ grant to apply for a Continuation Grant up to £25,000 and a Completion Grant for up to £25,000.