Help Raise the Next Generation of Advocates for the Planet
Our seas, and the wildlife that thrives in them, need all the help we can give. Every person can make a valuable contribution. This is why we at the Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE) provide training for the next generation of advocates who can ably report on the state of our seas, the precious habitat of our magnificent wild marine creatures.
Training in creative work with measurable impact
In the field with the Silliman Marine Lab scientists in the Peace Corps | Photo by Dr. Hilconida Calumpong
In memory of Tommy Schultz
Tommy Schultz was a photographer who dedicated his life to telling stories through photography and videography. He made a career of exploring different places in pursuit of the natural beauties the world has to offer. His journey began when, as a Peace Corps volunteer, he was stationed at Silliman University Marine Lab in the Philippines. It was an experience that, paired with his passion for people and the environment, inspired a life-long adventure and taught him life lessons he never stopped pursuing. He always strived to learn. Over the course of his career, Tommy collaborated with National Geographic, Patagonia, The North Face, WWF, LAMAVE and many more.
Explore, dream, and discover — Tommy lived his life by these words. His stories, journeys, photographs and countless adventures are his legacy. Hopefully, his life will serve as an inspiration for others to join the great adventure.
This initiative is brought to you with thanks to our Official Media Partner GRID Magazine - an indie magazine based in the Philippines, made by travelers for travelers. GRID tells stories from around the country, rooted in the experience of people and place and highlighting the diversity of Filipino culture.
Training early-career creatives in creative work with measurable impact
The Tommy Schultz Impact Media Fellowship (TSIMF) is a unique program that targets early-career creatives in the Philippines with a focus on impact media – creative work with measurable impacts.
The fellowship is in memory of adventure photographer Tommy Schultz. The fellowship fund initiated by his family and helped shaped by close friend Tara Sering is part of Tommy’s legacy and will continue to grow through the annual photo contest held in his name.
Maintaining a focus on Conservation Action
The fellowship is distinct as it will complement conservation efforts by LAMAVE and partners through applying effective communication and storytelling to conservation challenges on the ground. The fellow may join an existing impact media project with LAMAVE or, where relevant, design their own to fill a communication gap or reach a specific audience.
LAMAVE's mission is to protect marine megafauna by investing in local people, building ocean leaders, and providing science-based tools to support the sustainable management of marine resources, for the benefit of the Filipino people. A key component to achieve this is the engagement of stakeholders and the general public. Previous impact media work by LAMAVE and partners includes briefing and interpretation videos for the management of protected areas, campaigns on sustainable marine wildlife tourism, and most recently a documentary based on behaviour change models to promote the protection of sharks and rays in Palawan.
Help Us Grow
Why we need your support
While the Fellowship was initiated by seed funding from the Schultz Family, the long-term success of the fellowship relies on continued donations via the annual photography contest and from passionate, dedicated individuals and sponsors. Make a difference today.
How you can support the Tommy Schultz Impact Media Fellowship.
Donate to the Fellowship Fund
Sponsor a kit for Fellows (we are particularly interested in Photography, Film and underwater gear).
Become a sponsor of the annual Tommy Schultz Travel & Adventure Photography Prize
Become a Fellowship Mentor
To become a sponsor, donate in kind or mentor contact Sally Snow s.snow(@)lamave.org or fill out the form below.
Scalability
With the right support, we see multiple opportunities for growth in this initiative including:
Increased number of fellows as more funding is acquired through donations and the photo contest
Sponsorship to provide kit for fellows – either as an in-house kit used annually or to provide each fellow with their own kit
Network and Partnerships able to elevate the publication of the fellow's work as well as contribute to their professional development
