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Innovation

Google gives $23 million to environmental, human rights groups

The seven organizations recognized under the Global Impact Awards program are addressing issues ranging from water scarcity to wildlife protection.
Written by Heather Clancy, Contributor

Google is doling out $23 million in grants to support organizations that are develping technology to tackle a broad range of challenges that faces the planet, including water scarcity and advancing anti-poaching efforts.

Seven non-profit organizations were recognized earlier this month as part of the technology giant's new Global Impact Awards program.

Among the three organizations receiving access to funding that will help them expand their ideas for environmental or conservation projects:

charity:water - $5 million to install monitoring technology at 4,000 water points across Africa by 2015, which will ensure better access to clean water for more than 1 million people.

Consortium for the Barcode of Life - $3 million will go toward a project to develop DNA barcoding intended to help thwart the illegal trade of more than 2,000 endangered species. The intention is to help create a public library of DNA barcode tests that can be used by law enforcement officials.

World Wildlife Fund - $5 million will fund a complementary project aimed at addressing the $7 billion to $10 billion in illegal wildlife trade annually. WWF is developing sensors and intelligent wildlife tags that will provide more information about the location and status of specific animals.

“With this grant, we can create an umbrella of technology to protect wildlife from global crime syndicates,” said Carter Roberts, President and CEO of WWF, in a statement about the award. “It’s all about new surveillance tools and patrol systems to stem what has become an explosion in poaching. Otherwise, we could see the end of species like rhinos and elephants in the wild.”

For more information about all seven organizations that Google is supporting, watch the video below:  

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