Air Shepherd at Collaborative and Classy Awards
Lindbergh Foundation Chairman John Petersen to Speak at Sixth Annual Collaborative and Classy Awards in Boston — Highlighting Air Shepherd Anti-Poaching Program
In partnership with United Nations Foundation—event showcases innovative solutions to today’s global problems
Boston, MA—June 14-16—The Lindbergh Foundation’s Air Shepherd program, developed to protect elephants and rhinos from poaching using drones, today announced that chairman John Petersen will speak at the sixth annual Collaborative and Classy Awards happening June 14-16 at “The Warehouse” at CruisePort Boston. Petersen’s talk will take place on June 14th at 10:30 am.
The Collaborative and Classy Awards convene an array of thought leaders and experts in the social sector—including top NGOs, international agencies, institutional investors, social entrepreneurs, philanthropists and academics. In partnership with the United Nations, the event is a biennial, three-day experience that showcases the most innovative solutions to today’s global problems. The event also culminates with the Classy Awards ceremony which recognizes excellence in social innovation.
Programs featured at the Collaborative and recognized by the Classy Awards address a wide variety of pressing global issues such as resilient cities, early health detection, agriculture technologies and criminal justice reform. Classy Awards winners are selected through a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process by the Leadership Council, a diverse 100-person panel comprised of executives and subject matter experts from organizations such as the World Bank, UNICEF, International Medical Corps, Teach for America, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Human Rights Campaign, Virgin Group, World Wildlife Fund, Goodwill Industries, National Geographic, CARE USA, Oxfam America, ASPCA and more.
“I am honored to speak at an event that provides solutions to the most urgent problems the world currently faces,” said John Petersen, chairman of the Lindbergh Foundation.
Using specially-equipped drones with thermal cameras to spot poachers before they have the opportunity to kill elephants or rhinos, Air Shepherd’s mobile command centers move to threat areas and operate at night when poachers are active. Each team, consisting of a sensor operator and pilot, controls electric drones flying at distances of up to 50 km for missions that last up to five hours.
For more information on the Collaborative and Classy Boston event and for a schedule of talks, please visit www.classy.org/collaborative. To find out how to fund Air Shepherd teams, visit www.airshepherd.org.
About Lindbergh Foundation’s Air Shepherd Program
Developed by the Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation, the Air Shepherd program is using drones and data analytic capabilities to protect rhinos and elephants in Africa. Using sophisticated three-aircraft operating teams that work with rangers on the ground, drones are flown over high probable poaching areas, allowing rangers to intercept suspects before a poaching incident can take place. A 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation, the Lindbergh Foundation has dedicated more than 35 years to sustaining the Lindbergh legacy—using technology to help balance the effects of human development on the environment. For more information and to donate, please visit www.lindberghfoundation.org or www.AirShepherd.org.
About Classy
Classy is a technology company that helps organizations mobilize their community to solve social problems more effectively and efficiently. Since launching in 2011, Classy has helped more than 1,800 social enterprises including Oxfam, The World Food Programme and National Geographic to raise hundreds of millions of dollars. Classy also hosts the Collaborative and Classy Awards to recognize excellence in social innovation. Based in San Diego, CA, Classy employs a staff of 130 people and is backed by investors including Mithril and Salesforce Ventures. For more information, visit www.classy.org.
Contact:
Dianna Bari
db Media
P: 310.424-9784
E: pr@airshepherd.org