WIN A PLACE ON A BIG CAT EXPEDITION TO NAMIBIA courtesy of   Start This is your chance to join a unique big cat conservation expedition to Namibia with Biosphere Expeditions. Courtesy of Land Rover, Swarovski Optik and Namibia Tourism, Biosphere Expeditions is offering two free places on its Namibia big cat expedition. And there’s more: next to the main prize of joining the expedition there are Swarovski binoculars and Land Rover off-road driving courses to be won. All you have to do is be prepared to muck in on a hands-on conservation project and tell us who you are, why we should take you on and what you think you can contribute to the expedition. About us Biosphere Expeditions is an award-winning, non-profit-making organisation offering hands-on conservation expeditions as a volunteering adventure with a purpose for everyone. We bridge the gap between scientists at the forefront of conservation in need of funds and helpers, and enthusiastic laypeople, who in their holiday time, through their hands-on assistance and with their expedition contribution want to support them. The Namibia expedition is only one example out of many, such as wolves & lynx in Slovakia, whales & dolphins on the Azores, snow leopards in the Altai, turtles in Western Australia or coral reefs of the Maldives, Oman & Honduras [more]. Prizes First and second prize: participate in a big cat conservation expedition to Namibia The expedition will take you to the beautiful Khomas Hochland (highlands) in central Namibia to conduct a survey of African cats (mainly leopard, but also caracal, cheetah, etc.) and their interrelationship with humans and prey animals (such as giraffe, eland, kudu, zebras, etc.). As part of a small team you will learn some bush skills and then follow collared cats on foot and in the expedition Land Rovers to record information about the animal’s behaviour. You will also conduct game counts and participate in community education and capacity-building work, which may vary from accompanying groups of school children out on game drives/hikes in the bush associated with conservation talks, to collecting demographic data. You may also assist with cat capturing and collaring. All this in an effort to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and create a sustainable future for all, and with the ultimate aim of creating a protected area in the Khomas Hochland. Our base is a rustic, but comfortable bush camp style research base with safari tents with beds, linen, mosquito netting and basic furniture. There are hot showers, toilets, a communal lounge, rest areas with hammocks and a kitchen.  > More information about the expedition, pictures, videos, etc. Third prize: Swarovski Optik EL 32 TRAVELER binoculars -  for memorable moments It is the detail, which makes the moment unique and turns an expedition into an unforgettable experience. This is when perfect and light-weight binoculars are essential: absolutely sharp, precise and in diamond-bright, lifelike colors they provide glimpses which would otherwise remain hidden for ever.   More information www.swarovskioptik.com. Fourth prize: Land Rover off-road driver training Experience the thrill and excitement of driving off-road beside the world's best Land Rover instructors at a Land Rover Experience Centre near you. More information. How to apply You have two options of putting in an application. Either send us an essay (max. 100 words) or a video clip (max. 1 minute), which you can easily create yourself (for example using the movie setting of your digital camera) and upload to a video sharing site (for example YouTube). If you are not familiar with how to use YouTube, then have a look at this short guide. Whichever option you go for, we would like to know from you who you are, why we should take you on and what you think you can contribute to the expedition. Note that Biosphere Expeditions organises serious research & conservation expeditions, not luxury or sports or party holidays. With this in mind our competitions are no "Pop Idol"-style castings events where you need to sing, dress up or otherwise make a fool out of yourself. We would like to get to know you as much as is possible within the above remit, so just be yourself! Entry is open to anyone 18 years or over except employees of Biosphere Expeditions their immediate families. There is no cash alternative in whole or part and prizes are not transferable. The judges' decision is final. By participating in the competition, you accept these terms & conditions. The application deadline is 1 November 2012. Partners Our corporate partners are crucial in reducing our running and expedition costs (for example by providing Land Rover vehicles and Swarovski binoculars & night sights) so that we can spend the lion's share of two-thirds or more of your expedition contribution directly on the project in hand.      Biosphere Expeditions became one of Land Rover's six Global Conservation & Humanitarian Partners in 2002. Since then Land Rover has been supporting Biosphere Expeditions in countries such as Oman, Altai, Slovakia, Namibia, Brazil, Australia, Germany & the UK where Biosphere Expeditions are engaged in the scientific study and conservation of species as diverse as Arabian leopards, snow leopards, jaguars, pumas, cheetahs, wolves, bears and turtles. > more   Swarovski Optik, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Austrian Swarovski Group. Founded in 1949, Swarovski Optik today specializes in the manufacture of precision sports optics and is a world leader in the premium segment of this market. Thanks to a proven track record for unparalleled quality, Swarovski binoculars, telescopes, rifle scopes, range finders, image intensifier and optronic devices are the preferred choice of many professional users and discerning nature watchers around the globe. In 2009 Biosphere Expeditions was delighted to become one of a select few partners in Swarovski Optik's travel & nature sponsorship programme. > more   At approximately 824,000 square kilometers, Namibia is immense even by African standards. But it’s what occupies this seemingly endless amount space that makes it special. Namibia is filled with rugged, beautiful landscapes of every kind creating an otherworldly environment from which an amazing wealth of wildlife has adapted and thrived. It’s perfect for nature lovers. For adventure or solace seekers. And for people looking to be inspired long after their departure. Apply now