15th Anniversary Appeal

The Galapagos Islands are at a tipping point: "Even though Galapagos is recognised as one of the best preserved archipelagos in the world, due to the consequences of human intervention, many species are now threatened with extinction. With prompt and holistic action however, Galapagos can provide a model of sustainability for the world." Sir David Attenborough

GCT's 15th Anniversary Appeal

As chairman of Galapagos Conservation Trust I am asking you to support GCT's 15th Anniversary Appeal. To find out why this is important, please read on. To make a donation towards the appeal, please click here.

This year GCT is celebrating 15 years of raising funds and awareness for Galapagos. Back in 1995, Galapagos was a very different place. Over 100,000 goats still roamed the Archipelago, decimating the landscape. Regulation was minimal and a boom and bust economy prevailed. Giant tortoises had all but disappeared from seven of the main islands. Since then, helped by over £2 million support from GCT, many of these issues have now been overcome.

What hasn't changed in the past 15 years is the incredible natural beauty of the Islands. The unique creatures who ignore passers by; the spectacular landscapes and the rich biodiversity of the Marine Reserve.

What has changed dramatically is the impact humans have had. The Islands are no longer isolated - 1,200 flights now bring over 170,000 people to the Islands each year. With every flight and boat comes the risk of invasive insects, seeds and disease. The population and economy have both expanded rapidly, with unregulated development, growing demands for resources and challenges such as waste management. It was the severity of these threats that led UNESCO to add Galapagos to the list of World Heritage In Danger in 2007, where it remains today.

It is not just human activity within Galapagos that is having more of an impact - globally, climate change is now widely thought to pose the greatest threat to the natural environment.

At GCT we recognise that there is no quick fix. Saving Galapagos requires a holistic approach, simultaneously tackling the current challenges and threats whilst seeking to put longer term solutions in place.

We have identified three priority areas that, we believe, not only contain the biggest threats but also, between them, hold the key to saving this natural treasure for future generations to enjoy. That is why we are making these our focus for 2010, with 15 Steps to Help Save Galapagos. That is also why we have launched our 15th Anniversary Appeal to raise £150,000 over the coming year to help tackle them.

Please join us to get Galapagos on the right path towards a sustainable future by making a gift towards this Appeal.

15 STEPS TO HELP SAVE GALAPAGOS

Island Restoration

Conservation methods evolve just like the wildlife. In order to succeed, projects need to link everything from species management to habitat restoration and tackling the human issues. Project Floreana is the first time this approach has been taken on an inhabited island and could, we hope, provide a blueprint for the future.

• Ecosystem restoration, Project Floreana
• Tackling invasive species
• Species specific projects
• Supporting cutting edge research
• Promoting Galapagos as a model for the world

Climate Change

As an island archipelago located where several currents meet, Galapagos is at particular risk from the impacts of climate change. Endemic species such as the Galapagos penguin could become extinct. Yet 50 years of research in the Islands could also provide vital insights into the nature of these changes and ways to manage and reduce their impact not just in Galapagos but for the world.

• Monitoring indicator species 
• Marine management
• Waste and resource management issues
• Building a first class data bank & knowledge resource
• Minimising GCT's own environmental impact

Social Issues

People are an established species within Galapagos and hold the key to its future. We need to ensure that the systems are in place to guarantee a sustainable future for the Islands and to find ways for people and nature to live and work in harmony.

• Regulating development 
• Engaging the Local Community
• Sustainable employment
• Responsible tourism
• Education in the UK about Galapagos

Please support conservation in Galapagos by making a gift towards our 15th Anniversary Appeal. Together we can make a difference and take the 15 Steps to conserve Galapagos.

Richard Robinson, Chairman

Galapagos Conservation Trust

To make a donation towards the appeal, please click here.

To read about GCT's achievements in 2009, please click here

To find out more about some of the projects that GCT has or is supporting, please click here.