Subject: Galapagos Conservation Trust e-News

From: "Galapagos Conservation Trust" <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 05 Mar 2007 11:06:52 +1300

Welcome to the Galapagos Conservation Trust e-News Home  | Membership  | Newsroom  | Conservation projects  | About Us  | Contact Us  Welcome to the Galapagos Conservation Trust's e-newsletter... 5 March, 2007 

Dear Mr Stephens, 

In this edition: 

Goodbye to Leonor 
Adopt a flower or tortoise for Mother's Day 
The first step is taken to restore the ecology of Floreana 
CDF studies reveal unwelcome visitors travelling with tourist boats 
Concern for corals unites GMR stakeholders 
Galapagos Day 
Goodbye to Leonor 

Leonor Stjepic, Executive Director of GCT since 2001, is leaving to take up a new position heading the UK branch of an international children's charity. Her hard work and dedication has been evident in the results she has achieved over the past 6 years, raising GCT's profile and significantly increasing the funds raised for conservation projects in Galapagos. The staff and trustees of GCT are very appreciative of her contribution, and we would like to wish her all the best for the future. For any enquiries, please contact Interim Director John Harris in the GCT office on 020 7629 5049. 

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Adopt a flower or tortoise for Mother's Day 

Mothering Sunday was first celebrated in Britain in the 17th Century. It began as a day when apprentices and servants could return home for the day to visit their mothers and they often took a gift with them. Nowadays we celebrate Mother's Day as a day to remember and thank our own mothers for all they have done for us. 

This year why not show your mum how special she is by buying a gift that helps protect one of the most special places in the world - the Galapagos Islands. By adopting a Galapagos flower or Galapagos giant tortoise you will be contributing to the conservation of a place known for its unique and extraordinary ecosystems. 95% of the islands' animals and plants are found nowhere else on earth. 

To adopt a flower or a giant tortoise, please visit our website at www.gct.org. 

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The first step is taken to restore the ecology of Floreana 

Floreana, with 173 square kilometres of area, is the smallest island and the one with the smallest population but also one of the most altered given it was the first island to be colonised and to have a permanent population. These first human settlers brought with them domestic animals which, due to a fluctuating human population, soon reproduced and invaded virtually all the island, degrading its ecosystems as these invasive species competed with the native and endemic species for food, killed their young and eggs, eroded the soil and reduced vegetation cover. These invasive species are responsible for the extinction of one species (Sicyos villosa). 
Visit www.gct.org/feb07_1.html for the full article. 

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CDF studies reveal unwelcome visitors travelling with tourist boats 

Sixteen Galapagos based tourist boats recently participated in a Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) led study to find out how ship lights might contribute to the dispersal of insects in the archipelago. The study by Lazaro Roque and other CDF entomologists found solutions that will reduce the spread of introduced species to and between the Galapagos Islands. Although a trip to Galapagos allows visitors the privilege of experiencing nature at its most remarkable, tourism is not without costs to the environment. 
Visit www.gct.org/feb07_2.html for the full article. 

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Concern for corals unites GMR stakeholders 

The "Corals of Galapagos" project team ran a workshop on "How to protect the remaining coral reefs in the northern Islands of Darwin, Wolf and Marchena", on Santa Cruz in January 2007. Marine experts, including scientists from the Charles Darwin Research Station, representatives of Conservation International and the Galapagos National Park joined stakeholder groups, including Galapagos dive guides and fishers, to discuss the importance of the coral reefs of the marine reserve and a plan to create anchorages to reduce the impacts of fishing and tourism on these fragile reefs. 
Visit www.gct.org/feb07_3.html for the full article. 

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Galapagos Day 

GCT invites you to their annual Galapagos Day event at the familiar venue of the Royal Geographical Society in London, on the 26th September, 2007. There will be a wine reception before the lecture with the chance to meet hosts and Galapagos experts, and the opportunity to purchase merchandise including the 2007 Christmas card, brooches and ties. Watch this space for the announcement of this year's speaker, to be confirmed shortly. 

Tickets are available now by booking through the GCT office - book early to avoid disappointment! Ticket invitations will be mailed to supporters during July. To purchase raffle tickets online now, visit https://secure.gct.org/gdaypay.html. For further information, contact Abi in the GCT office by phoning 020 7629 5049 or emailing [email-masked]. 

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