June 2004 Archives

Held on 30 June - 1 July 2004, at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Jersey

Scientists from throughout the world came to Jersey to talk about the impact of visiting scientists on Galapagos and the impact that Galapagos has had on them. We learnt a great deal about current research going on and about how past research had made an important contribution to conservation policies in Galapagos.

The symposium also honoured Professor Eibl-Eibesfeldt. Fifty years ago he visited Galapagos and was inspired, much as Darwin had been inspired on his visit, to help create the Charles Darwin Foundation - which runs the Charles Darwin Research Station - with leading scientists of the day. His contribution to conservation in Galapagos cannot be overstated nor can his influence on many of the scientists who were at the symposium.

Scientists from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust spoke about their work and it was interesting to compare the problems of conservation science in other parts of the world with those in Galapagos. Lee Durrell of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust also spoke movingly about the trip she and her late husband, Gerald Durrell, had made to Galapagos.

GCT is grateful to Dr Mark Stanley Price and his team at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust for their help and support in organising the symposium.

Sylvia Harcourt of the Charles Darwin Foundation presents a special award to Professor Eibl-Eibesfeldt.

Alan Tye, Head of Botany at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Galapagos.

Sylvia Harcourt, Board member of the Charles Darwin Foundation.

Peter Kramer, President of the Charles Darwin Foundation.

Held on 17 June 2004, at the Chelsea Physic Gardens in London Pictures Courtesy of The Curator: Chelsea Physic Garden

Stars turned out in force to support the Galapagos Conservation Trust at their Gala Dinner held at Chelsea Physic Garden on Thursday 17th June, 2004. Celebrities and guests attending the event included Countess Raine Spencer; The Marquis of Bath; Ivana Trump; Dame Shirley Bassey, Lady Isabelle Hervey and Professor David Bellamy. Over 280 people attended the black tie event and were treated to ground breaking performances including two fashion shows from world famous designers Eric Way and Bernard Chandron with dresses inspired by Galapagos, as well as performances by Phixx, Keedie & Hayley Evetts.

Other celebrities attending the event included Ross Burden; Celia Imrie; Diana Moran; Grayson Perry; Toyah Wilcox; Ben Goldsmith; Oliver Tobias; Rolf Harris; Joanna Taylor; Phixx; Hayley Evetts; Keedie; Heather Bird; Robert Tchenguez; Sol Kersner; Jimmy Choo; Eric Way; Bernard Chandran; Tony Blackburn and Catalina Guirado.

Guests at the Leicester Botanical Gardens

Alan Tye of the Charles Darwin Research Station in Galapagos, and Jill Sutcliffe of English Nature, both gave talks at the beautiful Leicester Botanical Gardens on 9 July 2004. Before the talks, those attending were lucky enough to have a private tour of the gardens.

Alan spoke about the plight of the plants of Galapagos. GCT is trying to raise funds in 2004 and 2005 to help save the 23 critically endangered plants of Galapagos - there is little funding available for this work and we must do something now.

Fittingly, Jill Sutcliffe spoke about the beautiful plants found in the English countryside and the dangers they face. It was a fascinating talk and we are grateful to Alan Tye, Jill Sutcliffe and Leicester Botanical Gardens for their help in this event.