News

Join GCT's small team!

2010-07-26T12:42:22Z

After 3 1/2 years our Membership Officer is leaving to go travelling and volunteer with a conservation charity overseas. Do you have the skills to keep growing our membership and keep our members happy?

Job Description

Place of work:            GCT Offices, central London
Hours of work:            35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Reports to:                Chief Executive
Line Manages:           No direct reports; some volunteer management
Closing date:              9 August at 10am.
Interviews:                 Will take place on 18 August.
Salary:                      £18,000 to £21,000

Scope and general purpose of the job:

To manage GCT's membership programme in an efficient, professional and proactive manner, in order to maximise the return for the Galapagos Conservation Trust.

MEMBERSHIP

•    Manage the recruitment and retention of individual, joint, life and junior members for the Trust.

•    Administer the membership database and ensure data and reports are accurate, kept up to date and used to best advantage

•    Record and issue the relevant documentation for new and existing members in a timely and accurate manner, including:

o    Potential visitors who have been to Galapagos
o    New members
o    Renewals
o    Payroll giving members
o    Park donors
o    Individual, School and Group Tortoise Club members

•    Produce regular statistical membership reports and, in discussion with the CEO, analyse trends and opportunities

•    Work closely with the office based volunteers, and especially the Membership volunteer, managing them as necessary

•    Explore ways to increase GCT's membership base beyond visitors to Galapagos

•    Deal with membership and general enquiries in a timely and professional manner

•    Manage and administer quarterly Gift Aid applications

•    Seek out new ways to increase the return for GCT from both its membership scheme and members

•    Manage and administer Tribute Funds

FINANCIAL

•    Process GCT's Direct Debit and other payments accurately and within the permitted timeframe

•    Produce GCT's monthly income reports

•    Assist as required with GCT's wider fundraising, projects and events

PUBLICATIONS & INFORMATION

•    Project manage the production of the biannual Tortoise Club newsletter to agreed deadlines and budget

•    Ensure that the Membership and Kids sections of GCT's website are accurate and up to date

•    Support GCT's work to increase awareness in the UK of the issues facing Galapagos

GENERAL

•    Be aware of individual responsibility for health and safety of self and others in the workplace and to adhere to GCT's health and safety policies and procedures

•    Portray the charity in a positive light at all times

•    Undertake any other duties which may be required from time to time

•    Be willing to work outside normal working hours - including attending or helping at evening or weekend events and overseas travel - if required

Person Specification.

ESSENTIAL

•    Excellent IT skills. This includes ability to use all Microsoft Office Programmes to a high level of proficiency - in particular Word, Excel and Outlook
•    Self motivated, with ability to work both quickly and accurately and prioritise work whilst ensuring that information is processed in both a meaningful and timely fashion.
•    Proven knowledge and experience of working with databases and excellent data entry skills
•    Accuracy and excellent attention to detail
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with competence and fluency in English
•    Experience of working in a busy and varied office environment
•    A proactive approach, able to work on own initiative as well as part of a small team
•    Willingness to be flexible, creative and work within limited budgets
•    A friendly and open approach, able to deal with colleagues, volunteers, donors and public enquiries in a positive and engaging fashion

DESIRABLE

•    Experience of working in a voluntary sector and /or membership based organisation
•    Experience of budgets and finance
•    Experience of working with volunteers
•    Proven interest in conservation
•    Ability to speak Spanish

Click here to read and download Application Form Membership Officer .

Lichen survey discovers new species

2010-06-29T06:15:47Z

A Galapagos lichen survey conducted on 16 June 2010 by an international scientific team of lichenologists, botanists, professors, graduate students, and naturalists taking part in a lichen workshop at the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) uncovered a bounty of new findings: more than 60 species newly reported from Galapagos, and an estimated ten species new to science.

The one-day field excursion resulted in 400 samples collected on Santa Cruz Island from diverse habitats in various vegetation zones and on an array of substrates. Identifications for half these new specimens have been completed with the remainder requiring further examination.

All specimens were databased, visually inspected, studied under the microscope, examined with ultra-violet and chemical analyses and cross-checked against the CDF Quick Guide to Galapagos Lichens. The results of the workshop will be included in the CDF Galapagos Species Checklist.

The workshop participants hailed from the following institutions: Rosa Batallas, National Herbarium of Ecuador; Lenyn Betancourt, CDF; Frank Bungartz, CDF; Desiree Cruz, Galapagos Naturalist Guide; Manuela Dal Forno, George Mason University, US; Valeria Dután, CDF; Anne Guézou, CDF; Patricia Jaramillo, CDF; Harald Jonitz, Galapagos Naturalist Guide; Robert Lücking, Field Museum, US; Danilo Minga, University of Azuay, Ecuador; Ricardo Miranda, National Autonomous University of México; Fredy Nugra, University of Azuay, Ecuador; Catalina Quintana, Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador; Eimy Rivas-Plata, Field Museum, US; Adriano Spielmann, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Brazil; Diego Villagomez, CDF; Alba Yánez-Ayabaca, Central University of Quito, Ecuador; and Frauke Ziemmeck, CDF.

Among the exciting finds are species in the genera Coenogonium, Physcia, Coccocarpia, Cryptothecia, Herpothallon, Heterodermia, Pyrenula, Parmotrema, Aulaxina, Phaeographis, Sticta, Calopadia, Pseudocyphellaria, and many others.

"Describing new species and discovering previously unreported ones is exciting," says lichenologist Dr. Frank Bungartz, workshop coordinator and CDF Head of Natural History Collections and Theme Leader in Biodiversity Assessment. But he continues that: "It is also an essential part of fully understanding the complex components that make up ecosystems. Without knowing the individual elements of ecology -- the species -- we cannot anticipate how these elements fit together. It is therefore critical to expand our horizons -- to notice the unnoticed."

This workshop demonstrated how much remains to be discovered in Galapagos. In the past four years since CDF began its Galapagos lichen inventory in November 2005, seven new species have been described with many more still awaiting formal publication. As a result, the list of lichen species known from the archipelago has tripled from 200 to now more than 600 species.

"We identified more than 60 new Galapagos species in just one day, some of them scientifically undescribed. It gives us a rather good idea," observes Bungartz, "of how little we know and further inspires us to deepen our understanding of Galapagos biodiversity! To do science objectively," he continues, "to really understand ecosystems and how they function, we can no longer afford to ignore the fungi, lichens, bryophytes and invertebrates that make up the large majority of life on Earth. Biodiversity is more than just the sum of its parts."

The Lichen Collection of the CDF Herbarium contains 12,000 specimens of now more than 600 Galapagos species. Look for lichens and additional scientific data on the continuously updated CDF Galapagos Species Checklist.

Source: Charles Darwin Foundation

TUTC dives into Blue-footed Booby Day

2010-06-19T16:47:18Z

Long standing supporters of the Galapagos Conservation Trust, The Ultimate Travel Company, came along to Trafalagar Square on Friday 18 June to join in the celebrations of Blue-footed Booby Day.

The Ultimate Travel Company said it was delighted to be playing a part in the latest BBC Wildlife Fund initiative: "Its Wear Wildlife to Work idea made it very easy for everyone to be involved and certainly inspired the Galapagos Conservation Trust.

Their Blue-footed Booby Day proved to be a real hit with the crowds in Trafalgar Square and, as always, we were very happy to support their fund-raising effort", said Nick Van Gruisen, managing director of The Ultimate Travel Company .

Silver statue shocks Trafalgar Square pigeons

2010-06-18T16:31:43Z

The pigeons in Trafalgar Square got a shock today when they were joined by a silver 'statue' with blue webbed feet supporting Blue-footed Boobies.

The Galapagos Conservation Trust's chief executive Toni Darton said: "The Blue-footed Booby is symbolic of the threatened species on the Galapagos Islands, the paradise which inspired Charles Darwin, but which is now at risk."

Celebrating Blue-footed Booby Day, the Galapagos Conservation Trust was joining in the BBC's Wear Your Wildlife to Work Day, part of the BBC Wildlife Fund's appeal to help save threatened species and wild places around the world. The appeal culminates this Sunday with BBC 2's Wild Night In.

Blue-footed Booby Day comes to Trafalgar Square

2010-06-18T11:28:37Z

A fun day was enjoyed by GCT supporters, including those from The UltimateTravel Company, as they celebrated Blue-footed Booby Day in Trafalgar Square on 18 June.

Tourists and pigeons looked on in amusement as supporters danced and paddled in their blue shod feet. Here are a selection of photographs which capture the day.

Andrew Marr puts best foot forward for GCT

2010-06-14T11:50:59Z

Andrew Marr, BBC broadcaster and President of the Galapagos Conservation Trust is wearing his blue shoes in support of the Trust's 'Blue-footed Booby Day', on Friday 18 June, which is part of the wider BBC Wildlife Fund's Wear Wildlife to Work Day.

One of the highlights of the appeal is a live fundraising extravaganza Wild Night In on Sunday 20 June, on BBC Two from 8-10pm.

Kate Humble, supporter of the BBC Wildlife Fund and a presenter of Wild Night In, said: "I hope everyone will join in and support the BBC Wildlife Fund appeal, and celebrate the wonder of our natural world through conservation - whether it's restoring humble habitats for dormice or saving majestic species such as sharks. "Let's all go truly wild and help bring our most vulnerable wildlife back from the brink of extinction."

Amy Coyte, Director of the BBC Wildlife Fund, said: "Never has the need to help save species and restore wild places been more urgent. Working with charities taking positive action across the globe we hope to make a real difference for wildlife."

The BBC Wildlife Fund's first live appeal programme, Saving Planet Earth, was broadcast in 2007. The appeal raised a total of just under £2 million, which has been used to help save threatened species ranging from albatrosses and Galapagos penguins to slow worms and spiders.
Other success stories include securing a vital land corridor for rare African elephants in Namibia and a programme of rabies prevention vaccinations for Ethiopian wolves. In the UK, the BBC Wildlife Fund has helped to restore the habitat of the Adonis blue butterfly in Sussex and supported an innovative survey to safeguard the future of Bechstein's bat, one of the UK's rarest mammals.

All of the money donated by the public will be used to support wildlife conservation. Money raised will be distributed via grants to UK registered charities involved in conservation work around the world and also on our doorstep.

Wildlife enthusiasts of all ages can take part in the appeal and celebrate the diversity of life on Earth. A special fundraising pack, full of ideas of how to go 'Wild for Money' at school, work or home, is available from the BBC Wildlife Fund's website Wild for Money

GCT 2009 Report

2010-06-09T16:00:20Z

GCT's annual report and audited accounts for 2009 are now available. Highlights are:

* Raising over £700,000 income for the first time in our history, an increase of 34% over the previous year and at a time of economic uncertainty

* Providing grant funding of over £335,000 for Galapagos, including direct grants of over £200,000 to the Charles Darwin Foundation

* Raising close to £150,000 for Project Floreana and launching our Donate a Darwin Appeal to save its flagship, the Floreana Mockingbird, at the Bank of England in February

* Engaging a record number of young people - our combined Junior membership and Tortoise Club for Primary Schools saw a 35% increase in membership during the year

* Recruiting a record number of Life Members - 32 in all during the year

* Establishing a £400,000+ joint research fund with Cambridge University to develop lasting links between the University and Galapagos

* Capitalising on the Darwin anniversaries to raise GCT's profile and put Galapagos conservation firmly in the spotlight, and leveraging increased funds as a result.

A copy of the report and accounts can be seen and downloaded by clicking on the following link:

FINAL accounts for 2009.pdf

Giant Tortoises return to Pinta Island

2010-05-17T09:17:33Z

In recent weeks 39 tortoises have been released into the wilds of Pinta Island, in the northern waters of the Galapagos Archipelago, as part of an ongoing effort to restore the ecological integrity of Pinta ecosystems. This release follows years of planning and will be the first time that tortoises will inhabit the island since the removal of Lonesome George, the last known Pinta tortoise, in 1972.

The return of tortoises to Pinta is considered an essential step towards re-establishing ecological processes on the island. The Ministry of the Environment of Ecuador oversaw this groundbreaking work and the tortoises' release was carried out by a team of park rangers, herpetologists, botanists, and vets--from the Galapagos National Park (GNP), Galapagos Conservancy, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), and the Houston Zoo.

GCT has supported this work and are also funding the ongoing monitoring of giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island to understand more about their migratory patterns and behaviour.

Giant tortoises on Pinta are thought to have numbered between 5,000 to 10,000 before pirates and whalers began removing them for food. As a result of the over-exploitation in past centuries, tortoises were believed to be extinct on Pinta during much of the twentieth century. The discovery of Lonesome George on Pinta in 1971 surprised scientists and park managers alike. George was transported to the Charles Darwin reserach Station on Santa Cruz Island in the spring of 1972 to ensure his safety and he remains one of Galapagos' most famous residents.

While park rangers, scientists and the thousands of tourists who have visited Lonseome George hope that one day a mate will be discovered -- on Pinta, in a zoo, or in a private collection -- no female Pinta tortoise has yet been found. There was excitement in 2008 and 2009 when his two female companions - both from Wolf Volcano on Isabela island - both laid eggs, but sadly all of these were infertile.

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Further information here

Mission Blue supports marine reserves

2010-04-13T08:18:29Z

National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia Earle and other distinguished scientists and people, including film stars Leonardo Di Caprio and Chevy Chase, are attending a conference aboard the National Geographic ship, Endeavour, sailing through the Galapagos Islands.

Cutting a shark's fin © Stop Shark Finning

Called Mission Blue, the conference hopes to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas, such as the Galapagos Marine Reserve, to save and restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet. When the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) was established in 1998, it was designated a World Heritage Site

GCT's chief executive, Toni Darton said: "I'm delighted National Geographic chose Galapagos for the location of Mission Blue. The Galapagos Marine Reserve is one of the largest in the world and a World Heritage Site in its own right. I hope the conference will bring additional protection for the unique species living there and add to the support for our Shark Campaign, which aims to address the threats facing these top predators."

Please click here for more information on GCT's Shark Campaign.

GCT seeks Senior Fundraising Manager

2010-04-12T08:45:14Z

GCT is looking for a Senior Fundraising Manager to help the Trust raise more funds to save Galapagos. The full job description follows:

Senior Fundraising Manager
Salary package circa £35.000
Central London based with some overseas travel

GCT is a well organised charity that punches above its weight. There is a small team of committed staff and respected journalist and broadcaster Andrew Marr is GCT's President. To add further support there is a network of volunteers, actively promoting the Trust's work.

The Trustees and staff have devised an ambitious plan to continue the growth in GCT's income and increase awareness of our work. A new post of Senior Fundraising Manager (see Job Description below) has been created to strengthen the fundraising function and deputise for the Chief Executive.

To succeed, you will have:

A proven ability to work effectively building sustainable relationships with high profile volunteers and advocates for GCT.
A demonstrable track record of success in securing donations over £5,000
Excellent influencing and communication skills at all levels
Clear strategic thinking ability and business acumen.

If you want to be part of our vibrant, growing organisation please click here for an application pack. For more information please call Olga Johnson on + 00 44 (0) 20 7520 2210.

Completed applications should be received by 21 April 2010.

JOB DESCRIPTION: SENIOR FUNDRAISING MANAGER

Place of work:   GCT Offices, central London
Hours of work:   9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
Reports to:         Chief Executive
Line Manages:   No direct reports; deputises for CEO

Scope and general purpose of the job:
To work with the Chief Executive and Events and Fundraising Manager to increase income to GCT, with a particular focus on major donors, and act as Deputy to the Chief Executive.

MAIN DUTIES.

Fundraising

Work with the CEO and Events and Fundraising Manager to develop and implement a major donor strategy for GCT to secure increased levels of donations above £5,000
Develop key performance indicators and other targets that reflect the overall income generation strategy and monitor performance monthly
Conduct qualitative and quantitative donor prospect research on existing GCT stakeholders and into new and potential supporters to identify potential major donors
Engage and solicit potential prospects and targets, keeping the Chief Executive informed and involved as appropriate. Manage donor relationships to ensure they are kept informed and enthused
With the CEO and Events and Fundraising Manager, identify the gaps of support for GCT from sectors of business and philanthropic sources, and help to devise innovative strategies on how to address these gaps
Develop proposals, manage appeals and campaigns aimed at specific individuals and donors
Ensure that GCT's database is fully utilised for effective donor management and as an appropriate resource for developing all income streams
Develop and manage GCT's legacy programme
Ensure that the GCT website is regularly updated providing an effective communications and fundraising medium to current and prospective donors
Work with Trustees and other key volunteer supporters of the Trust to harness their efforts on behalf of agreed fundraising objectives
Engage with relevant professional development / fundraising forums and networks to build industry knowledge as well as raise the GCT's profile within the philanthropic community

Strategic

Deputise for the CEO in all matters in her absence and as otherwise agreed
Work with the CEO to plan and implement the strategic direction for the charity
Support the CEO in keeping the Board appraised of GCT's performance. Provide the CEO with regular and appropriate reports on GCT's progress towards achieving and implementing agreed strategic income generation targets and budgets to be presented at GCT Board meeting

External relationships

Manage relations with GCT's Ambassadors and Honorary Galapagos Ambassadors and other key partners as agreed
In the absence of the CEO and as otherwise agreed, represent and promote GCT to the voluntary sector, partner organisations and the media, as appropriate

General

Be aware of individual responsibility for health and safety of self and others in the workplace and to adhere to GCT's health and safety policies and procedures
Portray the charity in a positive light at all times
Undertake any other duties which may be required from time to time
Be willing to work outside normal working hours - including attending or helping at evening or weekend events and overseas travel - if required

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Demonstrable track record of success in securing donations over £5,000 from wealthy individuals over a sustained period
Sufficient gravitas and credibility to win the confidence of existing donors, GCT members, partners and Trustees
Clear strategic thinker approach, able to work closely with colleagues on developing and executing long term sustainable donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies
Proven ability to work effectively and build sustainable relationships with high profile volunteers and advocates for GCT
Creative ability to secure maximum benefit from the GCT website and its potential for increasing income generation from digital media
Proven knowledge and experience of working with databases
Innovative approach that can support the Chief Executive in devising and implementing strategies for long term philanthropic support for GCT

Desirable

Senior management team experience

Experience of managing staff

Experience in developing legacy programmes

Ability to speak Spanish

UNESCO visits CDF

2010-04-06T08:00:25Z

The social issues facing Galapagos were a major factor in UNESCO's decision to place Galapagos on the list of World Heritage in Danger in 2007 where it remains today. That is why these are one of the key areas identified in GCT's 15 Steps to Help Save Galapagos in late March 2010.

From 30 March to 1 April the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) received a visit from Edouard Matoko, the UNESCO representative to Ecuador and the Andean countries. He was accompanied by a team of specialists for a series of meetings with CDF's Executive Director, Gabriel Lopez, and the Foundation's executive and technical staff.

The main purpose of the visit was to prepare a cooperation plan and establish inter-institutional agreements for collaboration in the areas of education, science, culture, communication, and information for a broad and comprehensive overview of the current situation in Galapagos, in keeping with the national policies set out by the Government of Ecuador.

During the visit, UNESCO officers were briefed on the various programmes being conducted by CDF in the archipelago and its joint operations with the Galapagos National Park (GNP), the Foundation's main strategic partner in island conservation.

The meetings also furthered the information exchange necessary to coordinate joint projects on behalf of sustainable development in Galapagos.

GCT helps fund CDF international workshop

2010-03-29T08:54:41Z

Many of the challenges the 15 Steps to Help Save Galapagos seek address are not unique to Galapagos GCT has helped fund a Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) international workshop on Island Sustainability in a Globalized World, held from 22 March to 26 March at CDF's offices in Galapagos.

The event brought together international experts from islands in the South Pacific, the Caribbean and Australia, and members of local and national institutions, NGOs and special guests to exchange experiences on island-community management and sustainable development issues.

According to GCT chief executive, Toni Darton: "We were delighted to support this workshop because we expect it to make a valuable contribution to the international sharing of knowledge about island sustainabilty. We recognise that there is no quick fix to saving Galapagos. It requires a holistic approach and that is why our 15th Anniversary Appeal focuses on 15 Steps to Help Save Galapagos. The workshop is a great example of what working together can achieve in tackling current challenges whilst securing longer term solutions."

During the opening ceremony of the week-long seminar, CDF's executive director, Dr J Gabriel Lopez, highlighted the importance of this meeting where "throughout this week, experts and workshop participants will be developing a practical conceptual framework regarding sustainability priorities to not only address the problems afflicting Galapagos, but also debate possible solutions in the search for the balance of good living with biodiversity and ecosystem conservation."

The following main topics were discussed in the seminar:

1. Analysis of island societies and/or the vulnerability of ecosystems in a globalized world,with special attention to the concepts of geodiversity and/or geographical opening.
2. The meaning of sustainability in island societies.
3. Indicators of human impacts arising from globalization processes.
4. The main areas of research to identify priority measures for achieving sustainability in island societies.

This is the first of a series of workshops to be held by CDF in 2010 and 2011 to address specific issues such as tourism, energy and transportation, waste management, water management and climate change, among other matters relating to island conservation and sustainable development.

Project Floreana features in BBC's Museum of Life

2010-03-18T07:57:02Z

The work to help save the Floreana mockingbird, Darwin's inspiration, featured in the first episode of BBC 2's documentary programme, Museum of Life.

The Floreana mockingbird is the flagship of Project Floreana, a five year plan to save this rare species and restore Floreana, its native island. Project Floreana is a key element of GCT's 15 Steps to Help Save Galapagos. In addition to supporting the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) in Galapagos for this work, GCT has awarded a grant of £16,470 to the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust to help fund a field worker jointly managed by CDF in Galapagos.

GCT's chief executive, Toni Darton, said: "The Critically Endangered Floreana mockingbird Mimus trifasciatus helped inspire Darwin to develop his theory of natural selection. This iconic bird now only exists on two small offshore islands. A recent population estimate gives a total of approximately 470 birds. This is why this work is of the upmost importance and we are delighted to be working with both DWCT and CDFon this project."

The reintroduction of the mockingbird forms part of Project Floreana, a new multidisciplinary restoration project in Galapagos. This remains one of GCT's flagship projects and we were delighted to raise over £150,000 towards this in its first year. Project Floreana is uniquely different from previous large scale conservation efforts in Galapagos. It represents the first time that such a project will be carried out on an inhabited island, albeit with a small population of 120.

Most importantly, the plan requires integrating the human population into conservation actions. The Floreana inhabitants are the guardians of the island, and any restoration programme needs to proceed in step with the inhabitants´ wishes. GCT is also funding various strands to help local people understand and get involved with the conservation needs of Floreana.

Hybrid tortoises to be released on Pinta Island

2010-03-17T13:59:33Z

In November 2009, a group of vets, working with the Galapagos National Park (GNP), prepared 39 hybrid tortoises that they hope will be the pioneer group to initiate the return of tortoises to Pinta Island. Project Pinta is a multi-year project aimed at the restoration of Lonesome George's native island following the successful eradication of goats on Pinta in 2003. It was made possible thanks to funding from a number of organisations including the Galapagos Conservation Trust and the US based Galapagos Conservancy.

While complete island restoration will require the eventual repopulation of Pinta with a reproductive tortoise population, scientists and managers are awaiting the final results from genetic analyses of a massive sampling of tortoises before making the final selection of which tortoises to use.

To initiate the return of tortoises, critical ecosystem engineers during this important period of recovery for the island's vegetation, this special group of tortoises will be released onto Pinta. To ensure that this group of hybrid tortoises will not compromise any future efforts to reestablish a reproductive population, the veterinariy team sterilised them and placed them in quarantine in preparation for their release.

CDF presents 2009 annual report

2010-03-02T13:12:06Z

On 28 January the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) presented its 2009 Annual Report and Flagship Initiatives for 2010 at Quito's Botanical Garden. Representatives from major local, national and international institutions were in attendance.

Environment Minister, Marcela Aguinaga, and Dr Lopez

During the event, Dr. J. Gabriel Lopez, CDF's Executive Director, highlighted the foundation's achievements during 2009, as well as the new conservation and development challenges facing Galapagos.

Dr. Lopez reported that as an integral part of facing these challenges, in 2010 the Foundation will further strengthen its three flagship programmes launched in 2009. These include measuring the "human footprint" in the archipelago, better understanding the impacts of climate change in Galapagos to inform decision-making on adaptation, and furthering its comprehensive restoration of Floreana Island at the southern end of the island chain. Dr Lopez also emphasised the importance of "working in a coordinated manner with Ecuadorean government agencies, academic centres of excellence, local actors, and the private sector for the conservation and sustainable development of Galapagos."

In his address, CDF Board President Pablo Iturralde Barba, brought attention to the importance of the Foundation's volunteer and scholarship programme, through which more than 1,100 young people from Galapagos and continental Ecuador have been trained at different stages of their careers. Many have continued their education, graduating with master's degrees and doctorates, and are now working in high-level positions in Ecuador and abroad.

CDF also launched a new "Partners for Galapagos" campaign that aims to bring together public and private enterprise in support of the organization's vital conservation efforts in the Galapagos archipelago.