WELCOME

Welcome to the website of the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT), a UK charity that raises funds for, and awareness of, the conservation needs of the Galapagos Islands. Charles Darwin was intrigued with the unique wildlife he saw when visiting the islands in 1835, and to this day they continue to inspire and excite scientists and visitors alike. We work with the key institutions in Galapagos to ensure a sustainable future for this natural treasure, and are part of the international Friends of Galapagos network.

LATEST NEWS

Click on link for Latest News

Previous news

Duke of Edinburgh attends glittering bicentenary dinner at Christ's College Cambridge

An interview with Dr Graham Watkins, Executive Director of the Charles Darwin Foundation, which was recorded by Guardian science correspondent, Ian Sample in GCT's London office, can be heard as part of the Guardian's weekly science podcast.

Jorge Torres named as new Governor of Galapagos

The Charles Darwin Foundation announces new Executive Director

If you missed Johanna Angermeyer - lifelong Galapagos supporter, writer, artist and designer of Galapagos Ark, GCT's 2008 Christmas card - on Radio 4's Woman's Hour on Galapagos Day, Wednesday 24 September, listen now to her podcast.

The government of Ecuador is committed to making Galapagos the world's first feral goat free archipelago by 2010.

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

We received nearly 300 entries in our 2008 GCT photo competition, and there were many fantastic photos of Galapagos wildlife and scenery. The standard of photos submitted was higher than ever before. Thank you to everyone who took part, and for your kind donations that will go directly to supporting projects in the Galapagos Islands. Congratulations to the winners whose entries are displayed on the Photographic Competition page and will reproduced in our GCT 2010 calendar, which will go on sale in April.

GCT's annual Galapagos Photographic Competition is now accepting entries for 2009. We invite all photographers, whatever your level, to enter your Galapagos images. With winning entries featuring in the Trust's popular Galapagos Calendar, what better gift for all your family and friends! The closing date for entries is 31st October 2009. Entry is easy. To enter and for further details, please visit Photographic Competition Rules . A voluntary entry fee of £5 per person is encouraged, which will help towards conserving the wildlife and views in your beautiful images for the future.

SUPPORT GALAPAGOS

Get involved
There are many ways in which you can support conservation efforts in Galapagos. You can become a member of GCT; shop online in our Gift catalogue; give a donation - for example, a £20 donation can fund a student to spend two full days of field research, such as looking for rare plants in the highland cloud forest; leave a lasting legacy; or adopt a Galapagos animal or flower.

GCT's SHARK CAMPAIGN 2009

In support of the Galapagos Marine Reserve
With increasing pressures on all of the wildlife within the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) - a World Heritage Site in its own right - your support for GCT's shark campaign is vital. You can help by making a donation, sponsoring a shark or simply by raising awareness of the issues and asking everyone you know to sign the petition to ban the import of shark fins into the UK. Sharks are critical to the success of the GMR and your support is critical to the success of our campaign!

TORTOISE CLUB FOR SCHOOLS

Tortoise Club for Schools
You can learn about tortoises generally, but in particular the Galapagos giant tortoise. As a part of your membership, you will sponsor a Galapagos giant tortoise egg and the resulting hatchling!
The 2008 annual competition for Tortoise Club for Schools, Junior and Galapagos Schools members has been launched. For details, visit Annual competition 2008.