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

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Previous news

The Charles Darwin Foundation announces the launch in 2009 of three signature (flagship) initiatives

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.

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.

RARE COPY OF ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES BEING AUCTIONED

Charles Darwin's On The Origin of Species was first published by John Murray in 1859. Edited and amended at each subsequent publication, we are auctioning a rare copy of the important 5th edition, which was published on 10 February 1869 and which, for the first time, included Herbert Spencer's phrase "survival of the fittest".

At the end of 2008, the book was purchased by Steppes Travel which has generously donated it for auction at our Anniversaries Special Galapagos Day on the 15 September 2009, with the proceeds going to the Galapagos Conservation Trust.

To celebrate the 200th year of Darwin's birth and the 150 years since the book was first published, the book has been going on a year-long journey appearing at various events before being auctioned.

You can follow the book's journey here and also place a bid in advance of our Anniversaries Special Galapagos Day.

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!
For the results of the 2008 annual competition for Tortoise Club for Schools, Junior and Galapagos Schools members, please visit Annual competition 2008. The results of the 2009 competition will be announced soon.