Sacha Cleminson has just sent us this email from the South Atlantic and it brings good news - so I'm delighted to share it with our Saving Special Places blog readers.
Its not all doom! Nice strategy South Georgia
Wednesday was a bit depressing. Reading plans for the UK budget was enough to get any conservationist down with reduced investment in the UK’s natural heritage and further cuts to the Government’s environment administration. But today is one to celebrate as the Government of South Georgia and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have released a sparkling vision for one of the world’s greatest wildlife Meccas.
South Georgia, British Overseas Territory with carpets of king penguins, cities of albatrosses, tank-like elephant seals, gargantuan glaciers, recovering whale populations and so much more.
King penguins on South Georgia - photo credit Deirdre Galbreith
Its Government, alongside the FCO, has just released their vision for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Its ultimate aim is “World class environmental management underpinned by the highest standards of governance”.
There are ambitious plans for a network of terrestrial protected areas as part of a national biodiversity action plan. Science is fixed at the heart of decision-making. And several outstanding technical issues such as biosecurity and environmental impact assessment procedures are highlighted for improvement.
Though not strictly a wildlife issue, the already-impressive promotion of better working conditions on visiting fishing vessels is singled out for further attention which is heartening to see.
The investment by many organisations and successive administrations in South Georgia is a good example of investment in the natural environment. We have our fingers crossed for the success of the recent rat eradication by the South Georgia Heritage Trust.
Of course even South Georgia is not without its share of issues. There is a worrying decline in seabirds such as Wandering Albatrosses. We must find a solution. And despite already impressive marine conservation, we believe there is even more that could be done for the marine environment there.
If you want an antidote to austerity, have a read of the vision outlined by Overseas Territories Minister, James Duddridge MP, and South Georgia’s Commissioner, Colin Roberts: www.gov.gs