2005年9月15日：JAGA

Message from the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) Executive Director, Graham Watkins

My greetings to everybody in Japan.

I am delighted to learn of the formation of JAGA. We are sure that this new organization will grow in strength and influence, becoming a major player in efforts to encourage people in Japan to support conservation in Galapagos.

Today in Galapagos we face three important challenges. Long-standing concerns of introduced species, plants and animals continue to draw our attention. At the same time, we are increasingly challenged by the need to develop methods for the sustainable management of local fishing operations, and to deal with the pressure of an increasing human population. To develop solutions that will be appropriate and acceptable to all, we need to work closely with the local community. Only in this way can we ensure conservation and sustainable development.

We are facing an important moment in time, when islands around the world are feeling the full impact of problems that are growing in the rest of the world. Islands are particularly vulnerable to population pressures and demands, and to the effects of unbridled and unsustainable economic expansion. Galapagos is a microcosm of changes that are taking place in many other parts of the world. We need to help people to recognize that if we can make conservation and sustainable development work here, in Galapagos, we can contribute to efforts in many other places in the world.

In meeting the challenges ahead, we will need strong support from the international community. We look forward to receiving dedicated backing from Japan, through JAGA, for the conservation and sustainable development of these extraordinary islands.

I welcome the formation of JAGA and the group of organizations that support conservation of Galapagos.