Andalucía and Mallorca

In Andalucia, one project we are supporting is the work to restore rivers and ecosystems in the Doñana National Park, one of Europe’s most important wetland reserves and a major site for migrating birds. It is an immense area, the park itself and surrounding buffer zone amounting to over 1,300 sq km in the provinces of Huelva, Sevilla and Cádiz. It is internationally recognised for its great ecological wealth and has become a key centre in the world of conservationism, well known for its enormous variety of bird species. See www.andalucia.com/environment/protect/donana.htm for details.

In the S’Albufera Natural Park in Northern Mallorca we’re helping a research programme called ‘Earthwatch Europe Project s’Albufera’. Supported by the sections of Government of the Community responsible for the management of the Park, specialists from University College London and the University of the Balearic Islands are monitoring the environmental and ecological processes at work in a large site exposed to all kinds of environmental change (affecting sea level, salinity, climate, fauna and flora). For more information see www.fsd.nl/TAIB/about.html

Friends of Conservation

You too can help. Simpson Travel is pleased to support Friends of Conservation (FOC). Founded in 1982 to help prevent wildlife and habitat degradation in East Africa, FOC has expanded to cover projects around the world, including not only wildlife, but also the local communities whose lives are entwined with the wildlife and habitats they work to protect.

It is generally acknowledged that human activity, including travel, is leading to “global warming”. The dramatic release of carbon from burning fossil fuels and from clearing vegetation has led to a 31% increase in concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide compared to pre-industrial concentration.

Flying is the most carbon intensive way to travel. Aviation at present accounts for 3% of greenhouse gases and generates nearly as much carbon dioxide in one year as the total population of Africa. Moreover air travel is growing faster than any other form of transport.