Crete, and the Ionian Islands

One such organisation we have pledged to support is Friends of the Ionian, a notfor- profit organisation set up as part of the European Year of Tourism in 1990 with the aim of redirecting tourism development in the Ionian Islands and pioneering a number of approaches to sustainable tourism.

FoI has produced a series of self-guided trails, at-a-glance guides, walking booklets, wildlife booklets and other publications: Talking Turtle (a guide to the Loggerhead sea turtles of the Ionian) and the Tassos Times (a magazine guide, helping children to ‘get into Greece’). The Friends have also organised programmes of beach cleanings, visiting wildlife guides and various cultural activities. FoI is funded and assisted by private membership, through sales of its publications and by tour operators to the region. You can visit FOI’s website at www.foi.org.uk to become a member and download their walking guides and publications.

In Crete one project we’re funding is The Park for the Preservation of Flora and Fauna at the Technical University of Crete, a protected area of approximately 75 acres where flora and fauna are left undisturbed as far as possible.

Crete has a rich flora with about 157 endemic species of which over 100 are endangered to a varying degree. The Park is an area where an effort is being made to save some of these species. In addition, cultivation of endangered species and research and education is undertaken with the participation of researchers and students from the Technical University and other institutions. You can visit their website at www.park.tuc.gr

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.