About the Trust

 

The sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia continues to be enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. Once visited the memories of the abundance of wildlife, the spectacular scenery, the sealing and whaling artefacts are not easily forgotten.

 

The South Georgia Heritage Trust was established to raise funds for two primary reasons.

• Help efforts to conserve and protect those species of indigenous fauna and flora that breed and grow on South Georgia or in the surrounding seas and to raise awareness of threatened species.

• Assist efforts to preserve the historical heritage of South Georgia including selected historical sites of importance and to assist the South Georgia Museum in order to increase international awareness of the lessons and achievements of the human history of South Georgia.

The Trust, a Scottish registered charity, has a board of nine International Trustees, independent of Government agencies that direct the Trust. Trust funds are used in pursuit of Trust’s purposes.

Trustees are from the USA, Norway, Sweden, Falkland Islands and UK.  Trustees take advice from other important international institutions that have expertise and an interest in South Georgia. The Trust’s office is within the University of Dundee’s campus, Dundee, Scotland. There is also a branch in Norway and a representative in the USA.

The Trust seeks to undertake projects that will conserve and protect the island’s important natural habitat, such as restoring large areas of habitat that threatened species of birds are unable to use to breed because of the presence of rats introduced some 150 years ago.  In turn this project will widen international awareness of these threatened species and their breeding sites.

A rich historical heritage remains from the sealing and whaling periods that is in need of preservation.  In particular the Norwegian branch of the Trust has raised funds to undertake the restoration of the Whaling Manger’s Villa at Husvik.  Scientists use the villa for research and expeditions use it as a base to explore the island’s interior.

Government income to manage South Georgia comes from two sources.  The first is the fishing industry with by far the largest contribution. Much of this income is reinvested in the administration of the fishery, including the provision of fishery protection patrols to ensure illegal fishing does not take place, together with scientific research to infirm the sustainable management of the fishery.  The second income source is from visitors through landing fees.  The need to make the whaling station at Grytviken safe for visitors and residents by the removal of hazardous materials and unsafe structures coats around £7m and has consumed the Government’s reserves of capital.

Government income cannot possibly manage the ranges of challenges confronting South Georgia’s unique environmental and historical resources.  For this reason, a new, private, charitable – and international – entity was essential.  The South Georgia Trust was thus formed in 2005.

 

 

 

 

The Wandering Albatross is one of a number of species that are in danger -and for which South Georgia is a vital refuge.

The island has a unique and important history - preserving its industrial heritage is just one of the trusts activities.

 

 

 

South Georgia is also a critically important breeding location for king, gentoo and macaroni penguins.

 

 

Income from fishing licences provide the bulk of funding for the islands government.