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Galapagos Islands expert to speak at USC
An expert in the conservation of the Galapagos Islands will present a special public lecture at the University of the Sunshine Coast tomorrow (Wednesday 7 April) at 12.30pm.
Dr Diego Quiroga, of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador, is a Co-Director of the Galapagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS), a world-class academic and research institution on the Galapagos Islands.
Dr Quiroga’s one-hour presentation will focus on the work of GAIAS, the institution’s work with WWF on climate change, and on sustainable ecotourism developments in the Galapagos.
Media and the general public are welcome to attend the lecture at USC’s Lecture Theatre 1.
USC’s Associate Professor in Heritage Resource Management Bill Carter will assist Dr Quirogo during his visit, which will include a trip to world heritage listed Fraser Island.
Dr Carter said GAIAS placed special emphasis on conservation in the Galapagos Islands while generating sustainable development.
“This organisation recognises that for conservation efforts to be effective, economic alternatives must be given to the local population,” he said.
“The only way for people to look at other alternatives is for them to become involved in sustainable non-extractive activities.
“GAIAS has become the most important educational and research entity in the Galapagos archipelago, developing relationships with universities from around the world, as well as with national and international governmental and non-governmental organisations.”
— Terry Walsh