GICS is meeting a critical and underserved need addressing the conservation needs of island endemic or geographically isolated species. A solution based organization, Global Insular Conservation Society has demonstrated commitment to doing a project well and committing to the follow up needed to ensure that the conservation outcomes are sustainable for years to come. The organization is growing at a sustainable rate so as to be able to build a successful suite of conservation programs. I believe the organization will make great inroads in biodiversity preservation and will continue to partner sound science with meaningful actions in all of the projects it takes on.
GICS is an amazing organization. They work within the community to identify conservation priorities and support the community with conservation actions and goals. GICS focuses on concrete actions that they are able to deliver so that they can keep the promises to the grantors, communities and ecosystems they serve. The goal of the non-profit are to create opportunities for imperiled species to have the best chances of recovery. By being informed with sound science and working with experts in the field and bringing education and involvement to the communities where species of concern live, they create a recovery plan that has full stakeholder buy in and participation.
Frank J. Bridges II
October 29, 2013
October 23, 2013
GreatNonprofits
I’m writing this letter in support of the great things that Global Insular Conservation Society is doing to protect the Sandy Cay Iguana. GICS has taken on a task that not many people know about or even care, All the attention goes to the large Apex animals such as the Lions, Elephants and Black Rhino. GICS’s approach to this issue by using education and hands on work to show how evasive species like the Australian Pine Tree can have a big and nonreversible effect to a eco system and will effect the native wildlife like the Sandy Cay Iguana.
There are a lot of nonprofits in the world, but very few who hold onto their primary focus of making change. So many get side-tracked by getting funds to allow them to create a large staff, then ensuring they keep the staff. The overhead starts creeping up (30%, 50%, even more) so that donor funds are primarily paying for the running of an office. GICS is an exception. GICS is driven by motivated scientists who care deeply about preserving ecosystems and endangered species. They don't want to create an empire. They want to preserve ecosystems. And they hold on to their primary purpose, even though they currently receive little funding and rely on volunteers. And they are making change. They are increasing awareness among minority and at-risk youth in the Pacific Northwest (a group that is usually ignored by environmental efforts) in addition to actually restoring balance in several islands. GICS is an organization with heart. They are making a difference and deserve support and recognition.
I am pleased to serve as a board member of The Global Insular Conservation Society. Edgar Fortune has used his experience, imagination and passion to (1) identify invasive organisms in insular environments, (2) initiate appropriate remedial actions, and (3) publish his initial finding in a review format. I look forward to continued activity as this organization grows and expands under his leadership.
I began volunteer work under Edgar Fortune at the Woodland Park Zoo in August of 2007. Edgar's commitment and passion to conservation inspired in me a new way of looking at the earth and wildlife. Edgar and his team at Global Insular Conservation Society are great ambassadors of promoting the preservation of fragile island ecosystems throughout the world. I am confident people will be eager to support GICS projects after learning more about their ideals and vision for the future.
The Global Insular Conservation Society is a non profit organization founded by Edgar Fortune in hopes of preserving endangered species and there habitat. His focus is not only in North America but Global. I think this is a wonderful non profit organization, they not only work to help save and preserve species and habitats but, they also work with the minority youth around the world by educating them on the seriousness of conservation. They also work together with the local Biologists and Zoologist. This is a very important organization trying to make a difference. For further information go to www.islandecosystems.org
I was asked a few years ago to donate my time as a lawyer to help Global Insular Conservation Society with its initial organizational efforts and establishment as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. It has been a rewarding experience to be associated with a such a dedicated group of people involved in such important work. If you've read Song Of The Dodo, you know the importance of island biodiversity. GISC has taken on and is successfully confronting threats to native island species in the Western Hemisphere. It's a great organization, and deserves support.
The Global Insular Conservation Society (http://www.islandecosystems.org/home) is a small, but highly effective, 501 c(3), nonprofit organization focused on fragile island ecosystems and their native flora and fauna. GICS staff and partners use sound science as a basis for the conservation of threatened and endangered indigenous species and their habitats. GICS has a major focus in the Caribbean, but has projects in other areas of the world as well. I was recently appointed to the Board of this organization, which also includes world-famous wildlife photographer Art Wolfe and founder Edgar Fortune. The organization has organized several on-the-ground projects and has been highly effective given its small size and limited resources. Our ultimate goal is to be able to expand the important work GICS is doing to ensure a future for unique island ecosystems, flora, fauna and cultures.
My name is Simon Ward and I represent Biri Initiative Org., a non-profit striving to restore coral reefs, promote sustainable fishing methods, and introduce alternative forms of employment to fishing on the tiny island of Biri, Northern Samar, the Philippines.
GICS heard about our work, took the initiative, and made an offer to help us in any way it can. In next to no time, GICS began promoting us via its website. Thank you very much, GICS! We small NGOs need to work together, and since our goals overlap, I hope this is the start of a long and fruitful relationship. Certainly the other reviews here, from people with greater experience of GCIS, fill me with optimism!
My name is Maurice Ward and I have had the privilege of experiencing GICS presentations for over the past 5 years. It has been a pleasure having Edgar provide information and knowlege to myself and the hundreds of youth that I serve in the community. This is a unique program that has adapted to todays youth culture and Edgar has made environmental protection a beatiful concept for youth and the community. Thanks for all you do for the world!
GICS offers a most unique and successful synthesis of youth culture and environmental protection and restoration. With live and other samples in hand, founder Edgar Fortune has invaded juvenile detention centers, African American churches, community centers and other venues extolling the virtues of a reasoned, balanced consideration of our world and the interrrelationships betwen humans, plant and animal species. Fortune is engaging, practical, efficient and effective in his presentations.
It is an honor to know him and to be associated with GICS.
I've had the pleasure of knowing Edgar Fortune for many years now and watching him take his professional expertise from years of working with animals into to the field has been very satisfying for me. It's been my honor to be a board member for this organization and lend my photos to further the conservation efforts by Edgar and the members of GICS. Keep up the good work.
GICS is a charity full of passion and expertise aimed at the some of the most at risk ecosystems in the world. On a small island just the introduction of a single feral raccoon nearly wiped out an entire species of iguana - they would have been extinct. Likewise non native plants imported to neighboring islands for landscaping can (and have) drive out native species leaving not only the flora at risk but the animals that depend on them for food, shelter and breeding grounds as well. Edgar is an excellent example of a leader who gets his hands dirty, attracts the right people and keeps the passion and energy flowing.
I am proud to be a member of GICS, an up and coming forward thinking conservation group full of talent, dedicated to our mission: "Preserving species and habitat through education, conservation and research." Through participation in and/or funding of projects from preserving the Kestrel in Vantage, WA to the Iguana in the Bahamas, our efforts with public support and the dedication of our members will continue. Our projects focus on using best practices from removing invasive species with naturally sound methods so not to damage the environment ourselves to stimulating the natural ecosystem for the continued health and success of those species most vulnerable. The goals of our education outreach are to include the youngest generations both local and abroad so our mission can be continued through teaching science and conservation with hands on projects for generations to come.
Insular species are at an even greater risk of extirpation than land mass dwelling species and for this reason alone this organization deserves your support, but in addition I know personally some of the members of the group and their dedication is unmatched. Please support this worthy cause and help save the numerous highly endangered species they are trying to protect.