Annual Charity of Choice

Annual Charity of Choice

2010 will see a new page turn for Chamber where we will have an ‘annual charity of choice.  For this year, Chamber has offered their support to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust; please find below a message from their CEO:

Sadly, for Durrell and for all of us, the consequences of the accelerating consumption of the Earth’s natural resources are becoming clearer each day – climate change, and eco-system degradation, including the rampant loss of biodiversity, demonstrates that humanity is living beyond its sustainable means.  These are immense, global issues that must be addressed by international treaties, with the hope that the growing understanding of the true costs of our actions will lead to fundamental change that will help ensure the survival of all species, including ourselves.

What is Durrell’s role in this complex and challenging equation?  Our mission is to save species from extinction but, as with any organisation, our greatest challenges are securing scarce resources and then applying them in the most effective way, for maximum return.  For Durrell, this means concentrating on regions with high numbers of unique species, mostly islands and isolated highlands, and focussing on individual species, especially those that are key indicators of the overall health of their habitats and therefore the health of entire eco-systems.  To ensure success, we also focus on building ‘conservation capacity’ through the work of our International Training Centre, while continuing to develop our Jersey headquarters as a centre of excellence for conservation techniques and animal husbandry.

To support our conservation mission, Durrell must increase focus on revenue generation. As an international charity our sources of income are both philanthropic and commercial, as a visitor attraction, and 2010 will see a greater focus on increasing both areas.  The impact of the economic downturn has been severe, as great in the charity sector as anywhere, with this year projected to be even more challenging.   The need for financial sustainability is paramount for Durrell, without this our mission cannot continue and making progress in this area is our top priority for the year.

Given this, we are delighted that the Chamber of Commerce has selected Durrell as their charity of choice in 2010.  This support has never been more welcome or more essential.

Thank you

Paul Masterton

CEO, Durrell

Chamber would ask all our members to show their support where possible for Durrell.  You will find pledge cards at each Chamber event should you wish to make a voluntary donation to this great local charity.  Please view other corporate support opportunities at:  http://www.durrell.org/Get-Involved/Corporate-Support/