Much of the Trust’s past and recent activity was funded directly by FIDC. This is no longer the case and the Trust is actively exploring opportunities to assist the Island’s population in the following areas:-

• Climate change. The Trust is participating in a 3 year EU -funded project “Terrestrial Ecosystems of the Falklands – a Climate Change Risk Assessment”. The project is led by RBG Kew and the Trust’s tasks are to collate all weather records for the region; Commission the first proper climate change analysis for the Falklands; Investigate the impact of climate change on vital ecosystem services-particularly soil characteristics such as carbon storage and subsequently on agriculture; liaise with colleagues in the University of Magallanes to source weather records for southern Patagonia.

• Remote sensing as a land management tool. The Trust has supported a project by Tom McAdam to investigate the use the 1956 aerial photographic cover of the Islands alongside more recent satellite imagery to measure soil erosion. This is important baseline monitoring of the long term impact of potential climate changes set alongside erosion risk.

• Development of academic links. Over its history, the Trust has developed strong academic links with several Universities which have been of great benefit to the island’s population. It is currently building on the links with, for example, University of Magallanes, Queen’s University Belfast and other appropriate institutions.

• Database of scientific publications on the Falklands. This continues to be expanded and developed with management input from the Soth Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI). With its background of research and contacts with the wider scientific community, the Trust is well placed and willing to assist in any such developments. Click here to access the database.