MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Stunning South Georgia website.

A new web site promoting awareness of the island of South Georgia's beauty, wildlife and heritage has been launched from the Royal Research Ship Discovery by Project Atlantis team of the University of Dundee, accompanied by two members of the Scottish Parliament, Robin Harper and John McAllion.

Schoolchildren were the first to see the new web site on the Discovery, linking the ship's historic journey to the Antarctic with the city's ongoing interest and contribution to the Antarctic environment. Children from St Mary's Primary School, Dundee High School, Our Lady's Primary School, Grove Academy and Newport Primary School were on the Discovery to try out some of the interactive learning activities on the wildlife and environment on the web site.

"Valuable environmental resource"
Robin Harper said: "I am hugely pleased to be involved in launching such a valuable environmental resource. It is vitally important to have a learning facility included in environmental projects so more and more people become aware of the dangers our planets faces. This web site combines environmental information on South Georgia with learning activities to enhance our knowledge of the natural environment."

The Project Atlantis team involving Steve Ellis, Elaine Shemilt and Brigadier David Nicholls have been working on the website since their visit to the island eighteen months ago.
Partly funded by the South Georgia government, the website is an invaluable educational resource for those studying environmental sciences or for others with an interest in this beautiful island whether they are scientists, historians, academics or visitors. The site covers the island's history, wildlife, science, exploration, fishing and tourist industries, and management. For schoolchildren, there are puzzles and quizzes to test their knowledge of the natural environment.

Refuge for endangered species
South Georgia's geographical position and worldwide ecological significance make it a useful barometer for climate change. It is one of the last refuges for some endangered species, such as the graceful Wandering Albatross and the little South Georgia Pippit. South Georgia's history is also a lesson in how man has over-exploited living resources on this planet; the island has been the grizzly site of the near extermination of the fur seal in the 19th century and whales in the 20th century. A section on visitors provides guidance on how to get to the island and where to go. Extensive links are available to other Antarctic educational and environmental websites. At the British Antarctic Survey station on Bird Island scientific research is conducted on seals and sea birds, whilst at King Edward Point scientists undertake applied fisheries science. The once thriving capital of whaling in the South Atlantic is now a whale sanctuary where a few whale species can occasionally be seen close in shore.

The museum in the Manager's villa at Grytviken Whaling Station houses a large range of artifacts that depict in detail the island's history. Not least, clothing and items used by Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men during that epic journey across the island from King Haakon bay to Stromness in 1916.

FCO funding and praise
The Foreign Office contributed £50,000 towards creation of the website. The Foreign Office Minister responsible for the environment, Denis MacShane, said : "I am pleased that the FCO's Environment Fund for the Overseas Territories has been able to support the work of the researchers at the University of Dundee to develop this sophisticated and comprehensive website. It brings the beauty of South Georgia and its natural heritage to a worldwide audience.

"We are confident that it will also provide valuable focus to the aims and objectives outlined in the Territory's Environment Charter and its Environmental Management Plan which provide the framework for the long-term protection and management of the Island's natural and cultural environment.

"The website aims not only to raise environmental awareness and contribute to sound and safe management, but also to provide an online educational resource. I commend it to all with an interest in this exceptional part of the world."

The website address is www.sgisland.org

Harold Briley, (MP)London