The Alderney Wildlife Trust evolved from the island's conservation volunteer organisation in 2002 to help manage and protect Alderney's diverse habitats from the threat of new development and large scale agricultural abandonment.
Since then, the Trust has expanded rapidly, with a growing number of dedicated members and volunteers both on and off island.
The Trust's role within Alderney has also grown, with activities now ranging from environmental consultancy and implementing sustainable projects, to running surveys and species counts as well as creating new wildlife havens.
As a Crown Dependency, Alderney lies outside both the UK and European legislative framework for the protection of the natural environment, and its government lacks the resources to employ staff with training in nature conservation. Because of this, the Trust fulfils a unique role maintaining an active partnership with the local government and other Channel Island, UK and European conservation councils and research groups, to ensure the conservation of Alderney's wildlife. Its work focuses on the challenge of aiding Alderney's wildlife, whether it is recording the latest puffin sighting to building new footpaths along one of the island's reserves. The Trust also helps projects off island including scientific ecological studies, governmental planning and biological conservation schemes.

The Anguilla Archaeological and Historical Society aims are to protect and preserve Anguilla's shared cultural heritage; document and record findings of archeological or historical significance on Anguilla; encourage reports of discoveries or research of an archeological or historical nature on Anguilla; encourage the passing of supportive legislation on Anguilla; do all such other things as will promote the aims of the society.

The Society is made up of a group of dedicated volunteers. Current projects include the erection of signs at historical sites, planning for the Anguilla Museum project, identification of Anguilla shipwreck sites for future protection, and the recording of the historical events in Anguilla’s past. 

The Anguilla National Trust was established in 1993 to act as custodian of Anguilla's heritage, preserving and promoting the island's natural environment and its archaeological, historical and cultural resources for present and future generations. The Trust is working to oversee the management of all National Parks, Protected Areas, Heritage Sites/Buildings and the National Museum; establish Environmental Education Programmes for all Anguillians; and promote and preserve the expression of Anguillian culture; provide advice on matters relating to natural, cultural and historic resources.

The Trust's Facebook page gives regular updates on project activities such as the Sea Turtle Monitoring Programme; Wetland Bird Monitoring; Adventure Anguilla - a week-long outdoors programme that seeks to raise awareness amongst Anguilla's youth about the importance of and interconnections among the island's land, marine, and coastal ecosystems.

The Army Ornithological Society(AOS) members provide the Army's focal point for ornithological issues by getting involved in conservation work, bird counts and other MOD and civilian schemes through field trips, overseas expeditions and even scientific studies.

Past expeditions have visited Ascension Island, Belize, Canada, Croatia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Holland, Nepal, Spain, Thailand and The Gambia. Membership is open to serving and ex-Army personnel, other Services and their families, MOD employed civil servants and members of Commonwealth Forces. Contributing to the British Trust for Ornithology’s national bird atlas was just one small part of activities and, whether just starting out or with a detailed knowledge of birds, the Society welcomes all to its ranks and makes a point of developing interest through practical field activities.

British military ornithological societies have monitored the colony of sooty terns and other seabirds on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic since 1987. The first population census was completed in 1990 ten years prior to the commencement of the RSPB cat eradication on the Island. Sooty terns were closely monitored during the two years when cats were culled and now AOS continue the monitoring in the post eradication phase. Several reports and scientific papers have been published using the results of the surveys.

The Herpetological Conservation Trust (HCT) and Froglife merged in July 2009, forming a single strong conservation NGO. The new organisation is called the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and will continue the range of activities currently undertaken by Froglife and the HCT, while providing a stronger basis for conserving amphibians and reptiles in the future. ARC will continue HCT's membership of UKOTCF. In the UK, Overseas Territories and Europe, ARC is committed to ensuring that new legislation and policy-decisions fit the needs of wildlife, particularly amphibians and reptiles. They work towards influencing policy relating to agriculture, habitat conservation, wise water-use and planning. While being based in the UK, ARC has a global remit. Their main area of interest outside of the UK is promoting reptile and amphibian conservation in Europe and the UK's Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.

HCT has undertaken work in the UK Crown Dependencies. This has included a great deal of work in Jersey: surveying and monitoring species, habitat management work and providing conservation advice for the agile frog and green lizard; supporting the development of the action plan for the agile frog, making good links with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and promoting survey through the National Amphibian and Reptile Survey on Jersey and the Isle of Man. HCT also produced a draft Action Plan for the Bermuda skink Plestiodon longirostris and has attended three UKOTCF-organised Conferences.

With the financial support of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the HCT initiated a complete species inventory and overview of conservation and research priorities for the amphibians and reptiles in the territories. A working document has been produced (dated March 2009) and is available to download >>.

ARC is now working actively to further develop involvement in the UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, and will take forward the completion of this document.

We have a link to our Overseas Territories work at:
:http://www.arc-trust.org/europe/overseas.php though this can be found fairly easily from our home page.

Website: www.arc-trust.org
Contact: tony.gent@arc-trust.org

The Ascension Island Government Conservation Department was established in 2001 when the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) working with UKOTCF and its Members, funded the Seabird Restoration Project. Since then, the department has developed from a single Conservation Officer to a staff of 8, including dedicated volunteers, and receives support from the Ascension Island Government and other sources.

The Ascension Conservation Centre (of the Island Government) aims to conserve Ascension natural heritage by implementing the Government’s commitments under the Environment Charter. Projects include: seabird monitoring, restoration of habitats, re-introductions of endemic plants and environmental education.

Founded in 1966, the Ascension Island Heritage Society is an entirely voluntary body whose aims are to awaken public concern in, and appreciation of, the geography, history, natural history and architecture of Ascension Island, and to secure the preservation of features of historic or public interest. The Society relies on public donations and small profits from the sale of pamphlets for survival.

BirdLife Cyprus, which was formed in 2003, is a non-governmental, non-profit, registered organization (NGO) that works to conserve wild birds, their habitats and wider biodiversity in Cyprus, through research, monitoring, lobbying and conservation and awareness-raising actions. It is the National Partner of BirdLife International, a global partnership of nature conservation organisations working in more than 100 countries worldwide. BirdLife Cyprus is currently the most active conservation organization in Cyprus, and its work includes projects in the British Sovereign Base Areas (which are UKOTs), in collaboration with the SBA authorities. BirdLife Cyprus implements or takes part in research and conservation projects, including long-term monitoring programmes, and projects for the conservation of individual species and sites.

BirdLife Cyprus runs campaigns against illegal bird trapping and poaching, for the designation and protection of Important Bird Areas as Special Protection Areas, and in the areas of agriculture, education and awareness-raising.

Founded in 1954, The Bermuda Audubon Society is a non-profit making registered charity run by an Executive Committee of volunteers. The Society aims to conserve Bermuda's special bird life and habitats for the benefit of all.  Since 1963, it has acquired 15 nature reserves totalling some 60 acres, which it now manages.

The objectives of the Society are: to arouse through education, public recognition of the value of, and need for, protecting wild birds and animals, plants, soil and water, as well as the interdependence of these natural resources; to cooperate, as occasion prompts, with conservation agencies, and with private associations devoted to the interests of conservation and to education in the field of natural resources; to engage in such educational, scientific, literary, historical, philanthropic and charitable pursuits as may be a part of the aforementioned objectives.

The Society is concerned with the monitoring of birds in and around Bermuda and works with partners to ensure the protection of the only endemic bird species, the Bermuda petrel or Cahow, which breeds on Nonsuch Island.

The Society is a partner of the Buy Back Bermuda campaign, which aims to purchase areas of open space using public donations in order to safeguard them for future generations.  As a result of the campaign the Society is now involved in enlarging and restoring wetland habitats and protected areas which are now owned by the people of Bermuda.  

The Bermuda National Trust is a non-profit registered charity, founded in 1969 for the protection and preservation of Bermuda's natural and cultural heritage.

The National Trust cares for 70 properties representing much of the best of Bermuda's heritage - a rich variety of traditional historic houses, islands, gardens, cemeteries, nature reserves and coastline. In addition, three museums display an outstanding collection of artefacts owned and made by Bermudians, and tell the intriguing story of the island's development.

Historic preservation is the core activity of the Trust. Through ownership and stewardship programmes, the Trust has been able to renovate and maintain numerous historic buildings and properties.

The Trust plays a leading role in environmental stewardship in Bermuda, owning more than 250 acres of open space. Many of these areas are made accessible to the public for recreation and education, including Warwick Pond, Paget Marsh, Spittal Pond, Gladys Morrell Nature Reserve and Gilbert Nature Reserve. For responsible development of property by individuals or businesses, the Trust is supportive of the Bermuda Plan 1992 Planning Statement. The Trust, together with the Bermuda Audubon Society, is a partner of the Buy Back Bermuda Campaign aimed at the purchase of open space so that future generations can enjoy the natural environment of Bermuda.

Through collaborative efforts with various partners, the Trust's Environmental Conservation Office works on environmental projects, public programmes and issues of concern to the local community to determine the best course of action.

The Trust aims to develop educational programmes that make use of the Trust's resources to educate Bermuda about their history, preservation and the environment. Through relevant and engaging programmes, they aim to foster knowledge and stimulate interest, respect and appreciation for Bermuda's natural and human heritage.

The Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) was established in 1978. With a membership of 15% of all Bermuda residents, the BZS is one of the largest and most respected organizations in the community

Personal and corporate members, donors and volunteers offer generous support enabling the BZS to fulfil its mission. The goal of the BZS is to enhance the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) for the benefit of Bermuda, its residents and visitors. It does this by supporting the ongoing development of BAMZ and its educational and research programmes, and organizes special events and exhibits.

The United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust is a charity, registered in 1993. It was inspired by a keen awareness not only of the relevance of Antarctica to issues of global importance but also the need to recognise Britain’s long and distinguished part in Antarctic exploration and scientific research.

The United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust exists to preserve Antarctica’s historic past now and in the future. The Trust needs help to:

• conserve selected buildings on and around the Antarctic continent for the education and enjoyment of visitors.
• help with the acquisition and preservation of Antarctic historical artefacts.
• promote educational initiatives, stimulate interest in the scientific and human history of Antarctica and their relevance to the modern world.
• run a Friends of Antarctica membership organisation and maintain good liaison with kindred organisations.

The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands (formerly the "British Virgin Islands National Parks Trust" (NPT)) was established under the National Parks Ordinance of 1961 as a statutory body responsible for parks and protected areas. Over the past 50 years, however, the NPT has grown from a voluntary organisation to a professionally staffed operation.

Its responsibilities have also increased from managing one National Park (Sage Mountain) in 1964 to managing 21 National Parks, the last to be declared a National Park was Sandy Cay in 2008 and it is anticipated more parks would be declared in the future.

The Trust's work also includes Species Restoration, Marine Conservation, Reforestation, Historical Preservation, Biodiversity Research and Conservation and Youth Environmental Education.

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands exists to preserve natural environments and places of historic significance in the Cayman Islands for present and future generations. The Trust's work at this time focuses on Environmental Conservation through establishing a system of nature reserves and Historic Preservation, by the identification and restoration of Cayman's built heritage.

Public education is a strong element of the work of the Trust, with the understanding that developing widespread appreciation and awareness of Cayman's natural and historic heritage is critical to preservation.

The Trust instituted its Historic Plaque Programme in 1995, to increase the public's appreciation and respect for buildings and sites important to Cayman's heritage; to foster and encourage the preservation of privately owned buildings of architectural or historic significance; and to provide visual reminders of places of historic interest for residents and visitors to the Cayman Islands.

The National Trust's Environmental Programmes directly supports the Ministry of Environment. The area of Trust-owned environmentally important lands now stands at 1,980 acres thanks to land purchase (possible though cash donations), gift or crown transfer. Setting priorities for acquisition of protected areas and managing them once they are protected, requires scientific information about the Cayman Islands' natural environment. A detailed survey of our remaining dry forests has been a focus since 1997 with the launch of the Biodiversity Survey, together with ongoing environmental research facilitated by the Trust's Visiting Scientists Programme.

Certain endangered species unique to the Cayman Islands are faced with problems so severe that habitat protection alone cannot secure their long-term survival.  The Trust therefore also engages in several species conservation programmes. 

The Akrotiri Environmental Education and Information Centre was established in 2004 at Akrotiri village in the western Cyprus Sovereign Base Area. Its main purpose is to offer environmental education programmes to school groups from all over Cyprus. A primary aim is to promote the significance and uniqueness of the Akrotiri Peninsula through educational programmes and exhibits. The Centre receives organized school visits for environmental education, as well as individuals, families and other groups for environmental information. It is part of the Network of Environmental Education Centres of the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Cyprus. Its main source of funding comes from the Sovereign Base Areas Administration and its operation is on the basis of cooperation between the Bases, the Republic of Cyprus, the local Community and various Non Governmental Organisations.

It has about 10000 visitors every year, of which half are with organised school groups for environmental education. The Centre provides various educational programmes based on an interdisciplinary approach which focuses on active participant involvement at all stages. The programmes are based on the important elements of Akrotiri Peninsula and use the environment as a natural classroom. Children familiarise themselves with environmental issues such as the connection of humans with their environment, through active involvement and critical thinking. They are given the opportunity to study some of the important elements of the area and meet local Akrotiri Village people who support ardently the operation of the Centre within their community.

The Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society (GONHS), founded in 1976, is a non-governmental, membership-based organisation committed to research into and conservation of nature in Gibraltar and the region of the Strait of Gibraltar. The Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society is active in a wide range of activities: 

• The Straits of Gibraltar Bird Observatory consists of members who primarily devote themselves to bird watching and bird ringing as well as other ornithological studies both in Gibraltar and in Spain. During easterly winds, the bird-ringers of the Famous Grouse Ringing Group catch, ring and release birds increasing knowledge of migratory birds.
• Ongoing marine projects include the building of artificial reefs and scientific monitoring of pelagic marine mammals in the Straits as well as marine life closer to shore. Members have helped with surveys, setting up boxes for bats and reintroduction projects.
• The Raptor Rehabiltation Unit is a specialised team dealing with the rehabilitation primarily of birds of prey, but of other birds also. Gulls and falcons regularly injure migrant birds of prey and others are taken illegally and need help to get back to the wild.
• The small but dedicated Invertebrate Section, is currently cataloguing Gibraltar’s largely unexplored invertebrate fauna.  Interests within the section include Molluscs, Isopods, Coleoptera (beetles), Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths) and Odonata (Dragonflies & Damselflies). The section is also very keen on identifying habitats that are of particular importance to invertebrates, particularly rarer species, with a view to making recommendations on their management and conservation.  
• The Caves and Cliffs section composed of experienced and skilled climbers provide a wide and varied supporting role, like rescuing birds from cliffs, seeking out rare plants, cleaning inaccessible areas.  They are also involved in research into the climate of caves.

La Société Guernesiaise was founded in 1882 to encourage the study of the history, natural history, geography and geology of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the conservation of the Bailiwick's natural environment and the preservation of its historic buildings and monuments. La Société:

• Publishes an annual Report and Transactions and regular newsletters
• Holds meetings, lectures, excursions and events
• Manages nature reserves
• Carries out research, gathers environmental data and maintains a research library and collections
• Publishes books and other publications
• Provides advice on conservation issues

La Société owns, leases or manages some 30 separate areas of land. These include the four major reed beds on the island, and some superb orchid fields, which are considered to be some of the best in the British Isles.

The Department for Environment Food and Agriculture has the following functions:

•  to support, and work in partnership with, the Island's agricultural and aqua-cultural industries in order to facilitate a reliable, sustainable and self-reliant Manx food chain that can both maintain and increase international and on-Island trade and create new trading relationships;
• to manage and develop support schemes for the agricultural industry and offer technical advice, training, education and non-commercial services to assist Manx agriculture to evolve in both a sustainable and profitable manner;
• to promote policies and actions to ensure we have a secure and sustainable future. In particular we will look at the challenges we all face as a result of climate change;
• to provide advisory, monitoring and regulatory functions which ensure our food is fit for human consumption, the public is not exposed to agents that adversely affect our health and no significant pollutants are allowed to be discharged into our water, land or air;
• to manage and protect fisheries and their supporting ecosystems within the Island and its Territorial Sea by working with the Manx fishing industry, anglers, wildlife groups and other stakeholders to develop innovative and dynamic management and marketing measures that seek to balance the social, environmental and economic needs of the Island and meet our international obligations;
• to sensitively manage and encourage recreational and commercial activity across the estate for the benefit of the public whilst ensuring that the plantations, National Glens and hill land are not detrimentally affected;.
• to monitor and protect tree health as far as possible and maintain the woodland environment and character of the countryside by rigorously enforcing Tree Preservation legislation as regards private felling and arbocultural operations;
• to work to ensure that the valuable resources of wild animals and natural habitats are properly managed and effectively conserved for future generations;
• to provide scientific support to all Government Departments, primarily in the form of an analytical and testing service.

The National Trust for Jersey is an independent and charitable organisation dedicated to preserving and safeguarding sites of historic, aesthetic and natural interest for the benefit of the island. Established in 1936 the Trust is now the island's largest private land owner caring for over 130 sites.

Within that number are a variety of historic buildings including five farms, four cottages, two watermills and various historic military buildings. However, the majority of the Trust's sites are areas of land, forming an integral part of the island's natural environment and encompassing a rich variety of habitats such as woodland, farmland, heath-land, meadows and wetland. The Trust employs 12 full time staff which includes a number of rangers and highly skilled craftsmen to manage and maintain its sites in accordance with its conservation policies.

Being a local self-funding charity and totally independent of the States of Jersey, the National Trust for Jersey is heavily reliant on donations and bequests for the funding of its essential programme of repair works and regular maintenance. An important part of the Trust’s income is also derived from the rental of its properties which unfortunately results in limited public access to many of its buildings. However, one can visit three historic buildings during the summer and except for sensitive conservation areas, all Trust lands are freely accessible providing a valuable opportunity for people to enjoy and appreciate Jersey’s countryside.

The Société Jersiaise was founded in 1873, and promotes and encourages:

• The study of the history, the archaeology, the natural history, the language and many other subjects of interest in the Island of Jersey;
• The works of the Jersey Heritage Trust and the Jersey Museums Service, and the provision of information and voluntary helpers;
• The conservation of the Island's natural environment;
• The preservation of Jersey's historical buildings and monuments;
• The publication of books and articles on topics of local interest;
• Exhibitions and displays of work;
• The collection of artefacts, books, paintings, photographs and maps of the Island;
• Through the Barreau Art Scholarship the encouragement of contemporary art by young Islanders.  

Jost Van Dykes Preservation Society is a not-for-profit organization, "'dedicated to the preservation of the island of Jost Van Dyke - its land, the surrounding sea, its living creatures, and its culture through conservation, cultivation, education, and research".

JVDPS is focusing on several projects: Maritime Heritage Programme (The building of a 32-foot wooden island sloop the Endeavour II and development of maritime heritage programme involving research, youth training and education with funding awarded by UNESCO); Community-based Programme Advancing Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (Baseline research and publication of an Environmental Profile for Jost Van Dyke, along with a number of public outreach activities and the development of a community research and monitoring programme); Protection of Native Fauna through Invasive Species Control (a programme to protect native birds and reptiles through feral cat and mongoose control).

Established in 1970 the Montserrat National Trust is the only NGO commissioned with the preservation of Montserrat's Heritage.

The dedication of its many volunteers has kept the trust alive and has been vital to the institution completing its many projects. The membership includes the local community and the vibrant Montserrat population now living overseas. Its daily operations are run by a staff of five with its organisational oversight provided by a board of executives.
The Trust's main objectives are:

• to conserve and enhance the beauty of Montserrat;
• to preserve and rehabilitate historical sites, including but not limited to buildings, monuments, documents, chattels etc;
• to preserve the fauna and flora of Montserrat. Making the public aware of the value and beauty of the island's heritage;
• to pursue a policy of preservation and act in an advisory capacity;
• to acquire property for the benefit of the island;
• to attract funds by means of subscriptions, donations, bequests and grants for the effective carrying out of the objects;
• to compile a photographic and architectural record of the above.

The Pitcairn Natural Resources Department is responsible for conservation and environmental matters on the four islands of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno.

The flora and fauna of Pitcairn is unique, with a number of endemic and endangered species. Challenges exist for nature conservation on the island, including invasive non-native species, soil erosion and infrastructural development issues. Careful environmental management is needed to ensure sustainable development.

The Natural Resources Department is working to ensure that sustainable development proceeds alongside environmental protection and conservation of local natural resources using the Environment Management Plan as a framework.

The Royal Air Force Ornithological Society was formed in 1965 with the aim of bringing together all those members and ex-members of the RAF interested in ornithology. RAFOS has an internationally renowned reputation, specialising in expeditions to remote locations. RAFOS has undertaken formal studies on behalf of the British Trust for Ornithology, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Scottish Natural Heritage, Bird Life International, the Cyprus Conservation Foundation, the Italian League for Bird Protection and Birds Australia.

Reports on all expeditions and field study are held in the RAFOS Library and are available for academic research. RAFOS publishes a regular Newsletter and a Scientific Journal.

Qualified Ringing study is undertaken in association with the BTO and follows its principles. Ringing is also undertaken on expeditions and field study where appropriate, assisting local projects. The Society supports ringing training and has a dedicated ringing co-ordinator.

RAFOS is always keen to contribute to bird study and conservation projects in Overseas Territories. Please contact the Field Activities Liaison Officer though the RAFOS Web-site.

The Royal Naval Birdwatching Society was established in 1946 to help and encourage members serving in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Women’s Royal Navy Service, in the observation and study of birds at sea, the RNBWS has widened its membership to include all those interested in Birdwatching who share a common background - the sea itself. Membership (including Associate Members from many countries overseas) averages 250, including many from the Merchant Navies of several countries, ocean weather ships, the offshore oil industry, passengers on cruise liners and yachtsmen. Reports received cover most sea areas of the world.

About seven tenths of the world's surface is covered with salt water, which provides the environment for nearly 300 species of seabirds, and across which many more species of land-bird travel during their annual migrations. Especially during adverse weather, these frequently take refuge on board ships. The problems of their identification and deduction of their seasonal distribution and migration routes, etc., are challenges providing a fascinating hobby for the seafarer, and such observations can be of unique importance to the serious ornithologist and conservationist.

The primary aim of RNBWS is to provide a forum for the exchange of information and observations of seabirds, and of land-birds at sea, by members for whom Birdwatching is first and foremost a hobby, and to provide advice and support to make best use of such opportunities at sea. The secondary aim is to co-ordinate the efforts of individual members using standardised recording methods, so that observations can be of value to the professional ornithologist ashore. RNBWS has close links with many other Organisations and Societies around the world. RNBWS has built up a reporting system using standardised recording forms - passage reports covering both seabirds and land-birds, seabirds census sheets, and for birds examined in the hand. The society has established a number of local representatives, both in home ports and in ports overseas, to provide a focus for Birdwatching activities when in harbour, or ashore.

The St Helena National Trust is an independent 'not-for-profit' organisation, launched in May 2002, the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the island, with the following purposes:

• to promote the appreciation, protection and enhancement of St Helena's unique environmental and culture heritage;
• to acquire and hold in perpetuity land of natural beauty or buildings and objects of historic or cultural interest for the benefit of people today and of future generations;
•  to give the people of St Helena stake in the future of their unique environmental and cultural heritage;
• to provide opportunities for enjoyment, education, recreation and spiritual refreshment.

The Turks and Caicos National Museum is a not for profit organization aimed at recording, interpreting, preserving, and celebrating the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its people and is run as an independent company with a Board of Trustees. It was officially opened on November 23rd, 1991. However, the first thoughts of a museum had been voiced during the excavations of the Molasses Reef Shipwreck between 1982 and 1986.

The Turks and Caicos National Museum is located on the island of Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands; it is housed in a lovely Bermudian style building (pictured), considered to be one of the oldest surviving private residences on Grand Turk. Its exact date of construction is unknown, but the style and some documentary evidence suggest it dates prior to 1850.

One of the premier exhibits in the Museum concerns the Molasses Reef Wreck. About 1513, on a reef located on the southern fringe of the Caicos Bank some 20 miles south of the island of Providenciales, a ship sank. This ship, known only as the Molasses Reef Wreck, is the oldest European shipwreck excavated in the Western Hemisphere. The Museum’s first floor is dedicated to what archaeologists, scientists, and historians have discovered about this wreck. The second floor of the Museum is dedicated to the History of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Some of the very interesting exhibits are its first (pre-Columbian) inhabitants, the Lucayans, along with Slavery and Emancipation, the Salt Trade, the Government, and TCI's famous stamps.

The Botanical and Cultural Garden is currently being revamped after the devastation of Hurricane Ike in September 2008. Tours of the Botanical Garden are scheduled to start in December 2010.

Turks and Caicos provides extremely good opportunities for bird-watching, and the Museum is partnering with UKOTCF to help establish bird-watching tours throughout Grand Turk, especially along the many salt ponds, which need protecting. These salt ponds are home to a unique variety of birds, and in situations in which water-birds regularly approach people much more closely than almost anywhere else in the world.

The Turks & Caicos National Trust is a membership, non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to the preservation of the cultural, historic and natural heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  It was founded in 1992, after the passage of enabling legislation by the TCI Government. The Turks and Caicos National Trust is governed by a Council which includes representatives from all the inhabited islands in the TCI.

The enabling legislation gives the Trust a wide variety of powers, among which are the powers to: identify, investigate, classify, protect and preserve any area, site, building, structure, or object of cultural, historic or natural significance; hold property in trust for the future, including the powers to declare such property inalienable and to provide public access; create a Heritage Register; promote public awareness through education; to preserve and propagate wildlife; preserve and promote our National Treasures

The Trust is supported by membership fees, private sponsorship and project grants and fulfils its mission by implementing a range of sustainable projects and initiatives, some of which are revenue generating and used to finance new programmes.

The Turks and Caicos Reef Fund was established to help preserve and protect the marine environment of the Turks and Caicos Islands - an environment that draws so many visitors to the islands and is critical to the survival of the islands themselves. Their goal is to dedicate 85+% of all funds raised through this effort to marine conservation projects each year. Funds will be generated by selling wristbands and dive tags to visiting divers, and individuals, groups and organizations can apply to it for grants for use in projects that will enhance the marine environment.

The TCRF has selected as its first project, in cooperation with the Turks and Caicos Islands Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources, the refurbishing and replacement, as needed, of the snorkel trail markers on the reef in front of the Coral Gardens Resort. The snorkel trail is an attraction that is well known and heavily utilized by visitors to the islands, but hurricanes, storms & algae growth has taken its toll over the past several years. Their goal will be to replace the markers and reef ball support stands and to regularly visit the site to perform cleaning and maintenance of the markers, reef ball stands and marker buoys for the benefit and enjoyment of all visitors.