IWC - Turtle time in Galapagos
6 November 2009
Since the dawn of time, life has existed and evolved to such an extent that today we have the most wonderful array of unique animals, birds and plant life all around the globe. But perhaps none as abundant and extraordinary as the life found in the ecosystem of the archipelago that is the Galapagos. A place unlike any other in the world, this volcanic system of life -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site -was the destination of a recent trip for a very small group of American and South American journalists intent on gaining better insight into the partnership between IWC and the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Environmental treasure
It was in January of 2009 that IWC first announced its support of the Charles Darwin Foundation and its efforts to preserve the environmentally rich and vital Galapagos Islands. Due to invasive pests, animals and other non-indigenous species, the Galapagos and its unique wildlife are threatened. In what may be one of the most important moves of our time by a watch brand, IWC pledges to support the non-profit organization in its objective to conserve and protect the archipelago, and to help CDF continue conducting scientific research there, through a considerable financial contribution.
IWC, long a proponent of green causes, is committed to the belief that the ocean and earth belongs to all of us. As such, the brand has built a special Galapagos Islands timepiece in its renowned Aquatimer family, from which a portion of the proceeds of sales will benefit the cause. The Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Galapagos Island watch - $6,500 - houses an automatic mechanism - 79320 caliber - and is a 44mm dive watch with chronograph functions. It is crafted in matt black stainless steel completely covered with black vulcanized rubber, a black dial and a black rubber strap. Water resistant to 12 bar, watch's caseback features an intricate relief engraving of the world-renown giant tortoise known for the islands.
Diving experience
Journalists on the trip through the Galapagos temporarily donned Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Galapagos Islands edition and other Aquatimer watches for snorkeling and diving experiences, where we encountered a wealth of fish, sea turtles and sea lions. Throughout the land tours, guided by representatives of the Charles Darwin Foundation, we were constantly exposed the pervasive plant beauty and native animals that define the island systems, and possibly life's evolution.
It was amazing to learn that Charles Darwin only spent five weeks here in 1835 conducting research and collecting flora and fauna samples. Yet he was so profoundly affected by what he saw that it laid the groundwork for his revolutionary scientific theory of evolution that eventually established the basis for modern biology. Our small group spent but a few days exploring Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Foundation and Floreana Island, a 120-person-inhabited isle where major restoration plans are almost underway.
Restoration effort
"Project Floreana is very important to us, it is a five-year restoration effort that will establish the baselines to help us eradicate harmful invasive species, and to reintroduced bird species like the mockingbird and tortoises to the island that have been missing after years and years of absence," says Mark Gardener, Director of Terrestrial Science, Foundation Charles Darwin.
"The projects here are important on a global scope, and the CDF needs to raise awareness of their efforts to control invasive species, to secure the wildlife and preserve Galapagos," says Benoit De Clerck, president of IWC North America. "This is a project we are passionate about, like we are passionate about our other environmental involvements, and about our watches."
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