Additional (local) news will follow soon with our publication of the next Tayf. As scientific progress continues through publications on Socotra, new papers appear in the fields of geology (e.g., soil degradation) and biology (e.g., origin of Socotran people, plants or animals through molecular techniques). Our knowledge on biodiversity still expands, as several new animal species have recently been described. Increased international attention since the UNESCO World Heritage Nomination has offered opportunities for conservation efforts, but at the same time, recent changes seem to be strongly negative for the environment and the pristine, authentic view of the island (cf. opinion paper in news list).

Fairly recent, worrying phenomena are unofficial reports about the increase in export of endemic Soqotran species (plants, animals or derived products), and the import of invasive species, major threats to the island’s biodiversity.

The Friends of Soqotra is still alive in 2009 and actively pursues its efforts in increasing awareness on conservation of the Archipelago’s natural and cultural heritage.

We hereby would like to welcome you to the AGM 2009 of FoS, held at Tübingen, Germany, 4-6 September 2009, kindly hosted by Dr Dana Pietsch. We would like to invite participants to join in the discussions and to propose a lecture by emailing a subject and (very) short outline to our Secretary (Rowan) by June 30th, consisting of views and recent developments in any field of knowledge. We will then assemble the programme, to follow in July. For registration and requests on the venue, please contact Dana directly (dana.pietsch@uni-tuebingen.de). I would like to apologise that this meeting falls in the Holy Month, and any inconvenience this may cause.

You can find details on the venue among the attachments with this email, and I hope to see you there,With best wishes,

Kay Van Damme ( )
Chairman FoS

Dana Pietsch ( ),

Rowan Salim ( )

Organising Committee AGM 2009
http://www.friendsofsoqotra.org/