THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY - HONG KONG 

presents 

“A World of Expeditions”

by 

Dr. Alan Donaldson 

on

Monday, 29 October 2007

The Jardine Penthouse, 48/F Jardine House, One Connaught Place 

Complimentary Drinks Reception 6.30 pm; Lecture 7.30 pm 
 

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Alan Donaldson, leader of expeditions to almost every corner of the earth, to lecture on the pains and pleasures of expeditions.  Dr. Donaldson’s expeditions include secondary school expeditions all the way to teams of academics.  Dr. Donaldson constantly aims in all the expeditions for personal development not just academic excellence.  Locations of Dr. Donaldson’s expeditions include Aldabra, Bangladesh, Greenland, Iceland, Peru, Venezuela and China. Dr. Donaldson is particularly known as an educator and communicator with a love of science, particularly botany, ecology and all things environmental.  The lecture is finely illustrated by slides.   

Prior to entering the field of education, Dr. Donaldson was famous for years of research on the former British Atoll of Aldabra. Aldabra is a raised coral atoll in the Seychelles, virtually untouched by humans, with distinctive island fauna, including most famously the Aldabra Giant Tortoise. The atoll is home to the world's largest population of giant tortoises, numbering some 100,000 individuals.  The islands, are designated a World Heritage Site. They are also known for their green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and birds, including the Aldabra rail, the last surviving flightless bird of the region. 

Dr. Donaldson was to write the definitive algal flora of Aldabra Atoll, being awarded a doctorate, and led the programme of conservation for the atoll that was eventually to lead to it becoming a World Heritage Site.  Dr. Donaldson is presently active in research with former colleagues and is working with the Centre for Biology Information Technology, University of Queensland to develop ICT based educational material for the atoll. 

Dr. Donaldson spent some 30 years in the world of education with the aim of seeing as much of the British education system as possible including experience ranging from a comprehensive school to Eton.  Dr. Donaldson taught a range of science subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, General Science, Geology and General Studies but became interested in environmental, adventure education and personal development. Dr. Donaldson gained several National Awards which led to interests further afield and into international expeditions including to Bangladesh, Greenland, Iceland, Peru, Venezuela and China.  Dr. Donaldson’s other main interest is in tropical rain forest and in Peru was Jungle Leader for Operation Raleigh.  In Greenland, Dr. Donaldson was Leader for the British Schools Exploring Society. 
 

Dr. Donaldson now lectures and delivers workshops on a wide range of topics including to the Royal Geographical Society and travels widely lecturing to such institutions as universities, schools, colleges, natural history societies and Women’s Institutes.  Dr. Donaldson develops leadership and communications skills for a range of companies that include B & Q, Kingfisher, Jaguar, Whitbread, Rank, Hovis, McDougall and Nestle. Dr. Donaldson is a director of the Dukeshouse Wood Environmental Education Centre developing courses ranging from local ecology, geography and history to sixth form studies on tourism issues and the Adventure Licensing Authority. 

This lecture is being held in the fine surroundings of the Jardine Penthouse.  Members and their guests are most welcome to attend at HK$100 for Members, HK$150 for Members' guests and $200 for others. This includes a complimentary drinks reception prior to the lecture.