Founded in 1996, the SubAntarctic Foundation for Ecosystems Research, Inc (SAFER) is a non-profit corporation established to undertake ecological restoration work and research in the Falkland Islands and other high-latitude ecosystems. SAFER is incorporated in the U.S. state of Ohio and is registered with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a 501c3 organisation. Donations to SAFER from U.S. taxpayers are therefore tax-deductible.
Peat problems
In 1985, British Armed Forces were on Bense Island for a training exercise and somehow started a fire (no one has admitted exactly how).
Read more
Invasive species
The biggest ecological issue on the SAFER Islands was the presence of introduced mammals: rats, mice, and rabbits.
Read more
After the pests have gone
In the winter of 2016, SAFER undertook an operation to eradicate the pest mammals (mice, rats, and rabbits).
Read more
Pest Eradication
An important step in restoring the islands’ ecosystems was the removal of the invasive mammal species that were introduced in the late 1800s.
Read more
Science and education outreach
In April 2025, SAFER’s Director, Peter Carey presentation on how expedition-style cruise ships are providing critical support for scientific research in the polar regions.
Read more
Restoring the historic shanty
The Bense shanty, built in 1926, seen here in 2023. This is the state it was in when we began the restoration.
Read moreIf you would like to support SAFER with a donation, we welcome your contribution.
Please click below to see our donation options.