Foundation

International Birutė Galdikas ecology charity and support foundation – a public legal entity established in spring 2008, after the world’s leading on orangutans and founder of the Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) scientist, conservationist, educator dr. Birut Filomena Marija Galdikas gave a proxy to establish under her name an international ecology organization. Under Lithuanian law the foundation has been completed. The main areas according to the Law on charity and sponsorship are to provide charity and support and other help for education, culture, science, environment, also to present the environmental problems to society of Lithuania in the light of international issues.

Vision: sustainable development – the quality we are seeking for, in order to keep the resources of nature and in respect of cultural and social diversity

The background of the International Birutė Galdikas ecology charity and support foundation reaches 2007 when Ms dr. Birutė Filomena Marija Galdikas during her visit in Lithuania for the award "Lithuanian Proud", gave a proxy to the Ūkio bankas to establish a foundation by her name – International Birutė Galdikas ecology charity and support foundation.

One of the cornerstones of the Foundation objectives - to support research on the environmental field, promote B. Galdikas work to enable Lithuanian students to cooperate with dr. B. Galdikas by sending students for traineeships.

Ūkio bankas is a socially corporate responsible company recognized by the United Nations Global compact in 2005. This financial institution supports higher education and socially responsible business, and in 2007, a professor B.Galdikas to the Ūkio bankas has given the power to establish by her own name an Environmental Foundation, whereas the Foundation legally and financially was granted. The proxy was given to fulfill legal requirements and in spring of 2008 the Foundation has been registered under Lithuanian law on charity and sponsorship.

Law prescribes the main activities for legal and natural persons who can provide charity and support in the field of educational, scientific and vocational development and education, environmental protection as well as any activities in other fields recognized as selfless and beneficial to society. Also the Foundation is sensitive to present to the Lithuanian society the international ecological problems.

At that time the intention to establish a close working relationship with the Lithuanian academic community and grant scholars for traineeships, was expressed to the President of the Republic of Lithuania Mr. Valdas Adamkus and Foreign Ministry officials during her stay in 2007 April.

The media and the Lithuanian authorities also drew attention to the scientific activities and accumulated valuable knowledge, which is very important to take the younger generation, as well as the need to promote the name of Birutė Galdikas in Lithuania and the world. In 2007 Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania together with the Lithuanian Union of Journalists hold an essay competition under the topic - "Man and the Environment". The first prize for the journalist, who has written about B.Galdikas activities in Borneo Island, was acknowledged to the journalist’s Rūta’s Duobaitė’s article "Return to paradise gardens" (magazine "Ieva" in 2007 Nr. VI).  

Lithuanian origin, scientist, not only known in Lithuania, which originates from her family, but also seeks tight up closer with Lithuanian scientific community, want to refer to it during the life of the accumulated scientific knowledge, is looking for followers. It is expected that soon the first time, students will have an opportunity in the island of Borneo in Indonesia practice their knowledge and gain experience, where at least 37 years working B. Galdikas.

In 2010 B.Galdikas was awarded with Order of Merit of Lithuania Officer's Cross, moreover Vytautas Magnus university inaugurated with Honory professor award.