To commemorate 44 years of the islands’ designation as World Heritage Sites, the first Cultural Festival Celebrating Galapagos Natural Heritage and Humanity, will be held on Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora. Bertha Corella is a Galapagos Islands cultural activist and recipient of one Galapagos Conservancy Conservation and Sustainability Action Grant. She will be organizing the festival, which she hopes will celebrate the preservation and strengthening of the islands’ cultural identity.

Experts in culture say it’s possible to raise awareness about environmental threats and promote conservation through the arts. Bertha hopes to increase citizen participation in the defense of Archipelago’s biodiversity and social responsibility to care for it through her initiative, which promotes the preservation of islands through art.

Bertha stated that culture contributes positively to society’s well-being. Bertha believes art can be a tool for socio-economic growth and environmental sustainability. Many regional artists including musicians, dancers, singers and painters will take part in the festival. They will share their work with others and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Islands. Bertha hopes to hold a Galapagos Cultural Festival every year on the 8th September in honor of the Galapagos Natural Heritage Site’s anniversary.

Galapagos Conservancy congratulates Bertha Corella on her initiative. A culture that safeguards, preserves, and upholds the natural wealth of the Galapagos Islands can only be built with the help of conservationists who encourage and support education for an environmentally-minded culture.

Participacion ciudadana en la defensa de la biodiversidad del Archipielago

Bertha quiere potenciar la participación ciudadana en la defensa de la biodiversidad del Archipiélago e incentivar el compromiso social para cuidar este Patrimonio © Bertha Corella

Galapagos Archipelago’s extraordinary biodiversity is known worldwide. It is not found anywhere else in the world. This important natural heritage requires ongoing conservation work. Island residents are vital to the Archipelago’s sustainability. Galapagos Conservancy supports community-based environmental initiatives in the Galapagos Islands. It places an emphasis on the conservation and enhancement of Galapaguenos’ capacity.

One example of such an initiative is the Jadines Botanicos project (Botanical Gardens), which is run by Mirian Silva, a Galapagos native. It helps preserve Santa Cruz Island’s native and endangered plants. Mirian says that her love for plants has been a constant throughout her childhood, and she is determined to preserve the Galapagos Islands native flora.

“I love Galapagos fauna and hope more people will be inspired to have a home with native plants. Plants at home can not only decorate the home but also control the humidity and clean the air. Mirian said that while they do release carbon dioxide at night they also give off oxygen during the day.

Mirian’s project also includes delivering native and endemic plants for Santa Cruz Island schools. Mirian stated, “I want to help preserve the iconic Galapagos flora such as scalesias, miconias, orchids and scalesias. She said that they reforest them in green spaces at local colleges and schools, and so contribute to the preservation of rare plants around the globe.

Galapagos Conservancy is proud support this project for native plant propagation, environmental education and sustainability through the Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship program (WISE).

Paul Salaman, President of Galápagos Conservancy; Mirian Silva, founder of the project; and Amy Doherty, Senior Director of Operations

Paul Salaman, President of Galápagos Conservancy; Mirian Silva, founder of the project; and Amy Doherty, Senior Director of Operations © Galápagos Conservancy