May 17, 2023 - Galapagos Islands Travel

The Galapagos Islands is a natural wonder and home to species that are unique on Earth. Ecuador’s government announced a massive debt-for nature swap that will go towards conservation of the marine areas on these islands. Galapagos Conservancy recognizes the importance of this historic achievement in protecting the islands’ flora, fauna and ecosystems.

Marine reserves in the Galapagos Archipelago, Hermandad and other nearby areas are important breeding grounds for endangered species like whale sharks and scalloped-hammerhead sharks. It is vital to their conservation and protection that an international marine corridor be established across the Eastern Tropical Pacific. James Gibbs is the Acting President of Galapagos Conservancy. He says that this deal represents a significant step in protecting important migratory animals, like the critically endangered scalloped-hammerhead shark. It is an opportunity to speed up our conservation efforts.

Galapagos Conservancy – which has more than 140 marine and terrestrial projects – considers that this decision is a major achievement, and it will motivate them to continue their mission of conserving the Galapagos Archipelago, and its unique species. This historic swap of debt for nature will create a significant momentum that will help to secure the marine environment and species on Galapagos.

Galapagos Conservancy and the Galapagos National Park Directorate have worked together since 1985 to protect the natural resources on the islands, as well as share scientific findings for the conservation of the living laboratory. Its mission is the conservation of biodiversity and the environment in the Galapagos Archipelago.

Galapagos Conservancy commends the Government of Ecuador for this important milestone. It is a win-win situation that benefits the Archipelago and other countries in the region, as well as marine conservation worldwide. This agreement will improve the management of the Galapagos marine reserve and Hermandad, protecting the unique flora & fauna of these beautiful islands for future generations. Together, we can build a better future for the Galapagos Islands as well as the rest of the world.

Iconic Galápagos Landscape © Joshua Vela

Scientists from around the world discovered in the Galapagos Marine Reserve a coral reef that had been untouched for thousands years. Scientists from the United Kingdom and the United States made this amazing discovery during an expedition in the GMR between March 27 and April 22. The reef was discovered at the top of an underwater mountain which spans several kilometers in the middle of the Archipelago between the islands Santa Fe and San Cristobal.

Scientists explored a reef that spanned more than one kilometer at depths between 437 and 656 yards. They discovered its beauty, biodiversity, coral fossils, which provide valuable insights into the marine conditions of hundreds of thousands years ago. This pristine ecosystem’s discovery is especially significant, given that the El Nino events in 1981-82 and in 1997-98 resulted in a loss of 97% of coral reefs on the GMR.

Danny Rueda is the director of the Galapagos National Park. He highlighted the importance of this discovery and noted that these pristine eco-systems had never been studied or monitored before. He said that “our commitment is to continue monitoring the ecosystems and the biodiversity we have discovered”

The deep-sea submarine Alvin was used for the expedition, and it provided valuable information on little-known habitats. Alvin’s technology allowed scientists to collect data at depths that were beyond the usual range of 44-66 yards. Jennifer Suarez of the Galapagos National Park Directorate’s Head of Marine Ecosystems Monitoring said that this expedition allowed for a better understanding of these areas, and their biodiversity.

Washington Tapia is excited about the discovery of the reef, the first of its type in the Archipelago. Tapia emphasized the importance of this discovery, not only in terms of biodiversity on Galapagos, but also for paving the path for future research into the marine ecosystem.

Deep-water coral reefs offer a rare chance to observe their evolution in the face of changing climate conditions. It is important to note that this discovery highlights the importance of continuing exploration and monitoring the oceans in order to protect these delicate and unique ecosystems.

Fernandina is the youngest island in the Galapagos Archipelago. It has an active volcano, and a pristine, untouched ecosystem. Fernandina Island is the third-largest island in the Galapagos Archipelago. It measures 642 square kilometers. However, its remoteness and inhospitable environment have kept humans away and protected it against invasive species. Fernandina, a natural treasure with unique beauty, is protected by this.

Fernandina is still a wildlife haven despite being one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Its latest eruption was in 2020. The caldera formed by the 1968 collapse of the volcano is now a small, still lake. The island is home a variety of species including iguanas (both land and marine), fur seals and penguins. It also has cormorants and finches.

Although the conditions on Fernandina are unlivable, it is an incredible place to visit. It offers a rare opportunity to experience nature and the Galapagos Islands’ pristine beauty. Scientists and park rangers use its unspoiled ecosystems for research and conservation. Fernandina’s biodiversity and natural beauty are dependent on its conservation.

Galapagos Conservancy, and its sister organization Conservando Galapagos’ Director of Conservation, Dr. Jorge Carrion said that the Galapagos National Park Rangers, who Galapagos Conservancy fully supports, are the key to the conservation of Fernandina. Carrion said that much work remains to be done and that “there are still many future challenges” to protect Fernandina’s unique natural environment.

Fernandina’s biodiversity is unique and has been unspoiled for thousands years. However, with the growing tourism in the Islands, as well as the threat from invasive species, it’s conservation becomes more urgent. We must act to protect Fernandina for future generations.