Novarino Casillo: Local Champions Spotlight
Novarino Castillo is an example of this progress. A local farmer, his vision to build a greenhouse was given a boost by Galapagos Conservancy. Novarino Castillo’s farm is nine miles from Puerto Ayora and a great example of responsible agriculture. It produces a variety of organic products, including eggplants, papayas, and more. This project not only supplies the local community with food, but it also does so without damaging natural habitats.
Composting is essential for sustainable agriculture
Novarino’s farming philosophy is based on composting organic waste. Compost is a rich organic fertilizer that improves soil health without chemical additives. Novarino said, “This allows me farm without chemicals and contribute to the care for the Galapagos Islands while offering healthy food to my community.”
Mission and Approach of Galapagos Conservancy
Galapagos Conservancy’s initiatives are guided by our unwavering commitment to ecological conservation and sustainable development in Galapagos. Novarino is one of our active projects that encourages environmentally responsible farming. Promote productive and sustainable farming to ensure a steady supply of fresh foods while protecting fragile ecosystems. Such projects also fuel local economic development and encourage community participation in conservation efforts.
Novarino creates compost from decomposed organic materials, which he uses as organic fertilizer to enrich the soil and improve its fertility. ©Galápagos Conservancy
Community Engagement and Economic Development
Local farmers play a crucial role in the fight for conservation on the Galapagos Islands. Galapagos Conservancy supports citizen-led initiatives to provide sustainable solutions that will benefit the islands’ unique ecosystems and long-term health. We continue to innovate in Galapagos by combining community involvement and collaborative efforts to find ways to balance human activity with environmental responsibility. This blueprint for sustainable living resonates beyond the islands.
By promoting and strengthening conscious agricultural and livestock practices, we ensure the availability
of fresh food without endangering the delicate ecosystems of the Galápagos. ©Galápagos Conservancy
The yellow iguanas inhabit the lowlands in Galapagos. They were once widespread throughout the archipelago but are now restricted to a few places. Among them are three islands – Baltra, North Seymour and Santiago – whose fates past and present are closely intertwined.
This is the story
Galapagos Conservancy staff and Galapagos National Park Guards conducted a survey in 2022 of all iguanas across the islands. This included Baltra where land iguanas were extinct, but they have been reintroduced. Around the time of World War II, U.S. soldiers brought these iguanas to North Seymour as a joke from Baltra. Nearly 4,000 individuals now inhabit the island, a large number for such a small place. Iguanas have become so numerous that they are destroying the ecosystem of the island, which was not designed to accommodate them.
Not long after the war the Baltra population, which was the origin of North Seymour’s iguanas, went extinct – largely because introduced cats preyed on them. About 50 years after the cats were removed, iguanas from North Seymour were introduced to this island.
Recent island-wide surveys show that Baltra’s population of iguanas has rapidly rebounded. Nearly 2,500 of these fascinating creatures are now out and about. This is good news for the yellow iguanas but it could also mean more conflicts between humans and the reptiles on Baltra, especially at the airport where they have started to bask on the runways.
Where does the third island of Santiago fit in this story? The island used to be home to a large population of yellow-colored iguanas. Darwin commented on the fact that it was hard to pitch a camp in Santiago because there were so many burrows. The species was also eliminated in this area after invasive species decimated iguanas and their young.
Santiago is now a perfect habitat for iguanas. It could soon be the focal point for the translocation of land iguanas in North Seymour.
Galapagos Conservancy is planning an important mission to Santiago in 2023 to determine how to fully populate the island with yellow iguanas. This would allow the rapid rebuilding on Santiago, while also removing land iguanas in North Seymour where they don’t belong. Baltra would recover independently.
The story of three islands with their iguanas illustrates how interconnected efforts are in order to restore species on Galapagos. Scientists must take into account the unique characteristics of each island, while also adapting to any new opportunities that may arise.
Yellow land iguana ©Daniel Schweich
The majestic whale shark
The azure water surrounding the Galapagos Archipelago is home to a marine mystery that has captured the attention of explorers as well as nature lovers. The majestic whale shark is drawn to these waters for mysterious reasons. This story is about dedicated research, and the mission to preserve an iconic species.
Whale sharks (Rhincodon Typus)
The world’s biggest fish, it can exceed the size of a car. The skin of this fish is covered in white spots that create a pattern similar to a marine fingerprint. The majestic creature is found in tropical waters all over the world, and leaves an impression on anyone who has the good fortune to see it.
The mystery
Behind their beauty lies an interesting mystery. Researchers are trying to uncover a mystery about the Galapagos Whale Sharks: 99% are females, and appear pregnant. The islands are playing a vital role in the conservation of this species. Whale sharks migrate to Galapagos from July to September in what seems to be a long journey. Galapagos waters are home to expectant mothers who entrust their future to us. Galapagos Conservancy is at the forefront of this new era in research and conservation.
In 2021 and 2020
Galapagos Conservancy teamed up with researchers Jonathan Green, and Sofia to study the reproduction and life of whale sharks on the islands. The goal of the project was to uncover the secrets behind these magnificent creatures and help ensure their survival.
The Dr. Jorge Carrion
Our Director of Conservation pointed out that, beyond their beauty and rarity on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, whale sharks were classified as endangered. Studying these giants allows us to better understand their ecological importance in the archipelago. He said that the importance of this research cannot be understated.
The balance
It is vital to ensure marine balance in the Archipelago that every effort be made to study and preserve whale sharks. Whale sharks are a keystone species in the oceans and play a crucial role in marine ecologies. Its presence maintains balance in the marine food web by regulating the population of prey. Its migratory behaviour also contributes to the circulation and health of ocean ecosystems.
Scientists tagging a Whale Shark in Galápagos © Sofia Green
Save and protect this species
As guardians of the planet and lovers of nature, it’s vital that we all commit to protect these magnificent creatures in future generations. Each effort we make to protect these magnificent animals will have a direct impact on their survival, as well as the health and resilience ocean habitats that are vital to life on Earth. We can make sure that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty and richness of the oceans, and the whale shark, by uniting for this noble cause.
Whale Shark Day
Carrion said, “Every August 30th International Whale Shark Day gives us an opportunity to emphasize the importance of conserving a magnificent species.” We invite you join us in this valuable mission to ensure that whale sharks will continue to gracefully glide across the waters we all cherish.