Every year on March 3, World Wildlife Day celebrates the importance of wildlife around the world. As a leader of conservation efforts in Galapagos, our organization is a key player. We work closely together with the Galapagos Park Directorate, as well as other partners, to contribute directly to the recovery and restoration of endangered species.
Protecting Galapagos’ Unique Biodiversity
©Galápagos Conservancy
Due to its geographic isolation, volcanic origin and marine currents, the Galapagos Archipelago has a wide range of endemic animals. Unfortunately, climate change and human activity have led to damage of several Galapagos eco-systems, leading to the extinctions of some species. Galapagos Conservancy has committed itself to reviving ecologically important species that are at risk of extinction, and restoring the habitats they inhabit.
Over 2,000 species are endemic to the archipelago, which is unique on Earth. It also has some of the highest endemism levels among oceanic archipelagos.
We are committed to protecting the Galapagos Islands’ unique species through our program ‘Iniciativa Galapagos,’ in collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Directorate. We are both actively involved in conservation projects under the program. These include protecting all species of giant turtles, land iguanas and Waved Albatrosses.
Galapagos: Challenges and commitments
©Galápagos Conservancy
Washington Tapia has highlighted the progress in wildlife conservation, and the unique Galapagos ecosystems, highlighting the importance of flora, fauna, and ecosystems. These emblematic species are essential to the Galapagos eco-systems’ dynamics and the ability of humans to benefit from them. He noted that biodiversity conservation and ecosystem recovery are essential for human well-being.
This World Wildlife Day we celebrate the fragile and rich biodiversity of our planet and its ecosystems. This day is a reminder that all living things are interconnected and we share the responsibility of ensuring the sustainability of the natural environment.
We also contribute to protecting wildlife worldwide by conserving marine migratory bird species who visit the archipelago all year round. Join us on our mission to protect, restore, and conserve Galapagos.
©Galápagos Conservancy
Strong ocean currents diverted the Dominican Friar Tomas de Berlanga‘s ship from its course 489 years before, and threatened disaster. Amidst the danger, however, came a unique encounter that would change history forever. Berlanga, his crew, and the vast ocean witnessed the Galapagos Islands emerge from the deep blue. This was the start of an amazing saga.
Berlanga’s experience was more than a mere discovery. It was a chance for mankind to adapt to nature and flourish in harmony. His vivid accounts describe a harsh terrain where each resource was a blessing in the midst of what seemed to be an empty ocean.
Legacy of Resilience & Harmony
©Galápagos Conservancy
The Galapagos Islands silently witnessed a remarkable tale unfold over the centuries. The history of the Galapagos Islands is one of resilience and connection to nature. From the first inhabitants to today’s population of more than thirty thousand, it’s a testimony to humanity. Galapagos is a unique place where adaptation and harmony with nature are valued.
Permanent Commitment To Conservation
We reaffirm our commitment to the future of this archipelago as we celebrate the anniversary of its discovery. But our efforts go beyond conservation, as we strive to create a sustainable Galapagos Islands where the community and biodiversity coexist harmoniously.
Galapagos Islands are much more than a tourist destination. The Galapagos Islands are a living example of how nature can adapt and thrive in unusual environments.
Let us celebrate this special day by taking a moment to reflect on our past, to cherish our present and to renew our commitment to protect the future of Galapagos. We extend our gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the preservation of this precious legacy, especially to our donors who have committed themselves to conserving Galapagos ecologies. We can work together to ensure that this natural marvel continues to inspire hope, and serves as a symbol for conservation around the world.
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- ©Galápagos Conservancy
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COVID-19 taught us many lessons. One of them was the importance to be self-sufficient. Noemi, an entrepreneur and a good example of this, shows us how local farming in Galapagos improves people’s lives and contributes to environmental conservation.
Role of local agriculture during pandemic
©Galápagos Conservancy
Families like Noemi’s have turned to agriculture as a way to strengthen their resilience. Isabela, where Noemi lives, is far from urban amenities, and presents several challenges for livelihood. Noemi’s family has found strength in cultivating the land.
Noemi, who is part of our Conservation Action Grants Program, cultivates carrots, cilantro and tomatoes as well as onions, peppers and peppers. These crops are distributed to local shops, which promotes the consumption of fresh produce that is free of chemicals, safeguarding the health and safety of Isabela residents.
Noemi is convinced that Galapagos’ environment can be preserved by local agriculture. She believes that the importation of products from the mainland could introduce pests and disease that are harmful to the unique flora, fauna and ecosystems in the Galapagos. Noemi stressed that it was important to grow food locally in order to reduce the risk of these pests and disease.
Supporting Local Sustainability
We are proud of our support for initiatives like Noemi’s project which helps to revitalize the local economy in Galapagos and empower rural communities. We also support local agricultural activities to ensure a stable food supply in the province and create employment opportunities.
Noemi’s project is a great example of how collaboration and dedication can have a significant impact on the conservation of an invaluable natural treasure. Galapagos supporters have generously donated to our cause, and we are grateful for their support. This will ensure the protection of the unique ecosystem of Galapagos, as well as a prosperous future both for the islanders and the Galapagos.
©Galápagos Conservancy
©Galápagos Conservancy
Washington Tapia, our General Director and Jean Pierre Cadena of the Galapagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Agency were present at the signing ceremony. Also in attendance was Sade Fritschi from Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment. Tapia said that “Galapagos Conservancy will play a vital role in fostering innovative studies. We are confident that information collected, including the genome description of giant turtles and other iconic species, is going to be instrumental in optimal management and conservation for the archipelago’s emblematic species”.
This agreement promises several important benefits:
- Precise Species Identification: The Molecular Analysis of Genetic Samples that can be exported now under this agreement, will allow the accurate identification and conservation of many species.
- Optimised breeding programs: Captive rearing programmes can be improved significantly by identifying the best breeding groups.
- Early diagnosis: Identification of high-risk diseases that affect endemic wildlife will allow for timely, effective response measures.
It will be crucial to make informed decisions regarding resource management and conservation for Galapagos that we can now analyze genetic samples taken from Galapagos using modern molecular-genetic technologies.
This initiative allows for a joint effort between Ecuadorian authorities and Galapagos Conservancy to conserve endemic Galapagos species.
©Galápagos Conservancy
©Galápagos Conservancy
Imagine a world devoid of the playful barks, sleek forms and graceful movements of the Galapagos Sea Lions. These charismatic and endemic creatures are important predators in marine ecosystems. These sentinels protect the balance and health of marine life. Their survival is at risk, as they face many challenges including climate change. We can protect these sea guardians and ensure that Galapagos Sea Lions thrive, as well as marine biodiversity for future generations.
Education and environmental awareness: Empowering young minds
Marjorie Riofrio is a researcher and professor from the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. She has spearheaded an initiative to engage young minds in this context. This initiative is more than just a simple rescue or protection action. Marjorie involves high school students on San Cristobal Island, in hands-on learning activities. She aims to cultivate environmental stewardship and build their capacity.
Collaboration for Impact
©Galápagos Conservancy
This initiative was implemented in June 2022 with the support of the Galapagos Science Center, and a conservation grant provided by the Galapagos Conservancy. The project involved 42 high school students aged 14-17 from different institutions. They attended monthly training sessions. The sessions included forums, workshops and field trips to help the students better understand these Galapagos species.
Making a difference in the community
They also monitor sea lion colonies in populated areas. They can then apply the knowledge they have acquired and develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
The results are clear: San Cristobal’s environmental awareness has increased significantly. This project has helped to increase awareness of the importance of protecting marine-coastal habitats and sea lions. Our work is not yet done. We can reach out to more communities with your help, and inspire future generations to conserve our planet.
©Galápagos Conservancy
This question has been discussed for centuries. Tortoises are a relatively new evolutionary radiation. They arrived in the archipelago, spread over its islands and volcanic craters only a few million years ago (in evolutionary terms a “wink in an eye”) and have been there ever since. They may not have matured into different species. On the other side, some populations separated by oceans for more than a million-years have evolved into quite different creatures.
©Galápagos Conservancy
Galapagos Conservancy funds this research, because the answer to the question will help us understand how best we can conserve the Galapagos giant tortoises. How can decision makers decide where to focus their conservation efforts on tortoises when they do not know what species is protected? Many biologists believe that if all tortoises belong to a single species then a few healthy populations in the archipelago are enough to “save the specie”. This is a belief held by many today, and one increasingly shared by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. If, however, every tortoise on every island or volcano represents a distinct species, all of them should be protected, as the Galapagos National Park Directorate, and many conservationists, have long believed.
A team of international scientists published the preliminary results of their investigation in a recent publication. The title foreshadows the key finding, “Whole genome sequencing confirms multiple Galapagos species.” They sequenced the entire genomes of 38 tortoises, including some that were functionally extinct (using DNA from museum specimens). The team found that Galapagos tortoises could be classified into as few as 5 species or as many as 13, depending on how they analyzed the data.
The real picture, however, is much more complex than “one or many” species. Each island and volcano in Galapagos represents a distinct stage in the speciation process, with some taxa more advanced than others. Imagine, for instance, that an Espanola (small, flat and saddle-backed) tortoise and an Alcedo Volcano (large and round and migratory) tortoise have been separated for at least one million years, but are clearly two different species. Some species are still in the process, however, like the tortoises that are scattered over the large and small volcanoes on southern Isabela Island. They’re virtually identical in size, shape and behavior.
This study shows that Galapagos giant tortoises cannot be considered as a single species. To do so is harmful to conservation. This finding provides further foundation and justification for the Government of Ecuador to continue its efforts to protect and restore giant tortoises “islandby-island” and “volcano-by-volcano.” Such an approach aims to save the entire swath of diversity and evolutionary history represented in the giant tortoise dynasty of Galapagos, which together represent the highest concentration of tortoise diversity on Earth.