Galapagos: A Sustainable Approach for Recovering and Resusing Refrigerators
On the stunning Santa Cruz Island of Galapagos several people committed to environmental stewardship spearhead impactful conservation initiatives. One of these innovative projects is led by Galo Ponce, an entrepreneur and his team. It focuses on the recovery and re-use of refrigerants. This project is a major step towards achieving ecological solutions in the region.
In Galapagos, this is especially important as the world struggles with climate change. It is important to minimize any adverse effects on the local wildlife and vegetation, and to avoid atmospheric damage. These compounds are commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. If released incorrectly, they can contribute significantly to global warming.
Innovation and Applied Technology
©Galo Ponce
Galo’s method is eco-friendly and more responsible than some technicians who may emit harmful gases into the air during the extraction of copper from refrigerant canisters. His method involves connecting containers with residual refrigerants to a pump that extracts refrigerant and stores it in a tank. This process reduces pollution and demonstrates a commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
Education and Community Awareness
“Our project has a uniqueness because we are using sustainable technologies and providing training to the community. We’ve taught technical staff at both public and privately-owned institutions how to manage refrigerants properly, and shown them what their participation can do for waste treatment. Galapagos Conservancy funded this project, which acknowledges the importance of small businesses to environmental protection.
Positive Environmental Impact
This initiative shows how local action can contribute significantly to the global battle against climate change. The recovery and reuse of refrigerants is a way to conserve the Galapagos ecosystem and serve as a model for other communities facing environmental challenges. We would like to emphasize that these initiatives are only possible because of the generous support from our donors. You’re not only protecting a special location, but you’re also part of a global movement that can inspire positive change.
©Galo Ponce
We have reached a significant milestone in collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Directorate by conducting a comprehensive census of all nine populations, including Chelonoidis viscina, Chelonoidisguntheri, and HTML2_ Chelonoidis sp. HTML2_. This groundbreaking census thoroughly surveyed these populations, which reside in the southern volcanic areas of Isabela Island. It marks a significant accomplishment in our conservation efforts.
The Tortoise Tracking Project: A monumental task
©Galápagos Conservancy
A team of scientists and park rangers from the Galapagos Conservancy took on a massive task between January 2023 and December 2023. The team’s goal was to count the tortoises in the nine populations that live on the Sierra Negra volcano and Cerro Azul.
The terrain in these regions is rough and difficult to access. The team persevered in spite of harsh weather conditions such as intense sun or heavy rain. They have shed light on mysteries and challenges that these unique species face. Their efforts have yielded valuable scientific data vital for developing optimal conservation strategy.
Preliminary results after a year of expeditions
Scientist Jorge Carrion stated that the survey was the first ever complete count of tortoises conducted in the southern part of the archipelago. This monumental effort was made possible by passionate Galapagos conservationists. It provides updated and detailed insights into the conservation status for the tortoises of Southern Isabela and their ecosystems. He said that it was a “significant milestone”.
We have updated population data on two tortoise types following these expeditions. We carefully tracked and located a total number of 4,146 C. We located and carefully monitored a total of 4,146 C. guntheri tortoises. The morphometric measurements and the location of their tortoises were carefully documented in order to better understand their distribution. Our President, James Gibbs pointed out that the new findings have revised the estimate of C. Vicina on Cerro Azul Volcano to around 5,275 individuals, and 704 for Sierra Negra.
Scientist Washington Tapia is our General Director. He stated, “Following this rigorous scientific undertaking and the subsequent analysis of data, we now have not only updated information about population status and seasonal range, but also a thorough understanding of the challenges facing the two tortoise types inhabiting this region.” This information will allow us to make management recommendations and take specific actions in order to conserve the two tortoise species inhabiting this area.
Current Conservation Challenges
©Galápagos Conservancy
In Southern Isabela, our research team has identified threats to tortoises, particularly the newborns. C. Both C. Guntheri tortoises fight against invasive species. These reptiles are facing formidable threats from feral pigs, cattle, fire ants and rats. Feral pigs are a major threat, as they devour tortoise hatchlings and eggs. Washington Tapia said, “This is an urgent call to action, and we must intensify our efforts to protect these iconic species. The vulnerability of tortoises requires our immediate attention, and decisive actions.”
With our flagship program Iniciativa Galapagos developed in collaboration the Galapagos National Park Directorate we go beyond simple population counts. With the support of friends who are committed to conserving the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, we focus on restoring ecosystems by recovering ecologically important species such as the iconic giant turtles.
Conservation efforts by our organization for C. Vicina and C. Guntheri populations this year are testaments to the courage, resilience and commitment of our park rangers, as well as the scientists who have led the conservation efforts. Our donors’ generous contributions have been crucial in protecting and maintaining this important endeavor.
Galapagos giant turtles are essential to maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Galapagos Conservancy conducts scientific expeditions in order to manage the island’s population effectively. We are able to do our work because of the generous donations we receive from our supporters. With the support of our loyal supporters, we hope to continue to make significant contributions to conservation. Want to join us?
What can be learned from a single snout?
Scientists on Galapagos have developed a new technique that allows them to gather information about sea lions’ foraging habits. This will help to better understand the species ecology and their sensitivity to changes in the environment.
Stable isotopes analysis is a technique that measures the relative abundances of isotopes in animal tissue. This method is based upon the notion that each species’ unique signatures for these isotopes are revealed by those who eat them. A small amount of tissue can be used to determine what an animal has eaten. A similar technique to treering analysis is the sampling of tiny pieces of tissue, like a whisker from different body parts, at different stages in an individual’s lifetime. This allows you to not only determine what they ate generally, but also at what age.
Scientists collect samples of whiskers from Galapagos Sea Lion pups (Zalophus wollabaeki) and analyze isotopes in them. Sea lions have thick, stiff whiskers that grow slowly and remain on their muzzles for many years. By sampling and analyzing the whisker, you can determine what the sea lion ate at different ages and times of the year.
©Theresa Bucher
Researchers have studied the behavior of females sea lions in the pre and postpartum stage by analyzing the whiskers. The researchers found that female sea lions foraged differently and consumed different prey in these two phases. The sea lion mother ate different food before and after she gave birth to her pups.
Sea lions are now learning to eat more than just fish, as they were previously believed. This means that they will be able to adapt better than other species of sea life.
Scientists have discovered that one large colony of Sea Lions is actually made up of several subgroups, which forage and eat in different areas of the archipelago.
This information is combined with other data in order to create a complete picture of behavior and resilience
The Galapagos National Park Directorate uses the information derived from these analyses to create a management plan for this iconic species.
In the last four decades, the Galapagos Sea Lions and Galapagos Fur Seals have seen significant population declines due to the changing climate, pollution and invasive species. These pinnipeds have been listed on the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
©Joshua Vela
Dr. Diego Paez-Rosas is leading the research, a distinguished Galapagos Marine Scientist at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. He is supported by USFQ researchers and the Galapagos National Park Directorate. Paez-Rosas, who has been working on marine megafauna research for the past two decades, calls Galapagos pinnipeds the “sea sentinels”. By studying their behavior, they can gain insight into the health of the ecosystem.
Experts say that climate change has a tendency to increase the frequency and intensity of El Nino events, which increases ocean temperatures. This temperature increase in the Galapagos Marine Reserve causes a decrease in productivity, and the food resources of the pinnipeds become scarcer.
They have a diverse diet, which bodes well for their ability to adapt to future changes in marine life communities brought on by climate change. Their diet is diverse, which means they will be able to adapt well to the future changes that climate change may bring about in marine life communities.
Galapagos Conservancy Director of Conservation Dr. Jorge Carrion said that the research would produce baseline data to help conserve the Galapagos Pinnipeds. It will also allow researchers to examine the long-term impacts of climate change.
Galapagos Conservancy thanks Dr. Diego Paez Rosas for his contributions to the conservation and protection of Galapagos ecosystems. His research on the relationship between Galapagos Pinnipeds and climate change will help conserve these species.
©Joshua Vela
El Niño, which is a global climate anomaly, can affect the Galapagos Archipelago. El Niño-Southern Oscillation disrupts the ecosystems of the Galapagos Archipelago with increased ocean temperatures and rainfall. This affects marine species negatively, while benefiting some terrestrial species. It also challenges the cacti-dominated terrain and increases the risks from invasive plant species. El Niño will affect virtually all aspects of island life, according to Washington Tapia, Galapagos Conservancy’s General Director.
El Nino’s effects on terrestrial life: A balance between the two
©Joshua Vela
Galapagos Giant Tortoises These iconic creatures showed mixed reactions to previous El Niño events. Adapting to the 1982-83 El Nino, they moved lower in elevation. The 1997-98 event, however, caused many nests to flood and disrupt breeding, but increased food availability. This boosted growth and survival rates.
Landbirds Due to the increased growth of plants and insect production, these terrestrial birds, some of which are unique to Galapagos tend to increase their reproduction. The increase in breeding that occurs during El Niño is countered, however, by diseases such as avian pox.
Rodents and Invertebrates. Although limited data is available, certain rodents and reptiles are dependent on predictable rainfall patterns. Invertebrates are also likely to be challenged, especially by invasive species that thrive in moister conditions. Most species, however, thrive under El Niño because of the relief from drought that increased rainfall provides.
Plant life: Flora is generally more abundant during El Niño, thanks to the sudden abundance of water in a typically dry environment. However, some species are affected.
©Joel Sangolqui
Marine Fauna: Fighting the Warmth El Nino is a warming phenomenon that can be disastrous for marine species.
Green Sea Turtles and Marine Iguanas : As primary food sources diminish due to warmer sea conditions, this animals experience significant mortality during El Niño. This is exemplified in the 90% decrease in marine iguanas in 1997-1998.
Sea Lions During El Niño, sea temperatures rise and there are fewer fish for the animals to eat. This causes a drastic decline in their population.
Marine birds: Penguins and Flightless Cormorants are often seen to skip breeding. They also experience an increase in mortality due to lack of food and spread out widely looking for food.
Human Community: El Nino’s socioeconomic effects can put human resilience to the test.
©Barrett Walker
El Niño poses significant challenges for the Galapagos Islands’ economic foundations, especially in tourism and fisheries.
Tourism could be affected by climate change due to the decline of key species. This would affect visitor numbers and experiences.
The fishing industry is vital for local communities. However, it faces threats due to changes in marine species’ abundance caused by rising temperatures and changes in upwelling patterns – the process in which cold waters rich in nutrients from deep oceans rise to the surface. Modifications in the upwelling pattern can affect fish populations and disrupt the food chain. It is vital to ensure the sustainability of fishing practices and emblematic species in the face of climate change.
The human well-being can also be affected by invasive species. Flooding can also damage infrastructure, such as roads.
©Joshua Vela
Looking Ahead:
To ensure resilience for local communities and unique biodiversity, planning and anticipation are key. Tapia says that taking action now is an invitation to “protect our past and create a sustainable future on this iconic archipelago.”
El Niño, and the climate change it brings with it in Galapagos, are ultimately a call to global and local action. Galapagos is a unique jewel that requires collaboration, adaptation, behavior change, and conservation.
©Joshua Vela
Transforming Waste into Innovation: Oscar’s Galapagos Initiative
Oscar Guiracocha Andrade is a native from San Cristobal Island and he spearheads an innovative conservation project in the remote Galapagos. Oscar’s initiative, supported by the Galapagos Conservancy conservation grant program, transforms plastic waste to sustainable accessories and promotes environmental stewardship.
Innovative Solutions for Galapagos Wellbeing
©Galápagos Conservancy
Oscar’s innovative approach to plastic pollution involves crafting customized items like cellphone holders and keyschains. One of the Galapagos Islands’ first mechanical arms was created using 3D printed technology and recycled plastics. This innovation improves the lives of residents on San Cristobal Island. It is a testament to Oscar’s commitment to the environment, which combines passion, ecological responsibility and innovation.
Oscar expresses his gratitude for the Galapagos Conservancy’s support and emphasizes that innovation is crucial to the health of Galapagos as well as its local community. Galapagos Conservancy support has catalyzed his commitment to find sustainable solutions for the natural wonderland and community’s wellbeing.
Contributions that transcend Galapagos
Several entrepreneurs have made their dreams a reality, thanks to the generosity of donors. Galapagos Conservancy played a crucial role in initiatives such as Oscar’s. This legacy of conservation and change was created by the Conservancy. These contributions have a lasting effect and foster transformations which contribute to a brighter future for the Galapagos Islands.
Donor contributions have supported more than 160 conservation projects and initiatives that were led by Galapagos locals, primarily women entrepreneurs, since 2021. These initiatives are not only important for the conservation of wildlife, but they also contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the local community. We are grateful to our readers for their support, and we invite them to help us continue our mission of creating a vibrant and sustainable Galapagos.
©Galápagos Conservancy