They act as natural ocean cleaners. The sea cucumbers clean the ocean by consuming debris and sediment. This activity is crucial for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. The sustainable management of sea cucumber fishing within the Galapagos Marine Reserve has a high priority, both from a socioeconomic and an ecological perspective.
On October 1, 2023, a new sea cucumber fishing season was authorized within the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The decision was based on strict technical criteria, outlined in a five-year fishing schedule and backed by extensive monitoring that indicated the sea cucumber population recovered enough. The opening of any fishing activity in the region must be approached with caution to ensure that this valuable marine resource is conserved and used sustainably.
Local fishermen can only harvest sea cucumbers if they have valid Artisanal Fishermen of the Marine Reserve licenses (PARMA), issued by the Galapagos National Park Directorate. The permits allow the holders to also participate in other fisheries approved within the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Commitment to sustainability and the future
On October 25, the Environmental Authority Resolution No. 203 for this year, which established a catch quota set at 600,000 sea cucumbers, was reached. On October 25, the 203 quota for this year was met. The commercialization of sea cucumbers and the transportation period ended on November 2, 2020.
This shows that the government is committed to finding a balance between resource use and conservation. The fishery was limited to certain islands while important conservation areas such as Bolivar Channel were designated as nurseries with no harvesting permitted.
Galapagos Conservancy supports an ecosystem-based management approach, which recognizes the ability of ecosystems to sustain local communities. This approach is demonstrated by the recent sea cucumber fishing, which demonstrates that it is possible for species and habitats to be conserved while still meeting local needs.
As part of the management measures to ensure resource sustainability, Galápagos enforces minimum catch size of 7.9 inches fresh and 2.8 inches processed for sea cucumbers. ©Galápagos National Park Directorate
Galapagos: A Global View
The Galapagos archipelagos efforts to foster harmony between humans and nature are an inspirational global model. The Galapagos Archipelagos’ practices and commitments demonstrate the possibility and necessity of a coexistence between humans and nature. This lesson is applicable worldwide.
Park rangers Galo Rueda (L) and Gonzalo Sevilla enforce fishing regulations in Galápagos to conserve marine resources. ©Galápagos National Park Directorate
Focus on Ecotourism & Sustainable Tourism
The teachers underwent a 40-hour intensive training program to integrate ecotourism in the Galapagos Contextualized Curriculum. The program was enhanced with hands-on fieldtrips organized by the ECOS Foundation. This foundation collaborated closely with civil society to create Experiential Learning Scenarios.
This educational strategy’s ultimate goal is to increase awareness of the importance of sustainable travel among youth. The facilitators stressed the importance of responsible resource usage and the role of sustainable tourism in the region as an important economic activity.
Galápagos educators display their zeal for learning, engaging in a comprehensive 40-hour training program focused on ecotourism. ©Galápagos Conservancy
Impact on Education and Community
Washington Tapia our general director highlighted the significant contribution of the institute to Galapagos Education. He said that the institute provides educators with essential tools to help them raise a generation of Galapagos conservationists who are aware of the island’s uniqueness and committed to its preservation.
The Educational Institutes are important in enhancing the curriculum and promoting sustainability. The institutes began in 2016 and have now become an annual fixture of the Education for Sustainability Program. This is a collaborative effort between Galapagos Conservancy (GC), the Galapagos District Education Directorate (GDED) and the Scalecia Foundation, under a framework of inter-institutional collaboration.
Jenny Macias is the director of the Education for Sustainability Program. She stated that this initiative goes beyond training teachers. The ultimate goal of the program is to raise environmental awareness and improve educational quality among more than 7,000 students in the province. Jenny said that by empowering teachers to use innovative and sustainable educational approaches, future Galapagos generation leaders will be shaped who actively contribute to conservation of the archipelago, as a social-ecological system.
Hands-on, experiential learning sessions core elements of the innovative teaching methodologies adopted at the institute. ©Galápagos Conservancy
At 29 years of age, Jean Pierre Cadena is already a leader in the world of conservation in this precious place. He holds a Master’s degree in Conservation Planning and Sustainability and puts his academic expertise into practice daily to the benefit of the flora and fauna of his incredible home. Currently, Jean Pierre leads aspects of native species conservation for the Park.
Among Jean Pierre’s most notable efforts to date has been his co-leadership work on the ecology and conservation of the Critically Endangered Pink Iguana. With very few numbers left, the Pink Iguana is one of the world’s most endangered species, but not much was known about their breeding behavior until this work carried out by Jean Pierre and Johanes Ramirez, the GNDP, and Galapagos Conservancy. With the support of Galapagos Conservancy, Jean Pierre and his colleagues have carried out vital work that has generated discoveries in only their first year of research on the status and behavior of this extremely rare iguana on the brink of extinction.
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Jean Pierre on the field ©Joshua Vela
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What does a typical day look like for Jean Pierre?
From the first light of dawn, Jean Pierre wakes up excited about what the day holds. Around 5:30 a.m., he rises and prepares the necessary materials for his fieldwork — work that can take him far into the wilderness of the archipelago. Due to the long days and the impossibility of returning to the camp during the day, Jean Pierre carries enough food and water to sustain himself for the day, with extra in case he gets stranded and is unable to return for days.
“The early morning hours are the most productive for data collection, as many species are more active during that time. Additionally, the weather conditions in the early morning are favorable for longer excursions,” said Jean Pierre.
These field trips usually last between 10 and 15 days, and during this time Jean Pierre immerses himself entirely in his conservation work. Though his days are often very intense, Jean Pierre never complains. He is in love with his work and knows that every moment counts.
Jean Pierre is convinced that supporting the development of young professionals from Galapagos, who will be the next generation of conservation leaders, is one of the best ways to contribute longterm to the archipelago’s conservation efforts. He says he greatly appreciates the support Galapagos Conservancy provides to young conservationists like him.
This young professional is an example of dedication and passion for the conservation of Galapagos. Jean Pierre’s commitment and contributions to species protection are truly admirable, and his inspiring story reminds us of the importance of preserving the archipelago’s unique biodiversity and working together to ensure a sustainable future for Galapagos and future generations.
Jean Pierre alongside park rangers ©Joshua Vela
Women empowerment in local communities
Belen Vasquez, a San Cristobal resident who lives in the Galapagos Conservancy in San Cristobal was able, with the Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship grant, to make her ceramic art a reality. The WISE grant allowed her to purchase high-quality clays and vibrant glazes, which she used in her ceramic workshop. The purchase of a ceramics oven was of even greater importance, since it not only represented the realisation of her dream, but also a significant leap in her artistic endeavour.
Take the Sustainability Pledge
TEMPORAL is unique in its commitment to sustainability, especially for an area with a limited number of ceramics. Each ceramic piece is an eco-friendly souvenir made of earth, free from pollution.
Environmental Stewardship
Belen and her crew are responsible for gathering plastic waste on beaches. They then sort it and recycle it into souvenirs. These recycled creations not only serve as a lasting memory of your Galapagos vacation, but also contain plastic waste from around the world that has unfortunately washed up on these beautiful beaches.
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Ceramic mug: A giant tortoise, symbol of Galápagos, immortalized in a work of art. ©Galápagos Conservancy
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TEMPORAL’s Legacy
TEMPORAL’s impact on the local community is profound. To fulfill its social responsibility a portion of the proceeds from the sale of ceramics is used to sponsor classes in art for the less fortunate children on the island. It helps to develop their artistic abilities and creates the cultural tapestry of San Cristobal.
Belen’s artistic efforts are inspiring and they highlight the need to protect Galapagos Islands. TEMPORAL shows how art and sustainability are combined to transform communities and ecosystems. Want to join this mission of finding sustainable ways to express your creativity and yourself? It doesn’t matter how small an action is. It can help make our planet more green.
Each clay piece tells the story of the ocean and nature, infusing art with the magic of Galápagos. ©Galápagos Conservancy
Fernanda, A Tale of Resilience
Lorena has written some of the most compelling stories. One of them is Fernanda. Galapagos Conservancy has endorsed the story which is set in Fernandina. The island seemed to have lost all spirit after La Cumbre’s devastating eruption. In 2019, however, the unwavering dedication of a team of park rangers, combined with the expertise of Galapagos Conservancy researchers, led to an incredible discovery: a giant tortoise that was thought to be extinct still roamed the island. This discovery was more than just an ecological victory — it symbolized hope and the potential to recover what had seemed irretrievably gone.
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A Beacon of Conservation
Fernanda’s story is a tribute to the resilience and conservation efforts of nature, reminding us of Lonesome George. This real-life conservation story shows that nature is resilient, even in the face of great challenges. It offers us opportunities to restore and protect our world, as well as marvel at its unique splendors.
Lorena says, “My greatest wish is that when children read my story they not only find enjoyment but also an opening window into the fascinating work of scientists in their quest for saving the species in Galapagos.” Lorena envisions a future where community, scientific research, and global awareness are intertwined, emphasizing the fact that everyone can play a crucial role in protecting the natural treasures on our planet.
Galapagos Conservancy is proud to support initiatives such as Lorena’s. These initiatives not only inspire hope, but also connect the world of science to the next generation by inspiring them through reading.
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Fernanda: the living symbol of hope. Once believed extinct, the giant tortoise reminds us of nature’s amazing capacity for rebirth. ©Galápagos Conservancy
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Identifying breeding zones to protect
Galapagos Conservancy and the Galapagos National Park Directorate have collaborated on a program that pinpoints shark breeding areas. Caleta Tortuga Negra on Santa Cruz Island, Cartago Chico and Puerto Grande, located respectively on Isabela and San Cristobal Islands, have been identified by scientists as breeding grounds for blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbitus) or hammerheads (Sphyrnalewini). These bays and coves are where juvenile sharks seek refuge from predators. They also find abundant food. They stay for two years in these areas before venturing out into the open ocean. The program has tracked 385 juveniles sharks since early 2022. This includes 215 males and 153 females. There are also 17 unclassified.
Engaging the Educational Community
The program doesn’t just focus on scientific monitoring. Galapagos Conservancy has supported the Galapagos National Park Directorate in incorporating an important educational component. Students from different institutions were able to participate in the project and weigh, measure and tag young sharks. The hands-on activity, combined with the guidance of environmental educators, provided knowledge on the importance of sharks and the ongoing conservation effort to protect this endangered species.
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With precision and care, the research team measures and tags a juvenile shark in a unique educational experience. ©Galápagos Conservancy
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Galapagos Marine Reserve Gems
Nature lovers can encounter these majestic creatures on a trip to Galapagos, home to the highest concentration of sharks in the world, by diving, snorkeling or taking a panga. The monitoring program emphasizes the importance and value of marine conservation, and aims to educate and engage the next generation on protecting our natural heritage. We can only ensure the future of the Galapagos Archipelago, and its underwater treasures, by understanding and respecting each species’s role within an eco-system.
Enthusiastic young people are actively involved in shark monitoring and conservation in Galápagos. Through hands-on education, they are contributing to the protection of these endangered species. ©Galápagos Conservancy