Mangroves are of global importance
Mangroves grow along tropical or subtropical coasts. They grow in muddy soil and salty water, forming dense forest with roots that are adapted to tide changes. The mangrove ecosystems are vital to the marine-coastal biodiversity. The mangroves also play a vital role in coastal protection, stabilizing the shores and reducing erosion. They also act as natural barriers to coastal flooding.
Galapagos Mangroves
Galapagos has four distinct species of mangrove: the red mangrove (also known as black mangrove), white mangrove (also called button mangrove), and black mangrove. Each species has its own adaptations. The white mangrove, for example, has roots called pneumatophores that extend upwards from the soil and allow the mangroves to breathe oxygen even when the soil is waterlogged. These characteristics are essential not only for the survival and growth of these trees, but also in the marine environment.
The Galapagos archipelago is home to a variety of marine species that are essential for their complete life cycle. These include pelicans and frigatebirds as well as sea turtles and sea lions. They also provide habitats for reef fish species such as snapper and bacalao, which is a type cod.
Charles Darwin Foundation has recently released a study that highlights the importance of mangroves to the Galapagos archipelago in terms of their ecological and socioeconomic value. The study found that only 5% mangroves in Galapagos were fully protected against extractive activities by the Marine Reserve Zone established in 2001.
Commitment to conservation
On International Mangrove Protection Day today, we would like to highlight the importance of protecting these ecosystems, as they are a vital component of global environmental health. We can ensure that the mangroves in Galapagos, and other places, will continue to provide their valuable environmental services by working together and implementing effective conservation policies.
Shark Diversity
At least 35 shark species live in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, including the hammerhead, Galapagos, blacktip, whitetip, and whale sharks. This amazing diversity highlights the importance of Galapagos marine ecosystems, and the urgent need to protect the sharks in this unique region.
Challenges and threats
Sharks are the top predators of marine food webs. Sharks are under serious threat from pollution, climate change and illegal fishing. Sharks are important for maintaining the health of our oceans. It is vital to implement effective conservation measures.
The scalloped Hammerhead ( Sphyrna Lewini) is one of the most vulnerable species in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Its population has decreased by more than 80% over the past 75 years. This statistic shows the urgency of taking action to save this species. The Galapagos Marine Reserve discovered the first scalloped-hammerhead nursery only in 2017.
Research and Conservation
Since 2021, Galapagos Conservancy funds a vital research project under the direction of park ranger Eduardo Espinoza. This project is designed to examine the complex behaviors, migrations, and habitats used by key shark species for reproduction and feeding in Galapagos water. Data collected is not only essential to our scientific understanding but also for the design and implementation of effective conservation strategies. Espinoza stresses that “understanding the fundamental aspects of these species is essential for developing conservation strategies that protect these impressive predators and also contribute to the maintenance of the overall health the marine ecosystem.”
Photo: ©Galapagos Conservancy
Economic and social impact
Sharks are a vital part of the Galapagos Archipelago’s marine ecosystem, and they also play an important role in the local economy. Shark sightings are a major part of the marine tourism industry in the region, which makes up a large portion of its economy. Visitors from all over the world come to see these amazing marine creatures and swim with them in their habitat. Sharks enrich the tourism experience and provide employment for locals.
Marine Conservation Commitment
Our general director, Dr. Washington Tapia emphasizes Galapagos Conservancy’s deep commitment to participating actively in joint efforts to promote harmony between humans and sharks. Dr. Tapia said, “We aim to secure a resilient future of these iconic species by “…advocating the implementation of policies that will ensure their effective protection and promote long-term conservation.”
The generous contributions from many individuals have made our involvement in protecting Galapagos Sharks possible, and reflect our unwavering commitment to marine conservation. We all contribute to the health of Galapagos sharks, and the marine ecosystems that they inhabit, by funding conservation and studies.
Sharks in the Archipelago: An inspiring story that shows how collaboration can help protect our marine life.
Photo: ©Bob Hoffman
The only lizards that can swim in the sea are Galapagos marine Iguanas. The iguanas are expert swimmers that feed on algae, which they collect with their three-pointed teeth by scraping the surface of submerged rocks. The success of these creatures in hatching and surviving is an important indicator of the health of marine environments.
The Journey Begins
During nesting season, the female marine iguanas dig nests on the beaches of Galapagos. The iguanas incubate their eggs under the warm sun for approximately three months after laying them. The small marine iguanas emerge from the well-buried eggs when it is time to hatch. They then make their way to the surface through the sand. It is an important time in their life, because they are facing a variety of natural predators including gulls and hawks as well as cats. Iguanas that have just hatched use their agility and instinct to run quickly to the rocky areas at the edge of water where they can survive with adult iguanas.
Ecological Importance & Conservation
Marine iguanas, which are only found in the Galapagos Islands, play an important role in the marine eco-system. They regulate the growth of algae and facilitate the flourishing other marine organisms by consuming algae.
Marine iguanas, despite being resilient, are still threatened by climate change, pollution and the introduction of invasive plants, all of which threaten their survival. It is important to continue to work to protect this fascinating creature and its unique habitat.
Our conservation director, Dr. Jorge Carrion emphasizes the significance of this event. He said, “The hatching marine iguanas are crucial for the health and sustainability of the Galapagos eco-system. These iguanas play a vital role in the dynamics of our ocean communities. “It is essential to the biodiversity of the islands that they are protected and ensured their survival.”
Photo: ©Linda Green
A Chance to Support Conservation
Galapagos’ iguana hatching season is a great opportunity to observe and learn. This natural event can be witnessed up close by visitors, who will gain a deeper understanding of these amazing reptiles.
Continue conservation efforts to protect marine iguanas, and their habitat. We can ensure that this natural phenomenon will continue for future generations by protecting these creatures and the environment they live in. Our donors and conservation-minded individuals are essential in achieving these goals, and protecting the biodiversity and ecosystems which make Galapagos such a unique and valuable place.
Photo: ©K. Wukitsch
A Galapagos Conservancy Board Member enabled the purchase of equipment for DNA sequencing through Goldman Sachs gives. The equipment transfer and gift was made possible by an Inter-Institutional Cooperation Agreement, which was facilitated in Ecuador by the Conservando Galapagos Foundation, ABG’s operating arm.
Galapagos Conservancy also provided ABG with additional resources in order to improve quarantine controls through the automation of the Sworn Declaration of Goods. This is a requirement of all visitors to Galapagos. This process is currently done using manual forms that are distributed during flights. The new digital system online will eliminate paper, reduce errors and increase efficiency.
Jean Pierre Cadena is the Executive Director of ABG. He stressed that ABG’s donation and collaboration with Galapagos Conservancy would enhance their diagnostic capability. The new equipment will speed up analysis and allow for immediate response to new threats, he said.
Galapagos Conservancy’s Director General, Dr. Washington Tapia emphasized our organizations’ shared commitment to Galapagos conservation, stressing the importance of close collaboration with local authorities and community. This shared responsibility is essential to a sustainable future of the archipelago.
Photo: ©Galapagos Conservancy
Galapagos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site requires constant vigilance. ABG’s work is crucial in mitigating the threats that face this unique archipelago. We continue to work with ABG, thanks to the support of our donors, in order for them and us both, to regulate and control the risk of introducing or spreading exotic species, which could threaten biodiversity, local economies, and the health of residents and tourists.
We are delighted to support and contribute to an institution that is working tirelessly to conserve the Galapagos ecosystems. Our donors’ unwavering support has been integral to our conservation effort. We are grateful.
Photo: ©Galapagos Conservancy
Galapagos National Park Directorate has unveiled a newly upgraded Forest Nursery located on Santa Cruz Island. The nursery, named Hernan Carrion Nursery to honor the distinguished park ranger, is now open. This is a significant step in conservation efforts on the islands.
Dr. Washington Tapia is our General Director and he stressed that this initiative reaffirms Galapagos’ unique biodiversity. He said that the Galapagos Conservancy was privileged to be a part of this project which helps to maintain the diversity of plant species on the archipelago.
Ecological Restoration Projects: Role of the NGOs
Santa Cruz Tree Nursery is not only a center for the production of native and endemic plants, but it also serves as a cornerstone to conserve the unique ecosystems on the archipelago. The nursery, managed by conservationists, is vital in propagating the seedlings that are crucial for restoring ecosystems degraded by invasive species. Recovery efforts must be made immediately.
Celebrity Cruises and GNPD have partnered since 2014 to allow approximately 35,000 tourists the opportunity to plant 72,000 seedlings on 28 hectares of Santa Cruz highlands. This partnership fosters a direct connection with nature and strengthens Galapagos as a top tourist destination.
Fausto Arcos is the General Manager for Celebrity Cruises Ecuador. He said, “We’re honored that our guests participate actively in these projects. They create a connection with nature, and contribute to the sustainability of such a remarkable environment.”
Planting Hope and Knowledge on Galapagos
Hernan’s Carrion Tree Nursery is a nursery that works tirelessly to cultivate native and endemic plants essential to restoring areas. They successfully cultivate between 20 and 25 000 Galapagos native plants each year. These include the giant daisy, the white wild coffee Galapagos Croton, and Darwin’s Daisy.
The nursery also serves as an educational tool by educating visitors and locals about the importance to preserve biodiversity. This project protects Galapagos’ unique flora and promotes sustainable practices across the archipelago.
This collaboration between GNPD and Celebrity Cruises and Galapagos Conservancy is a beacon to maintain the ecological integrity of Galapagos eco-systems.
Photo: ©Galapagos Conservancy
Galapagos Protected Areas: History
Galapagos is divided into two protected areas. The Galapagos National Park was created in 1959. It covers an area of 8,720 square kilometers (20,720 sq miles), which is 97% of the land area of the archipelago. The Galapagos Islands are renowned worldwide for their exceptional biodiversity and volcanically active landscape.
In 2001, the Galapagos Marine Reserve was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It originally covered 50,000 square miles (133000 square kilometers) making it the largest marine reserve in the world. The Hermandad Marine Reserve (or “Brotherhood”) was created in 2022 to increase the marine protected area from 50,000 square miles to 76,000 square kilometers. The expansion also includes a no-take zone, responsible fishing zones, and a protection of migratory species such as whale sharks and hammerheads sharks.
Protected Areas: Their Vital Role
It is important that on the National Day of the National System of Protected Areas we highlight the vital role these protected areas play in protecting the marine and terrestrial biodiversity of Galapagos. Protected areas are not only important for conserving animal and plant species, they safeguard the natural heritage of the archipelago. They also play an important role in the wellbeing of the local communities by supporting the thriving ecotourism sector that is the backbone of the Galapagos economy.
Galapagos Sustainability Commitment
We are proud to be able to support the Galapagos National Park Directorate with its efforts to conserve and maintain the protected areas on the archipelago. Their exemplary management is a model for conservation of fragile ecosystems around the world.
We have witnessed both challenges and achievements in protecting this natural treasure. We remain committed to supporting scientific research, environmentally responsible activities and activities that encourage a sustainable relationship between people and nature on Galapagos. We are thankful for the support we receive from our donors and strategic partners. Their commitment allows us to continue our mission of protecting the Galapagos Islands.