Galapagos, Author at Galapagos Islands Travel

Teachers’ Day is celebrated in Ecuador and we would like to express our gratitude to the 430 PreK-12 Galapagos Teachers who teach more than 7,000 children across four inhabited Islands. Galapagos Conservancy believes that education is the key to a sustainable future in the Archipelago. We support these teachers’ important work in shaping the next generations of leaders in conservation.

Teachers are at the core of the sustainability movement in the Islands. They use a project-based approach to engage students in learning about their community and environment, both inside and outside the classroom. Teachers have been leading units in the last year on topics such as marine and terrestrial biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, and renewable energy. Teachers’ unwavering commitment is crucial in inspiring and motivating their students to become advocates of conservation and sustainable development.

Galapagos Teachers faced a number of challenges as they adapted to the new online teaching methods. Teachers at Galapagos demonstrated a commitment to students and education that was exceptional despite these challenges. They continue to work tirelessly in order to improve their students’ learning.

We honor Galapagos educators today for their dedication and commitment to education. We thank you for sharing with your students your knowledge and experience and for your unwavering commitment to inspiring future generations.

We are committed as an organization to support education in Galapagos, and to partnering with teachers so that we can build a sustainable future. Galapagos Conservancy supports teachers in promoting conservation and sustainable development through innovative programs like Education in Sustainability. These include real-life projects, community involvement and engaging with the local community. These teachers are inspiring the next generations of leaders to protect their cultural and natural heritage.

Teacher and student © Galápagos Conservancy

Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22, a day to reflect on individual actions and their impact on the environment. This day reminds us that we must protect and conserve our planet.

Galapagos Conservancy, a non-profit organization that has been protecting this unique biodiversity and ecological treasure for 38 years, is dedicated to protecting it. The generosity of conservationists and donors, as well the dedication of islanders who are dedicated to conserving Galapagos, make our conservation efforts possible. Galapagos Conservancy works closely with Conservando Galapagos – a local sister organization that has a dedicated team of professionals who work to protect the biodiversity of the Archipelagos.Galapagos Conservancy has a commitment to sustainability, ensuring long-term conservation and the well-being for the inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands. We would like to thank the Galapagos National Park Directorate on this Earth Day for all their hard work protecting this Natural Heritage Site of Humanity.

Galapagos Conservancy is committed to protecting the environment. You can help by taking daily action. Reduce plastic waste at home by using reusable water bottles and bags, reduce energy consumption and water usage, and support sustainable products and businesses are all simple, but effective, ways to protect Earth. Even small daily actions can make a big difference to the health of our planet.

Let’s all celebrate Earth Day by remembering the importance of conserving and protecting our planet for future generation. We can make a difference by donating to Galapagos Conservancy and other conservation organizations. We can also participate in local conservation efforts or clean-up projects, and we can raise awareness of the importance conservation ecosystems and its biodiversity. Together, we can have a positive effect on the health and well-being of our planet. Happy Earth Day.

Sea Lions

Beach pollution on the Galapagos Islands has serious implications for the wildlife and local economy. Garbage on the beach can have a negative impact on fishing and tourism. It is therefore important to keep beaches and seas clean to protect the biodiversity of the area and to ensure the well-being and economic prosperity of the local people.

Galapagos Conservancy understands the need to address this issue and in 2022 supported a project of the Galapagos National Park Directorate. This project aimed to increase awareness of the negative effects of wastes on the ecosystems of the coast and ocean, the human health and local economies. On visits to El Garrapatero and Puerto Chino beaches, Punta Carola and La Loberia, 65 students collected 575 pounds of plastic waste and examined the distribution and presence of microplastics.

These microplastics, which are smaller than 5 millimeters in size, accumulate on beaches and oceans. Microplastics are formed by the degradation of large objects such as bags, bottles and fishing nets. These materials, despite their small size, take a very long time to break down and will never disappear in nature. They can be consumed by marine fauna, which could have serious effects on their health.

Washington Tapia is the General Director of Galapagos Conservancy. He stressed the importance of engaging young people in the fight to reduce pollution in Galapagos eco-systems. Tapia stated that the young people of Galapagos are the future and present leaders. By participating in beach clean-ups and learning proper waste management techniques, they will be able to acquire the knowledge and skill necessary to make responsible and sustainable choices in the future.

Galapagos Conservancy is happy to celebrate the success of the GNPD in implementing this project and proudly supports conservation initiatives that include Galapagos Students. We can protect the environment by taking responsibility for our actions and protecting it.

Beach clean up initiative with Galápagos students © Galápagos Conservancy

Galapagos Islands are known for their biodiversity and conservation efforts. They now make strides towards sustainable entrepreneurship. Lucia Galarza is a local chef who has been a successful entrepreneur. She now provides the island with high-quality, smoked tuna that was produced by sustainable fishing methods. Galarza’s venture, named Sin Lata has received funding for equipment and certification of food safety so that it can grow.

Sin Lata’s production of gourmet-smoked tuna in resealable jars encourages waste reduction and environmental protection on the Islands. It is an excellent example of entrepreneurship driving social change and protecting the environment. The tuna comes directly from local fisherman, which contributes to the economic growth and job creation in the community.

Yellowfin tuna is a rich source of nutrients and flavor. You will not only enjoy the delicious taste of Sin Lata smoked tuna but also support a vital project for the future Galapagos.

Galapagos, an ecologically sensitive area that needs to conserve its natural resources for the wellbeing of both wildlife and humans, is a region where initiatives like Galarza are vital. The National Park protects 97% of the Archipelago, and the Galapagos Marine Reserve covers the rest. It is therefore important to encourage sustainable economic activities which respect the integrity of marine and terrestrial eco-systems. Galarza’s smoked-tuna venture is a great example of how entrepreneurship and a positive environmental impact can coexist.

Galapagos Conservancy supports local entrepreneurs and residents who are committed to improving the quality and life of local communities and to protecting the environment. Galarza’s smoked ton is a great example of sustainable entrepreneurship. It should inspire others entrepreneurs to follow her lead. These initiatives strike a balance in protecting the natural heritage while generating sustainable economic opportunity that benefits all Galapagos residents.

Sin Lata product served © Galápagos Conservancy

Animal Balance’s Isabela Island Spay/Neuter Clinic, which treats cats and dogs on the island, is celebrating its first year as a milestone for peaceful coexistence between humans and pets. Animal Balance, a nonprofit organization that has provided veterinary services in Galapagos for 19 years now, opened its first physical clinic on Isabela Island. The clinic is a gathering place for collaborators and volunteers, as well as authorities and friends who are committed to conservation in Galapagos.

Since the clinic opened, 386 cats, dogs, and puppies have received surgical sterilizations, dewormings, and consultations from veterinarians. Each sterilization and deworming program is a chance for Animal Balance to improve the lives of the animals and their families.

Galapagos Conservancy and Animal Balance have been working together since March 2022 to control the cat and dog population on the Islands humanely through sterilization, education and responsible pet ownership. The Galapagos Conservancy is committed to protecting the fragile ecosystems and native species of the Islands by preventing the overpopulation of pets.

We congratulate Animal Balance on the one-year anniversary of the Isabela Island Spay/Neuter Clinic. The clinic is a great example of how collaboration among organizations and communities can improve the quality life of animals and people on Galapagos. This initiative has had a positive impact on Isabela’s community and the animals that live there. We hope it will continue to be implemented for many more years.

Dogs in Isabela part of the sterilization/spay project

Galapagos is not an exception to the global concern for conservation of ecosystems. Galapagos Conservancy is happy to see the island community get involved in nature conservation, and learn about the importance of protecting the Archipelago’s unique biodiversity.

Galapagos Conservancy funded an educational program of the Galapagos National Park Directorate, (GNPD), in 2022. This program provided environmental education experts with experiential learning opportunities and recreational activities for students from all over the Galapagos region. Students were inspired to be more connected with nature by having a closer relationship with it.

25 Galapagos Island residents received education talks on Galapagos corals. They also visited Punta Pitt, north San Cristobal Island. They participated in the coral monitoring activities of Lobe Coral ().

Corals are marine creatures that produce a calcium carbonate skeleton and live in symbiosis. Algae give corals food, and color. Coral bleaching is a process that causes corals to expel algae from their bodies when they are under stress such as rising sea temperatures. This can cause disease and even death. Corals in the Galapagos Archipelago are at risk due to a decline and degradation of coral population since the 1980s, primarily due to El Nino events.

Dr. Jorge Carrion, Director Conservation at Galapagos Conservancy, and Conservando Galapagos partner, stated that communities that are well-educated in conservation issues are more likely to take care of their environment and encourage practices that promote environmental care.

Coral reefs are one the most important ecosystems on the planet. They provide habitat for many marine species and protect coastlines from erosion. Carrion stated that coral conservation is essential for sustainable tourism in the area and protection of Archipelago’s biodiversity.

Galapagos Conservancy supports conservation initiatives by universities and citizens who contribute to the preservation of the island’s ecosystems. We congratulate GNPD for their ongoing efforts to educate island residents and younger people about environmental issues.

Students participating in coral monitoring program