Interview with Ecuadorian Minister of the Environment
Gustavo Manrique was our guest and we discussed the current conservation priorities of the Ministry. Manrique served almost two years as Ecuador’s lead administrator for environmental issues. 1. What is the Hermandad Marine Reserve and what are its benefits? Executive Decree 319 established the Hermandad Marine Reserve. It is located on the northeastern corner of […]
Entrepreneur Revives Traditional Foods With Eco-Friendly Focus
Many Galapaguenos were forced to seek alternative jobs after tourism was cut off abruptly. Tania Quisingo, Santa Cruz Islander, made crisis into an opportunity by starting her family’s business, “Le Vid”, which sells healthy snacks. Tania started by selling granola and chocolate to her family, friends and neighbors. Tania’s mission to save traditional food in […]
Walter Chimborazo The Tortoise Expert
Walter and I can be found almost every day at the Fausto Llerena Giant Tortoise Breeding Center on Santa Cruz Island. To restore Galapagos’ most endangered species, I am a field assistant for the Galapagos National Park Directorate. We ensure their daily needs are met. The animals are fed fresh plants, such as Porotillo (Common […]
2 Cyanobacteria Helpful Indicator of Reef Ecosystem Stress
Galapagos Conservancy is a non-profit organization that protects and restores the Galapagos Islands. This challenge requires ongoing monitoring of the state of the ecosystems. Recent research by Dr. Jon Witman, Brown University, and co-funded by Galapagos Conservancy has shown that cyanobacteria rapidly expand in the rocky subtidal regions of central Galapagos. Cyanobacteria is a photosynthetic, […]
Increasing Waste Management Awareness
Today’s society produces enormous amounts of waste due to its unbridled consumption. Solid waste management is a major socio-environmental challenge for the entire world, even Galapagos. Teresa Jaramillo (a Isabela Island resident) has been leading the “Manos Reciclando”, a collective of 20 women dedicated to proper solid waste management, for the past five year. Recycling […]
Healthy Eating Habits Promoted by Galápagos Entrepreneur
Healthy, sustainable eating means eating more fruits and vegetables, and less animal products. These changes in diet have been shown to decrease obesity, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis and other cancers. Because plant-based foods are less energy-intensive than animal-based food, they also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Galapagos Conservancy funded a project to promote healthy eating […]