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
A Renewed Collaboration
In a simple but moving ceremony, Danny Rueda and Washington Tapia signed the agreement to renew cooperation and reaffirmed the commitment to pooling resources and efforts to ensure conservation and sustainability in Galapagos. Tapia said that the renewal of this agreement signifies our commitment to protect this natural treasure for the benefit of local communities and humanity as a whole.
Iniciativa Galapagos (The Galapagos Initiative)
Our cooperation revolves around the program Iniciativa Galapagos. This is a massive research and conservation project between Galapagos Conservancy, and the Galapagos National Park Directorate. It reflects our commitment to ecosystem restoration and recovery of endangered species. Iniciativa Galapagos is based on a solid foundation of knowledge, conservation and adaptive management.
The renewed agreement will allow us to continue with this initiative, as well as other vital efforts. We can use science to guide the recovery and restoration of species that are essential to Galapagos ecosystems.
With the renewal of their agreement, Galápagos Conservancy and the Galápagos National Park Directorate can continue to lead Iniciativa Galápagos, a joint program based on scientific knowledge and adaptive management. ©Galápagos Conservancy
A Foundation of Trust and Support
Our agreement renewal with the Galapagos National Park Directorate does not just represent a formality, but is a sign of the mutual trust which has developed over the years of collaboration. Our environmental authority shares our trust in our commitment to Galapagos. We share this trust with our generous donors as their support allows us to carry out conservation actions that will protect the unique ecosystems on the Galapagos Archipelago over the long-term.
Tapia, who is optimistic about the future, says that we must continue to be dedicated to science, conservation and adaptive management to ensure the survival of this unique corner of the globe. He said, “We are excited by what we can accomplish together in the future with your support and renewed commitment.”
The Galapagos National Park Directorate has placed a lot of trust in us, and this is what drives us to work unreservedly with Galapagos. We also value the continued support from our donors who are the engines that drive the progress of these vital conservation efforts. The Galapagos Archipelago is a benchmark for conservation around the world thanks to your support. Together, let’s continue to protect the natural treasures for future generations. Let’s write an historic chapter on Galapagos conservation.
Park ranger Marcelo Gavilanes (L) and our Director of Conservation, Dr. Jorge Carrión, conduct
ecological monitoring of critically endangered pink iguanas as part of Iniciativa Galápagos. ©Galápagos Conservancy
Expedition Challenges and Aims
From September 11 to 21, this team of dedicated conservation champions undertook a challenging journey to Wolf Volcano. They grappled with rocky terrains under intense sun and light drizzle that caused temperature fluctuations throughout their trek. This endeavor is part of the conservation activities undertaken by Galapagos Conservancy and the Galapagos National Park Directorate through the Iniciativa Galapagos program.
The expedition had the following objectives:
- Close observation of pink iguanas and giant tortoises.
- The deployment of advanced technology to enhance ecosystem research.
- The search for tortoises carrying genes from Pinta Island species.
Among other activities, the team prioritized monitoring the elusive and critically endangered pink iguanas. They also expanded the network of camera traps on the volcano. These cameras will play a pivotal role in observing wildlife in their natural habitat. Additionally, the team installed rain gauges to collect precipitation data and gain insights into the volcano’s climatic patterns.
A Notable Discovery at Wolf Volcano
One of the expedition’s highlights was the discovery of a female tortoise bearing similarities to the species from Pinta Island, home of the renowned Lonesome George, the last tortoise of his kind, who passed away in 2012. While tortoises with a high genetic makeup of this species were identified in 2012, subsequent searches did not reveal any more individuals. This finding, although not entirely new, is especially significant given the belief that the genetic lineage of Pinta tortoises was vanishing. The found specimen was fitted with a satellite tracking device, allowing our scientists to monitor its movements and gather crucial information for future conservation efforts.
Dr. Jorge Carrion, our Director of Conservation, underscored the significance of ongoing support for these endeavors: “Conservation is a collective effort. Every discovery, every new piece of information, brings us closer to ensuring a sustainable future for Galapagos. However, we cannot do it alone; it is vital that we all do our part.”
Dedicated members of Galápagos Conservancy gather data from a giant tortoise during the expedition. Every measurement brings us closer to understanding and protecting these iconic creatures. ©Galápagos Conservancy
Analysis and Projections Following the Expedition
“Many might think that the end of an expedition is the end of our efforts, but in reality, the on-site work is just the beginning. What follows is intense, meticulous analysis and interpretation of the collected data, which can take even longer than the expedition itself,” commented Carrion. This is where science leaps into action to understand and protect our natural heritage.
Currently, scientists and conservation officers from Galapagos Conservancy are deeply engaged in recording and thoroughly analyzing the data collected during the expedition. After completing this detailed study phase, plans are in place to publish the findings. These insights will be crucial in outlining management recommendations and conservation measures to propose to the environmental authority, which will ensure ongoing protection for these species and their habitats in the archipelago.
Why These Expeditions Matter
Expeditions and the subsequent analyses are not merely scientific endeavors; they represent the lifeblood of ongoing efforts to conserve and amplify Galapagos’ unique legacy. This archipelago not only shelters natural wonders that have enthralled scientists and visitors for generations but has also become a global emblem of biodiversity. However, its beauty and uniqueness face constant threats, making every study, discovery, and conservation action a step closer to a protected and sustainable Galapagos.
As Carrion explained, “Every expedition offers us a unique opportunity to better understand the dynamics of these special ecosystems and reaffirm our commitment to their conservation.”
It is paramount that we, as stewards of this planet and its natural treasures, recognize the importance of supporting these efforts. Only then can we ensure that the natural heritage of Galapagos not only endures but thrives, igniting the passion and wonder of countless visitors eager to experience its unmatched beauty.
Adrián Cueva, committed to Galápagos conservation, delves into his
research of critically endangered pink iguanas. ©Galápagos Conservancy
Elevating local women
Belen Vasquez of San Cristobal, who lives in Galapagos Conservancy, was able to bring her artistic ceramic creations into reality thanks to the Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship grants. She was able to purchase premium clays and vibrant glazes for her ceramic workshop with the funds she received through the WISE grant. Her purchase of a ceramics kiln was even more important, as it represented not only the realization of her dream but also a major leap in her artistic endeavor.
Take the Pledge for Sustainability
TEMPORAL’s commitment to sustainability is a unique feature in an area that has a limited supply of ceramics and potteries. Each ceramic item is a unique, eco-friendly souvenir, made from earth and free of pollution.
Environmental Stewardship
Belen and her team are responsible for collecting plastic waste from beaches, which they then sort and recycle into souvenirs. These upcycled creations are not only a treasured memory of a Galapagos trip, but they also contain a piece of plastic waste that unfortunately drifts onto these pristine beaches from all over the world.
TEMPORAL’s Legacy
The impact of TEMPORAL on the community has a profound ripple effect. In order to fulfill its social responsibility, a part of the ceramic sales proceeds is used to sponsor art classes for children who are less fortunate on the island. This nurtures their artistic potential, and shapes the future cultural tapestry in San Cristobal.
We are proud of Belen’s efforts, which encourage individual artistic expression and highlight the urgent need to protect the Galapagos Islands. TEMPORAL is a powerful example of how art and sustainability can be combined to transform local communities and ecosystems. Do you want to be part of this mission to find sustainable ways to express yourself and your creativity? No matter how small the action is, it can make our planet greener.
