We celebrate World Recycling Day today, an ideal opportunity to remind ourselves about the importance of properly treating waste. The destruction of ecosystems caused by human waste has made it more important to protect them globally.

Recycling is not just the responsibility of environmental groups and institutions. Each of us must commit to this important practice to help our planet. We all have a responsibility to protect the places we love by recycling the containers we use.

It is important to promote recycling at an early age so that future generations will be aware of the advantages of living in a healthy environment. Recycling is a great way to stop climate change, reduce waste and protect natural resources. It also contributes to our health, and creates jobs. We must continue to recycle all recyclable materials such as glass jars and tins, cans and plastic bottles.

childrens recycling

We want to congratulate everyone who is aware of the importance and benefits of recycling on this special day. Galapagos Conservancy also supports initiatives by providing conservation grants to individuals who have conservation projects to reduce the impact on waste in the Archipelago.

Recycle! Every little bit helps to conserve Galapagos and our planet. Together, we can create a sustainable and positive future.

Happy World Recycle Day!

 

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization declared the 17th of May 2005 as International Recycling Day. This day is meant to educate the public about environmental conservation, as well as about the importance of REUSING and RECYCLING.

Galapagos Conservancy has been at the forefront in promoting sustainable practices. This article explores actionable steps that anyone can take to have a positive effect on the environment. We can all help to create a sustainable future, whether it’s by reducing waste or reusing and recycling materials.

Recycling

1. Reducing Waste: A Key Step Toward Conservation

Reduce waste. This is the most important and effective step of the three Rs. We can reduce our environmental impact by practicing conscious consumption and choosing eco-friendly options. Avoiding single-use plastics and choosing products with minimal packaging are some examples of everyday living. Planning meals and shopping locally can also help reduce food waste.

2. Reusing Items to Extend Their Lifespan

Reusing materials and products not only reduces waste, but conserves precious resources. Galapagos Conservancy encourages innovative methods to give products a second chance, such as reusing packaging or turning plastic into artwork.

3. Recycling: Turning Waste into Resources

Recycling can be a game changer when it comes sustainable resource management. Recycling has many benefits, such as energy conservation, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the preservation of natural habitats. Recycling plastics, paper, glass and other recyclable materials helps to conserve resources and prevent ocean and beach contamination.

4. Galapagos Conservancy Recycling Initiatives: Together we can make a difference

Galapagos Conservancy actively promotes recycling initiatives throughout the Archipelago. Explore the community-led initiatives, educational campaigns and recycling facilities that are driving positive change across the region. We can create a sustainable Galapagos by working with local businesses, communities and organizations to foster a recycling-culture.

5. How you can contribute to the empowerment of individuals

You can be a recycling champion. Everyone can help create a more sustainable Galapagos by implementing home recycling systems, supporting local recycling programs, and advocating for sustainability. Encourage your family, co-workers, and friends to recycle and adopt eco-friendly practices that will inspire others.

We can protect the Galapagos Islands, as well as other natural wonders, for future generations by reducing waste and recycling. Make recycling a part of your daily life to help make the Galapagos Islands and Earth greener. Together, we can have a positive, lasting impact on the world.

Conservando Galapagos (the sister organization of Galapagos Conservancy) signed a cooperation agreement with Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja, a private Ecuadorian university, in April. The agreement is designed to enhance education, research, social engagement, and collaboration in Galapagos by implementing joint projects, such as research and innovation, continuing educational courses, exchanges and mobility, technology transfers, internships and other future collaborative efforts.

Conservando Galapagos, the local branch of Galapagos Conservancy is committed to promoting and implementing activities for the sustainability and conservation of the Islands. UTPL, a leading university for innovation and sustainability aims to create an active and innovative educational model that translates directly into tangible results and a strong connection with the environment. This union is a significant step towards the sustainability of Archipelago.

The alliance between UTPL and Galapagos Conservancy will lead to a significant regional growth in research and education. Galapagos Conservancy, Conservando Galapagos and Conservando Galapagos have committed to enhancing education and professional development in the province. This will empower the locals who are the guardians of the terrestrial ecosystems and marine ecosystems that they depend on. The ability of the Islands to provide services and maintain their ecological integrity is dependent on research.

This agreement is a rare opportunity for Conservando Galapagos to work with UTPL on innovative solutions to environmental problems in Galapagos. The collaboration between Conservando Galapagos, the university and the foundation paves way for groundbreaking research. For example, the recent fungi studies that were funded by Conservando and conducted by UTPL. The two institutions will be able to leverage their complementary knowledge and resources, which will benefit Galapaguenos as well as the rest of the world, by joining forces.

Conservando Galapagos looks forward to working with UTPL faculty and students to enhance education and scientific research on Galapagos. By collaborating in this way, we are able to move closer to conservation and sustainability for these fragile and unique ecosystems.

Conservando Galápagos and UTPL
UTPL and Conservando Galápagos Team © Galápagos Conservancy
The Galapagos Islands is a natural wonder and home to species that are unique on Earth. Ecuador’s government announced a massive debt-for nature swap that will go towards conservation of the marine areas on these islands. Galapagos Conservancy recognizes the importance of this historic achievement in protecting the islands’ flora, fauna and ecosystems.

Marine reserves in the Galapagos Archipelago, Hermandad and other nearby areas are important breeding grounds for endangered species like whale sharks and scalloped-hammerhead sharks. It is vital to their conservation and protection that an international marine corridor be established across the Eastern Tropical Pacific. James Gibbs is the Acting President of Galapagos Conservancy. He says that this deal represents a significant step in protecting important migratory animals, like the critically endangered scalloped-hammerhead shark. It is an opportunity to speed up our conservation efforts.

Galapagos Conservancy – which has more than 140 marine and terrestrial projects – considers that this decision is a major achievement, and it will motivate them to continue their mission of conserving the Galapagos Archipelago, and its unique species. This historic swap of debt for nature will create a significant momentum that will help to secure the marine environment and species on Galapagos.

Galapagos Conservancy and the Galapagos National Park Directorate have worked together since 1985 to protect the natural resources on the islands, as well as share scientific findings for the conservation of the living laboratory. Its mission is the conservation of biodiversity and the environment in the Galapagos Archipelago.

Galapagos Conservancy commends the Government of Ecuador for this important milestone. It is a win-win situation that benefits the Archipelago and other countries in the region, as well as marine conservation worldwide. This agreement will improve the management of the Galapagos marine reserve and Hermandad, protecting the unique flora & fauna of these beautiful islands for future generations. Together, we can build a better future for the Galapagos Islands as well as the rest of the world.

Iconic Galápagos Landscape

Iconic Galápagos Landscape © Joshua Vela

Scientists from around the world discovered in the Galapagos Marine Reserve a coral reef that had been untouched for thousands years. Scientists from the United Kingdom and the United States made this amazing discovery during an expedition in the GMR between March 27 and April 22. The reef was discovered at the top of an underwater mountain which spans several kilometers in the middle of the Archipelago between the islands Santa Fe and San Cristobal.

Scientists explored a reef that spanned more than one kilometer at depths between 437 and 656 yards. They discovered its beauty, biodiversity, coral fossils, which provide valuable insights into the marine conditions of hundreds of thousands years ago. This pristine ecosystem’s discovery is especially significant, given that the El Nino events in 1981-82 and in 1997-98 resulted in a loss of 97% of coral reefs on the GMR.

Danny Rueda is the director of the Galapagos National Park. He highlighted the importance of this discovery and noted that these pristine eco-systems had never been studied or monitored before. He said that “our commitment is to continue monitoring the ecosystems and the biodiversity we have discovered”

The deep-sea submarine Alvin was used for the expedition, and it provided valuable information on little-known habitats. Alvin’s technology allowed scientists to collect data at depths that were beyond the usual range of 44-66 yards. Jennifer Suarez of the Galapagos National Park Directorate’s Head of Marine Ecosystems Monitoring said that this expedition allowed for a better understanding of these areas, and their biodiversity.

Washington Tapia is excited about the discovery of the reef, the first of its type in the Archipelago. Tapia emphasized the importance of this discovery, not only in terms of biodiversity on Galapagos, but also for paving the path for future research into the marine ecosystem.

Deep-water coral reefs offer a rare chance to observe their evolution in the face of changing climate conditions. It is important to note that this discovery highlights the importance of continuing exploration and monitoring the oceans in order to protect these delicate and unique ecosystems.

Atlantis expedition

Atlantis expedition © L. Robinson

Fernandina is the youngest island in the Galapagos Archipelago. It has an active volcano, and a pristine, untouched ecosystem. Fernandina Island is the third-largest island in the Galapagos Archipelago. It measures 642 square kilometers. However, its remoteness and inhospitable environment have kept humans away and protected it against invasive species. Fernandina, a natural treasure with unique beauty, is protected by this.

Fernandina is still a wildlife haven despite being one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Its latest eruption was in 2020. The caldera formed by the 1968 collapse of the volcano is now a small, still lake. The island is home a variety of species including iguanas (both land and marine), fur seals and penguins. It also has cormorants and finches.

Although the conditions on Fernandina are unlivable, it is an incredible place to visit. It offers a rare opportunity to experience nature and the Galapagos Islands’ pristine beauty. Scientists and park rangers use its unspoiled ecosystems for research and conservation. Fernandina’s biodiversity and natural beauty are dependent on its conservation.

Galapagos Conservancy, and its sister organization Conservando Galapagos’ Director of Conservation, Dr. Jorge Carrion said that the Galapagos National Park Rangers, who Galapagos Conservancy fully supports, are the key to the conservation of Fernandina. Carrion said that much work remains to be done and that “there are still many future challenges” to protect Fernandina’s unique natural environment.

Fernandina’s biodiversity is unique and has been unspoiled for thousands years. However, with the growing tourism in the Islands, as well as the threat from invasive species, it’s conservation becomes more urgent. We must act to protect Fernandina for future generations.

Sea Lion on Fernandina Island

Sea Lion on Fernandina Island © Joshua Vela