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
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 © Galápagos Conservancy
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 © GNPD
The introduced mosquito was first identified in Galapagos in 2001. It is a vector for diseases like Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. Marilyn Cruz, the Executive Director of ABG explained that the project will eliminate the use of insecticides, chemicals, and other pesticides that are commonly used to kill mosquitoes. It also aims to eliminate the problem from the Islands in the long-term.
Six years of research have led to the application of the sterile insect technique for the first time in Ecuador. Experts took mosquito larvae from Galapagos colonies and sterilized them in a laboratory located on Ecuador’s mainland.
These sterile male mosquitoes can be released in Galapagos and mate with wild females. They will eventually extirpate, producing no offspring, and ultimately leading to their eradication. This method is completely eco-friendly, since it doesn’t require chemicals and only impacts the species.
Washington Tapia (General Director of Galapagos Conservancy) and Conservando Galapagos (Partner) congratulated ABG for their continued efforts to protect community and environmental health. He emphasized that “We reaffirm and continue to contribute to the fight against invasive species and to prevent more species from entering the Archipelago.”
10,000 sterile male mosquitoes released in Santa Cruz Island © GNPD
Today is an important date for Galapagos, and the entire world. The Galapagos Islands were discovered officially by Dominican friar Tomas de Berlanga on March 10, 1535. He was sailing from Panama, Peru, when strong ocean currents caused his ship to drift off course to the enchanted Islands.
Berlanga was the first person to provide official descriptions of Galapagos Islands. This is why Berlanga is known as the “Discoverer” and a pioneer in the union of the Atlantic and the Pacific.
Berlanga’s discovery of the Pacific Ocean’s last uninhabited islands was a major turning point in his life. Berlanga wrote to the Spanish king in a later letter. He said that it seemed as if God had rained down stones on Earth. Fortunately, Berlanga and his crew discovered water amid the volcanic terrain and inhospitable conditions at the Galapagos Islands. This is the name Spanish sailors used for the Archipelago. They were greeted by a large number of Giant Tortoises, which reminded them of an old saddle that was called a in Spain. Later, the Archipelago of Columbus would be named for these islands.
Patrick Watkins was the first permanent resident to the Galapagos Islands. He was an Irish sailor and was marooned on Floreana island between 1807-1809. Later, Watkins told of how he survived by hunting and growing vegetables before sailing to Guayaquil in an escaped boat.
According to 2015’s last census, 25,244 people live in the Galapagos Islands. This Archipelago is home to approximately 30,000 people. It has many unique ecosystems that support a wide range of animals and plants.
Galapagos Conservancy wishes Galapagos a happy 488th anniversary. This was the date that this natural wonder was discovered. We are deeply committed and will continue to work to preserve the Islands’ wildlife and ensure the wellbeing of its inhabitants.
Although the Galapagos Pink Iguana first became known in 1986, it wasn’t until 2009 when it was officially declared a new species. It is the only iguana species that can live and forage on the volcanic slopes of its natural habitat.
The Galapagos Pinkiguana, which is estimated to have a population of 200-300 individuals, is one of the most endangered species on the Galapagos Islands. Because it is a rare species and has a small population, habitat destruction and invasive species are all possible.
Galapagos Pink Iguana habitat and species are under threat. Conservation efforts are being made. The species has been listed as Critically Endangered. To protect the Wolf Volcano region, the Ecuadorian government has taken measures, including limiting access and monitoring the iguana populations.
Only scientists and conservationists are allowed to observe the Pink Iguana within its natural habitat due to these protection measures. This rare and stunning creature is an unforgettable sight. Hopefully, Galapaguenos will soon be able to see it in its natural habitat.
Galapagos Conservancy’s discovery of Pink Iguana eggs last year has given new insight into the threats to the iguanas and renewed hope for their survival. Galapagos Conservancy works to preserve the Galapagos Islands’ Pink Iguanas and other rare species by raising awareness and promoting conservation.