In Ecuador, the first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 (HPAI) was reported in November 2022. It affected wild birds and poultry in particular. To contain this highly contagious virus, the Ecuadorian government declared the country a national emergency for 90 days. 180,000 birds were killed.
As part of efforts to stop the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has taken preventative measures to safeguard wild birds on Galapagos. They have also strengthened biosecurity measures on poultry farms in order to protect their production.
Danny Rueda is the director of Galapagos National Park. He stated in a press release by the MAG that permanent monitoring was set up in areas where there is the greatest influx of seabirds. Some of these birds are migratory and all visitor sites to ensure wildlife safety.
The Agency for the Regulation and Control of Biosecurity and Quarantine for Galapagos (ABG), issued Administrative Resolution No. 035, which prohibits fresh or frozen meats, eggs, and day-old chicks from entering the country. It also bans interisland movement and organisation of events involving a concentration avian species.
Galapagos Conservancy, together with Conservando Galapagos are vigilant in this health emergency. We offer our support to the Galapagos National Park Directorate, ABG, and any other needs that may arise on the archipelago.
The new book, “” by Millie Kerr (wildlife journalist) takes readers on an international exploration of innovative conservation initiatives led by passionate conservationists to save some of the most endangered species in the world.
Millie argues strongly for “rewilding,” a radical new approach in wildlife conservation that seeks to prevent the decline of species and to restore whole ecosystems through the repopulation of endangered species.
We are pleased that Iniciativa Galapagos (previously Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative) is highlighted in “”. This partnership between Galapagos Conservancy (GNPD), and Galapagos National Park Directorate, (GNPD), emphasizes the role of Giant Tortoises for the recovery of Galapagos ecosystems.
Millie tells of the 50-person expedition that Washington Tapia, General Director at Conservando Galapagos and partner to Galapagos Conservancy led to find Giant Tortoises of unusual shell shapes. They were specifically looking for saddleback shells in contrast to the domed ones of the native Wolf Volcano. Tapia and his crew collected blood samples of 1,700 tortoises from the expedition. These were then sent to Yale. An analysis of blood samples revealed that the saddleback tortoises that were sighted in the area were a mix of Giant Tortoises and Wolf Volcani. This was many years later. Iniciativa Galapaos may now begin to reintroduce tortoise populations in Floreana, Pinta Islands using the same genetic makeup as centuries past.
Tapia stated, “We are proud to have Iniciativa Galapagos’ work recognized in the new book” and for our work in ecosystem restoration to be considered part of the solution.” Tapia stressed that the GNPD, Galapagos Conservancy and other organizations have been championing breeding giant tortoises and rewilding these Critically Endangered species for years.
Wilder’s success stories in conservation, like the one in Galapagos send a positive message at a critical moment in fighting biodiversity loss.
Galapagos Conservancy President Dr. Paul Salaman stated that “Iniciativa Galapagos is perhaps the most successful rewilding effort for any Critically Endangered species of Earth with a success rate exceeding 90% of young tortoises being repatriated into nature to ensure Giant Tortoises have an fighting chance of survival.”
Galapagos Conservancy has a commitment to the rewilding and conservation of the Galapagos Islands. The archipelago’s ecosystems have been affected by climate change, invasive species and overfishing. These pressing issues are being addressed in our efforts to ensure the long-term health of the Islands. Rewilding Giant Tortoises, the primary terrestrial ecosystem engineers, plays a crucial role.
It is difficult to care and love about something you don’t know. Education for Sustainability helps students and teachers understand the Islands and the wider world. Every action we take has consequences. Understanding the environment helps us all to make better decisions, individually and collectively.
Mayra Flores is a school principal on Isabela Island and a teacher. These thoughts were shared by Mayra Flores after the Galapagos Conservancy’s June Teachers Institute, which was the 11th week-long professional development event hosted by Education for Sustainability of Galapagos.
All 400 teachers in Galapagos have joined ESG to help students learn core subjects within the context of global and local sustainability issues. This includes interdisciplinary learning, experiential learning outside the classroom, connections to local experts, and learning while tackling real-life problems.
The ESG Program has been developing 60 teacher-leaders since 2017. They are now able to duplicate the instruction provided by program staff throughout each year. Teacher-leaders are now involved in the delivery of programs and support their peers. Teams of leaders collaborated with program staff to create model units that were interrelated to the essential topics and learning standards in the Contextualized Curriculum of Galapagos. The October 2021 unit was a month long and focused on issues related invasive species. The integrating theme for June was marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Leaders shared their ideas and assisted their peers to adapt the units for specific grades and islands. They also helped adjust or redesign activities and develop new support materials.
Teacher-leaders were also trained as facilitators during June. They managed groups of 30 teachers each week and replaced facilitators from other countries. Mayra says, “[Being an facilitator] has helped strengthen my skills related to collaborative, interdisciplinary planning and contextualized learning. It also allowed me to tap into local sources of expertise including naturalist guides and scientists.”
Mayra believes that teachers are more comfortable teaching sustainability education. Six years ago, sustainability seemed abstract and complicated to us. It was not relevant to our teaching jobs. We now know that sustainability is vital for all Galapagos residents. It provides teachers with a strong framework for teaching and learning.
June 2022 Teacher’s Institute
Because it is the most important nesting site in the eastern Pacific, the Galapagos archipelago makes it an important location for Green Sea Turtle conservation. Sea Turtles are at risk from certain human activities like commercial fishing and poor waste management. This is why Green Sea Turtles have been listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.
Galapagos Conservancy funds a monitoring and research project by the Galapagos National Park Directorate, (GNPD) to improve and update knowledge about the Green Sea Turtle’s conservation status, population dynamics, and other issues.
The GNPD’s turtle experts focus their research efforts in the archipelago on two of the main Green Sea Turtle nesting areas, Quinta Playa beach on Isabela Island and Las Bachas on Santa Cruz Island. They set up permanent camps to monitor nesting and hatching activity nightly during the nesting season (January through May).
Researchers and technicians spent 98 days in the field monitoring 638 Green Sea Turtle individuals and 400 Green Sea Turtle nests at Quinta playa and Las Bachas. They can determine the hatching rate of each season and use this information to assess the health of the Green Sea Turtle population.
Dr. Jorge Carrion is the Director of Conservation at Galapagos Conservancy. He said that each nesting season provides information about population trends, behavior of nesting Sea Turtles and the impacts of climate change on reproduction. Galapagos Conservancy’s main goal is to provide the information necessary to develop management strategies, mitigate threats and implement measures to protect the Green Sea Turtle.
It is vital to support research and protection of this iconic species in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, as there is only a 1 in 1,000 chance of survival.
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 the Galapagos Marine Reserve. It covers 37,282 mile. The Hermandad Marine Reserve is a biological corridor that provides protection for over 20 species of migratory birds, including manta rays, sharks and sea turtles. These species move between two protected areas, Galapagos Island, Costa Rica, and Cocos Island Island, Costa Rica. They follow the underwater mountain ranges that provide them with food. This area has been home to some species of Galapagos like Sea Lions, Waved Albatrosses, and Galapagos Sharks.
This area is in a bio corridor that many vulnerable species use to travel on their migration routes. Therefore, it can be protected.
2. What’s the purpose of the new marine reserve?
As a way of bringing attention to the urgent need to protect the oceans, the Ecuadorian government has announced the creation this reserve at COP 26, Glasgow, Scotland. Technical review of the scientific proposal revealed that the underwater mountain range is used by endangered migratory species along their routes between Galapagos Islands and Cocos Island. This route is also known as a “migratory highway”.
3. What other conservation efforts are made for marine species?
Diverse Conservation programs and programs in Galapagos Marine Reserve are part of Ecuador’s efforts to preserve marine biodiversity.
- Galapagos Whale Shark Project was implemented by the Galapagos National Park Directorate, Universidad San Francisco de Quito and the Marine Megafauna Foundation.
- Program to monitor juvenile sharks in the GMR breeding areas, initiated by the GNPD/USFQ.
- Project “Role oceanic islands in conservation of highly migratory animals” between the GNPD and USFQ, Galapagos Sciences Center, Migramar.
- The GNPD executed a program to monitor the distribution and abundance of Marine Iguanas within the GMR.
- The GNPD and USFQ have executed a program to monitor sea turtles in their resting and foraging areas.
- The GNPD and IAC have implemented a program to monitor Giant Tortoises nesting at beaches. This was done with support from Galapagos Conservancy.
- The GNPD implemented a program to monitor the distribution and abundance of Sea Lions.
- The GNPD and Fund for Invasive Species of Galapagos executed a project to monitor harmful behavior of algae on corals.
- The GNPD and Galapagos Conservancy have implemented a pilot coral restoration plan at Academy Bay.
- The GNPD implemented a project to monitor collectors in the recruitment of Sea Cucumbers, and other species.
- Monitoring whales, dolphins and manta rays around the GMR is a project.
- The GNPD and USFQ conduct an annual monitoring trip to key species in the GMR.
- The GNPD and Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral (ESPOL) executed a project to monitor ocean acidification within the GMR.
- The ESPOL and GNPD have implemented a mangrove monitoring program.
- The GNPD and Charles Darwin Foundation have implemented an ecological monitoring program in the GMR.
- The GNPD and Charles Darwin Foundation implemented a subtidal ecological monitoring program in the GMR.
There are many mechanisms to protect fishing species. The Fishing Calendar establishes closed and open fishing seasons, sizes, catch areas, and other regulations that ensure the conservation of marine resources. International cooperation was instrumental in strengthening the GNPD’s institutional capacity to create monitoring and conservation programs that protect marine ecosystems. These partners include the Japan International Cooperation Agency and United States Agency for International Development. The Korea International Cooperation Agency, Global Environmental Facility, KFW Development Bank, and Korea International Cooperation Agency are all examples. Non-governmental organizations like the Charles Darwin Foundation and Galapagos Conservancy, WildAid and Conservacion International, Fundacion Jocotoco and Robert Wilson Marine Technologies have advocated for funding programs and projects that support marine ecosystem management and conservation.
Tania joined “Conexion Galapagos”, a program that allows people to hear her stories. Tania spoke about the disappearance of many ancestral foods like chulpi. Chulpi, a small-grain corn that is rich in vitamins and minerals, has many health benefits. Tania wanted to encourage the consumption of this nutritious food and chulpi has become Le Vid’s most popular product.
You can make a variety of gourmet snacks with the corn that is used to make chulpi. Tania and her family make spicy and classic chulpi as well as sweet and classic corn nuts, traditional and mixed granola and granola.
Tania stated that healthy food is something that Tania is focusing on. It’s free from preservatives, artificial flavors, and provides the nutrients necessary for a balanced diet. With the support of Galapagos Conservancy, this enterprising family will introduce environmentally-friendly packaging for all Le Vid products in order to reduce plastic pollution on the island.
We are happy to assist local residents such as Tania in adopting sustainable practices in Galapagos. We can all work together to preserve the archipelago’s unique biodiversity for future generations.
Tania Quisingo and her team © Galápagos Conservancy