Conservancy Archives - Page 25 of 28 - Galapagos Islands Travel

Linda J. Cayot, better known to her friends and family as “Linda”, died September 26, 2022. Linda devoted her entire professional career to conservation of Galapagos tortoise-and iguana species. Linda was awarded a Ph.D. in the study of the ecology and behavior of Galapagos tortoises. She then became a herpetologist at Charles Darwin Research Station where she managed the Giant Tortoise breeding program and assisted with repatriation. Linda was aware that conservation is a complex task and requires dedicated individuals. She spent a lot of her time mentoring young conservationists, particularly Galapaguenos who are leading conservation efforts in Galapagos today. Linda was also instrumental in initiating and managing Project Isabela, which was a complex project to eliminate feral goats (a threat to Giant Tortoises) before she left Galapagos. Linda was a Galapagos Conservancy employee from 2008 to 2008. She became acquainted with many members of the organization through her inspirational presentation on tortoise conservation as well as serving as their guide on cruises. Galapagos Conservancy launched (originally the Giant Tortoise Rehabilitation Initiative), which was a joint effort with Galapagos National Park in order to restore all Galapagos Giant Tortoise population. This continues to this day. Linda retired in 2020, but she continued to work on a book about Galapagos Giant Tortoises. This book was a compilation of all the information available on these beloved animals. Linda’s dedication to Galapagos, its people and its wildlife is evident in the well-being of the tortoises she worked so hard on restoring. Linda’s contribution was undoubtedly significant. To celebrate her life, we will continue to work hard and tirelessly in order to preserve her legacy for Galapagos conservation. We will all be deeply sorry for her loss.

Dr. Linda Cayot with Washington Tapia © Galápagos Conservancy

Galapagos Conservancy hosted an exhibition featuring eight local Conservation Action Projects on Friday, September 9, where grant recipients presented their projects to the Santa Cruz Island community. Many people were able to learn about citizen initiatives that are not only contributing to socio-ecological growth in the Islands but also contribute to the preservation of Galapagos’ unique biodiversity.

Through art and engaging games, two environmental education projects were displayed at the fair. These included learning about Galapagos’ flora & fauna and how to take care of their environment, including the Galapagos Marine Reserve species.

Three projects were also presented by organizations to promote the consumption and production of local products. These initiatives helped to provide a variety of local products that promote a healthy and low-calorie diet. These products included whole wheat bread, gluten free bread, sauces of any kind, dehydrated fruits and a variety of organic vegetables.

Gabriela Vivas is the Director of Operations at Conservando Galapagos. She says that local consumption has a significant environmental impact, especially in Galapagos. Reduced transportation of goods to the Islands reduces greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Vivas stated that “for these and other reasons we must consume locally.”

A wooden handcraft project was presented and a dance choreographed by local artists highlighted the artistic side of the event. They promote the responsibility to care for the unique and natural environment of the Galapagos Islands through their art.

Galapagos Conservancy provides spaces and opportunities for the community, to learn about the initiatives and institutions of enterprising citizens.

Dancers at exhibition at fair in Santa Cruz © Galápagos Conservancy

An International Union for the Conservation of Nature workshop was attended by scientists with expertise in marine species. It assessed and defined the conservation status of 62 species of fish and 24 species of sponge endemic to the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

The workshop was held in September’s third week. Experts carefully assessed each species’ status from “least concern to extinct”, including those species that are commercially exploited and have become difficult or rare to find.

Eduardo Espinoza is a specialist in marine resources at Galapagos National Park. He says that some species of the IUCN-evaluated species are related to artisanal fishing in Galapagos. The Environmental Authority will implement management measures to ensure sustainable and conservation of these resources. “We examined species that hadn’t been seen for decades. Espinoza said that there will be more research, monitoring and searches to find out if they are extinct in GMR.

Neil Cox, Director, IUCN Global Species Program stated that the IUCN Red List of Galapagos endemic fishes will be updated in the next year based upon the workshops. Cox stated that after the workshop, there will be a lengthy review of all data and ensuring that the evaluation protocol was followed in order to confirm the consensus decisions reached at the workshop.

James Gibbs is the Vice President of Science at Galapagos Conservancy. He stated that this information will help to guide decision-making and support conservation and sustainable use.

Many species, including the Galapagos-based bacalao cod, were identified as being at risk from overfishing. Experts also identified fish species that were not well-known and do not have sufficient data to determine their current status. Their conservation status will require further research and observation.

The hope was that the Galapagos Damselfish would be rediscovered, as it has not been seen since 1980s. Galapagos Conservancy has begun funding intensive research to find the Damselfish because workshop participants rated it as potentially extinct and critically endangered.

Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands was the location for the IV Symposium on Science and Conservation. It was organized by the Galapagos National Park Directorate, GNPD, within the context of the 40th anniversary of Galapagos’ designation as a Natural World Heritage Site.

This multidisciplinary meeting was attended by experts and community members. It presented the results of most recent scientific research conducted in the Archipelago, with a majority of these related to efforts to restore and conserve the Galapagos’ terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Washington Tapia is the General Director of Conservando Galapagos Galapagos Conservancy’s Affiliate in the Islands. He presented the topic “Galapagos Land Iguanas As Ecosystem Engineers” and stated that iguanas are one the most versatile species of plant communities. This highlights the importance of conducting research to protect them.

We were also able to discuss the conservation and restoration of Giant Tortoise population. Cristian Gil, Conservando Galapagos’ research assistant, spoke out about the captive breeding and rearing program of Giant Tortoises in Isabela. This allows for the repopulation from the Sierra Negra volcano, south of the Island. He noted that 2781 tortoises were repatriated from this area between 1999 and the present.

Galapagos Conservancy Grants to Conservation Action Program was another topic that attracted the attention of the presenters. This program is aimed at entrepreneurs in Galapagos as well as public and private organizations that are focusing on sustainability in the Islands.

It is vital to bring science closer to the public in order to protect the environment. “Advancements in different areas of science help find solutions for new challenges, both environmental and economic, and promote sustainable development,” Dr. Jorge Carrion (Conservando Galapagos Conservation Director) said.

We congratulate the GNPD on organizing the IV Science and Conservation Symposium. Carrion stated that ecosystem preservation has a number of important benefits for the environment as well as human well-being. Events like this allow these benefits to be shared among the community.”

Cristian Gil, asistente de investigación de Conservando Galápagos. © Galápagos Conservancy

Galapagos Islands are famous for their volcanic landscapes and endemic species that have survived extreme environments. They are only found in this remote Archipelago.

For example, Iguanas are believed to have arrived in Galapagos five million years ago via rafts of vegetation that were dragged from America by ocean currents. They evolved, colonized, and adapted to the islands they now call home, becoming endemic species in Galapagos.

There are currently four types of iguanas within the Archipelago. The Marine Iguana is found on Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands, as well as San Cristobal and Fernandina Islands. The Pale Land Iguana is restricted to Santa Fe Island. The Yellow Land Iguana can be found on Fernandina and Isabela Islands. The Pink Iguana was discovered in a rare species that lives on Isabela Island’s Wolf Volcano.

Galapagos Iguanas are more than a tourist attraction. Their uniqueness has made them the center of scientific attention. Scientists want to study their ecological role in the Islands as well as their impact on their habitats. Iguanas also represent evolutionary processes. For example, the Marine Iguana is the only lizard that can be found in the ocean and was the first to do so. Galapagos Conservancy funded studies in 2015 to collect information about the Galapagos National Park’s iguana species, threats and population status to help create management recommendations.

Washington Tapia is the General Director of Galapagos Conservancy. He stated that specific conservation actions have been developed through Iniciativa Galapagos, which coordinates with the Galapagos National Park Directorate. These conservation actions will also be used to restore and protect the Land Iguana populations. Tapia stated that the Pink Iguana was the most recent species to be discovered. It is vulnerable because it is only found on Wolf Volcano. Therefore, its protection should be a top priority. This species is rare, with only 350 known individuals worldwide. Therefore, a conservation plan has been developed to protect it.

One of the most fascinating characteristics of Land Iguanas are their ecosystem engineering abilities. This means that they move soil and displace flora. This benefits the environment and the ecological integrity of the islands they live on. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Endangered Species, both the Yellow and Pale Land Iguanas are considered vulnerable. Critically endangered is the Pink Iguana. Galapagos Land Iguanas can be particularly vulnerable to introduced species such as feral cats and dogs that attack and destroy the nests of the iguanas, or feral pigs who eat their eggs.

The Marine Iguana’s unique ability to dive makes them the only lizards that can dive to depths up to 25m. They can stay in the water for as long as 60 minutes before returning to land to heat up. Marine Iguanas are listed by the IUCN in the Vulnerable section of their Red List of Threatened Species. The threats include pollution, invasive species and the effects climate change has on ocean temperatures.

Galapagos Conservancy uses its technical and financial resources to protect and preserve endemic species. This includes the Galapagos Iguanas, whose presence is one reason why UNESCO designated Galapagos a Natural World Heritage Site.

With the support of dozens non-governmental organizations, the Galapagos National Park Directorate has been protecting the Galapagos’ terrestrial and marine ecosystems for many decades. After a thorough review of the organizations that operate in the Islands, it was clear that many of them were international foundations and very few were local. We felt it was necessary to support the efforts of local people capable of leading conservation actions within the Archipelago.

It is a proud moment for Galapagos conservation. Galapagos Conservancy created a new local affiliate in Ecuador on February 17, 2022: Conservando Galapagos.

Conservando Galapagos, a 100% Galapagueno-run organization, is made up of a skilled technical team of dedicated conservationists. The foundation will work in partnership with the Galapagos National Park and local conservation organizations to preserve, protect and restore wildlife and ecosystems. This will ensure a sustainable future for residents of Galapagos.

Galapagos Conservancy plans to invest $20 million in the next five-years to support conservation priorities identified by Conservando Galapagos. Conservando Galapagos’ highly skilled team will supervise grants and offer technical assistance to grantees. This agreement will allow Galapagos Conservancy members to donate more effectively for conservation work on the ground.

It is an honor to be the General Director of Conservando Galapagos, and to collaborate directly with Galapagos Conservancy’s President, Dr. Paul Salaman.

Local people have always had the power to decide the fate of many species that call Galapagos home. Conservado Galapagos is a significant milestone, as its team of experienced local people are committed to protecting their natural heritage. Galapagos Conservancy proudly supports its creation and will cover its long-term operational costs so that the team can save as much of their fauna and flora as possible.

Galapagos Conservancy is laser-focused on the best interests of the Galapagos Archipelago’s wildlife and its people. The Galapagos Conservancy Board of Directors and staff firmly believe that Galapaguenos should be empowered and trusted to take conservation action in their own communities. Conservando Galapagos is officially inaugurated at Santa Cruz Island, September 9, 2022.

This is the start of a new era for conservation in Galapagos.

Galapagos Conservancy and Conservando Galapagos Team