Galapagos Sustainable Style Revolution: How one woman is leading the way
Diana, a Galapagos-based resident, has led a pioneering sustainable fashion project. She drew on her impressive 20 years’ experience in textiles. Her workshop, which is guided by the 3Rs – recycle, reuse and reduce – gives new life to discarded materials. It creates a variety of accessories and decorative items, from bags, cushions, bows, and headbands. The creative upcycling reduces carbon footprint and pollution by a significant amount.
The impact of the project has been extraordinary. Diana is a shining model of responsible and efficient use of natural resources. She has captured the attention of consumers who are committed to sustainability. The success of the initiative has also led to increased production and part-time employment, boosting economic growth and resilience for the Galapagos Community.
We are proud to support female entrepreneurs such as Diana, whose efforts promote a sustainable culture in the archipelago. Diana’s story is a testimony to the power of a bold vision backed up by proper support to transform an industry and contribute to an economically and environmentally sustainable future for our island.
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Diana’s eco-friendly approach shines as she crafts fabric bags from recyclable materials, advocating for reduced plastic bag usage. ©Galápagos Conservancy
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With creativity and sustainability, Diana crafts beautiful cushions from fabric scraps, showcasing the beauty of recycled materials. ©Galápagos Conservancy
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Galapagos Conservancy, in collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Directorate and to celebrate World Turtle Day on May 23rd, is working to protect and conserve Galapagos Giant Tortoises. Both organizations collaborate through the Initiative Galapagos to restore ecosystems and ensure the survival of these fascinating creatures.
The nonprofit American Tortoise Rescue established World Turtle Day in 2000 to promote global awareness of the importance and threats to turtles and tortoises, and to encourage conservation efforts. The IUCN Red List classifies the Galapagos Giant Tortoise as Endangered, Critically Endangered, or Critically Threatened due to a variety of factors.
Washington Tapia is the General Director of Galapagos Conservancy. He pointed out that historically, Galapagos giant tortoises were hunted for their oil and meat, resulting in a dramatic decrease in population. Their vulnerability has been further increased by habitat degradation, invasive species and illegal trafficking. Tapia said that it is important to take immediate measures to protect and preserve these species. This will ensure the maintenance of ecological integrity in the ecosystems where they live and promote greater awareness about their importance to ecosystems.
The Iniciativa Galapagos Program has made significant progress in conserving the Giant Tortoise by restoring the native ecosystems of islands and the Giant Tortoise. Some of the notable achievements are the protection of nesting areas and the optimization of captive breeding programs.
Galapagos Conservancy takes pride in focusing its conservation efforts to these majestic creatures across the Archipelago, and being part of one the most successful restoration program around the world. Iniciativa Galápagos shows how public-private collaboration can have a positive impact on the conservation of threatened species. Tapia said that “our commitment” is to protect and preserve these amazing reptiles every day.
A man who is vital to the success and conservation of expeditions in the Galapagos Islands is often overlooked. Novarino Castillo is a Galapagos Conservancy porter.
Castillo’s team carries vital supplies on the field for scientists and park rangers who are going to remote parts of the Islands. The supplies include food and water, medicines, and essential tools such as machetes and files. It may appear easy, but transporting these supplies across volcanic and rocky terrain is a difficult task.
Imagine walking under a scorching sun for hours, carrying a heavy load and navigating steep and rugged trails. Castillo’s team works tirelessly, from dawn until dusk. Castillo and his team start their day at 5 a.m. Castillo spends up to fourteen hours traveling to eat and then to meet the expedition groups. He completes numerous round trips, completing every task with meticulousness, and even makes multiple rounds. Castillo’s unwavering dedication and perseverance are essential in ensuring the camps have everything they need.
The Galapagos camps are important locations for studies, monitoring and conservation efforts. Castillo’s team is essential to the success of these trips, as they provide optimal conditions for scientists and park rangers to do their work. It would be difficult to maintain ecosystem integrity and conduct comprehensive research without their logistical support.
Castillo is proud of his contribution to the conservation of species, and especially that of the Galapagos Giant Tortoises. Castillo’s contribution is vital for the survival of these animals, and the Galapagos Islands unique biodiversity.
Castillo, our team of porters and the Galapagos Conservancy wish to acknowledge and applaud their tireless efforts. These unsung heroes are silent but steadfast, and they leave a lasting impression on the protection of this magical Island. Our porters make these conservation trips possible and protect the natural wonders that we treasure.
Maria Daza is a conservation educator who understands the Galapagos Islands as a living laboratory. She encourages the next generation to become environmentalists. Daza, who works at the Galapagos National Park Directorate, has spent decades promoting holistic development in children and environmental awareness. Daza was able to share with Santa Cruz Island Schools her passion for conservation thanks to the Galapagos Conservancy.
Daza’s environmental project included regular school visits where principals and teachers were educated on various environmental issues. These visits benefited 3,767 individuals, including teachers, students and staff. They learned about the negative effects of single-use bags, the benefits of biodegradable and compostable bags, and alternatives to plastic.
Daza also organized puppet shows, and distributed biodegradable and compostable bags to all participants. The bags will reduce plastic waste in the community by a significant amount. They naturally decompose into organic fertilizer after 180 days. Daza stresses the importance of eco-friendly bags, which are the best alternatives to single-use disposable plastics. They can be used to transport goods, package food and collect organic waste. This promotes sustainable practices while reducing environmental impact.
This initiative has been a success, as evidenced by the positive response from the local population and the impact it has had on the environment. Daza argues that education is not limited to the classroom and that it’s important to encourage students to embrace and learn about environmentally friendly alternatives. It is essential to learn how to reduce, re-use, and sort waste in order to build a sustainable future on the Galapagos Islands.
Daza’s unwavering commitment to environmental education and conservation has been inspiring. Galapagos Conservancy is proud to support initiatives that make a real difference in protecting this unique ecosystem. Together with locals such as Daza, we’re building a better future for the Galapagos Islands where education and conservation go hand-in-hand to preserve this incredible treasure.
Students learning about the Galápagos species © GNPD
Washington Tapia stated that maintenance and addition works at the nursery were of great importance. The seedlings are grown in the greenhouse, then replanted later as part of restoration project, such as Los Gemelos’ unique Scalesia Forest. The new plantings restore ecosystem dynamics and provide shelter, food and other resources for threatened species such as finches and vermilion flycatchers.
Phto: Michael Dvorak, CDF.
A joint initiative by Celebrity Cruises Galapagos Conservancy and the GNPD, which began in 2014, will enable the expansion of restoration projects for and other unique species on the Archipelago. Celebrity Flora guests are currently participating in weekly tree-plantings in Los Gemelos.
Celebrity Xpedition & Xploration guests will be able soon to participate in conservation efforts, helping to preserve the Galapagos Islands as a top eco-tourist destination. This activity will increase their positive impact and legacy on the area.
Fausto Arcos is the General Manager for Celebrity Cruises Ecuador. He highlighted the company’s commitment to conservation, and to the local community. Arcos also stressed the importance of giving guests and collaborators the opportunity to be involved in these important efforts, which foster direct contact with the nature in this pristine part of the world.
Galápagos National Park Plant Nursery © Galápagos Conservancy
Danny Rueda stated that planned maintenance work at the nursery will facilitate improved plant propagation techniques by park rangers. These actions will help to ensure that restoration efforts are successful and allow park rangers do their jobs more efficiently.
Santa Cruz Nursery produces between 20,000 and 25,000 seedlings per year. These include Scalesias, Darwin’s Giant Daisys, Galapagos Crotons, Coffee Sennas, Darwin’s Giant Daisys, etc. Jibson Valle is a GNPD Park Ranger. He said: “I have loved plants ever since I was a child, and I am proud to work in this nursery to conserve Galapagos’ key species .”
Santa Cruz’s forest nursery plays a vital role in conservation and restoration efforts in Galapagos. Its upgrade will enhance this contribution. Galapagos Celebrity Cruises Fund’s support for conservation efforts like these exemplifies the way tourism can be sustainable and educational for visitors.
Galapagos Conservancy is looking forward to its continued partnership and involvement with Celebrity Cruises, including the guests and employees of Celebrity Cruises in our conservation and local community initiatives. Construkgal, an indigenous company, was represented by Alfonso Criollo in signing the contract to maintain the nursery.
Diego Bermeo is a gifted photographer who lives permanently in the Islands. He understands how important it is to capture and share the unique beauty of the Archipelago. Bermeo’s photography is not just a hobby, it’s also a way to promote conservation and environmental awareness.
Bermeo, with the help of Galapagos Conservancy last year, launched an innovative project that combined his passions for photography and environmental preservation. Bermeo’s goal was to promote sustainable tourism and raise awareness of the importance of protecting biodiversity on the Islands.
Bermeo’s goal was to find the most accessible and popular recreational sites in Santa Cruz Island where locals and tourists alike could enjoy the natural beauty. With his camera in hand, Bermeo explored the sites and captured beautiful images of each unique location’s flora or fauna.
Bermeo has created three e-books from these images entitled “Galapagos : La huella está contigo”. The e-books highlight the beauty and diversity in the Islands’ ecologies, while also highlighting the importance of protecting and preserving them for future generations.
These e-books can be downloaded for free from Bermeo’s site. They have proved to be an invaluable resource for Santa Cruz visitors, teachers and students. Bermeo’s project has inspired people to get more involved with protecting Galapagos.
Bermeo sees photography as a way to achieve a goal, an instrument for creating positive change. His work is a powerful reminder that we all have a part to play in protecting the natural treasures of our planet. We can protect the Galapagos Islands for future generations with the support of Galapagos Conservancy, and the passion of individuals such as Bermeo.