More than 380 Galapagos Conservancy teachers received training in person during the 15th Teachers Institute, which took place from September 9th through 13th. The focus of this year’s institute was water and sanitation issues, which are two interrelated and growingly important concerns for island residents. This same group also extended their training by using independent learning and virtual activities. These activities together help teachers be prepared to incorporate water and sanitation into their classroom plans, using creative and innovative strategies and hands-on teaching methods.
Jenny Macias is our education advisor. She highlighted the importance the Teachers Institute. She called it a step towards improving water and sanitation education with an interdisciplinary, well-rounded approach. We want to provide teachers with the tools to help them create a deeper awareness of sustainable water usage. We hope that by using active learning techniques, students will be able to understand the challenges of living in a world with limited water and begin to consider practical solutions at a young age. “It’s about encouraging creativity and an active mindset,” explained she.
Impact on Teachers and Students
This training gave teachers both the practical and theoretical tools they needed to better understand the water management system, the water quality and the most recent innovations in water sanitation. These teachers will also benefit from this knowledge, as well as the over 7,000 Galapagos students. We hope to empower teachers to promote a culture of water conservation and responsible use. This will help secure a sustainable future for Galapagos.
The 15th Teachers Institute has been made possible by a collaboration agreement between Galapagos Conservancy, Ecuador’s Ministry of Education and Scalesia Foundation, Yachay Tech, and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito.The training is part of our ongoing efforts to improve the education system on Galapagos, with an emphasis on sustainability. It reinforces our commitment to protect this fragile and unique ecosystem for future generations.
©Galápagos Conservancy
Transforming Waste into Innovation: Oscar’s Galapagos Initiative
Oscar Guiracocha Andrade is a native from San Cristobal Island and he spearheads an innovative conservation project in the remote Galapagos. Oscar’s initiative, supported by the Galapagos Conservancy conservation grant program, transforms plastic waste to sustainable accessories and promotes environmental stewardship.
Innovative Solutions for Galapagos Wellbeing
©Galápagos Conservancy
Oscar’s innovative approach to plastic pollution involves crafting customized items like cellphone holders and keyschains. One of the Galapagos Islands’ first mechanical arms was created using 3D printed technology and recycled plastics. This innovation improves the lives of residents on San Cristobal Island. It is a testament to Oscar’s commitment to the environment, which combines passion, ecological responsibility and innovation.
Oscar expresses his gratitude for the Galapagos Conservancy’s support and emphasizes that innovation is crucial to the health of Galapagos as well as its local community. Galapagos Conservancy support has catalyzed his commitment to find sustainable solutions for the natural wonderland and community’s wellbeing.
Contributions that transcend Galapagos
Several entrepreneurs have made their dreams a reality, thanks to the generosity of donors. Galapagos Conservancy played a crucial role in initiatives such as Oscar’s. This legacy of conservation and change was created by the Conservancy. These contributions have a lasting effect and foster transformations which contribute to a brighter future for the Galapagos Islands.
Donor contributions have supported more than 160 conservation projects and initiatives that were led by Galapagos locals, primarily women entrepreneurs, since 2021. These initiatives are not only important for the conservation of wildlife, but they also contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the local community. We are grateful to our readers for their support, and we invite them to help us continue our mission of creating a vibrant and sustainable Galapagos.
©Galápagos Conservancy
The Remarkable Return Of 136 Galapagos Tortoises To Their Natural Habitat
In partnership with Galapagos Conservancy and the Galapagos National Park Directorate 136 juvenile tortoises were successfully returned to the Cinco Cerros region on Isabela Island’s Cerro Azul Volcano. These tortoises were aged between 5 to 9 years and returned to their habitat. This is the only place in which populations of Sierra Negra volcano and Cerro Azul coexist.
The Breeding Center and the Natural State
The journey begins on Isabela Island at the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding and Rearing Center for Chamaidan, where park rangers are dedicated to their development and well-being.
The tortoises are in the best possible condition to embark on their exciting journey home to enjoy life in its natural state. After being quarantined and dewormed as well as analyzed for their health and microchip-marked for identification, 136 turtles were transported by helicopter to the idyllic south of Isabela Island.
Aerial Support in Conservation
©Galápagos Conservancy
Financial support from passionate conservationists made it possible for us to transport these tortoises safely via helicopter. This is an important tool that has increased our capacity to move this species. The only other option would have been to move them by sea, and then on shoulders over several kilometers of challenging terrain and lava fields. It would be a very difficult task, which would require multiple expeditions and a lot of time. Your contributions have been crucial in helping us overcome these challenges and ensure the success of our conservation program.
Repatriation of turtles to Isabela Island is crucial in restoring ecological balance. Tortoises, which are herbivores in their natural habitat, actively contribute to the shaping of the landscape and the dispersal of seeds. These factors are vital in maintaining ecosystem stability. Dr. Jorge Carrion is our Director of Conservation and he stressed that we must remain vigilant as this species faces a threat from invasive species. We will therefore continue to monitor the situation closely.
The Future of the Tortoise Juveniles through Successful Re-introduction
This repatriation marks an important milestone in the conservation efforts in Galapagos. Our donors’ generosity and the collaboration between Galapagos National Park Directorate, Galapagos Conservancy and the Galapagos Conservancy have played a vital role in overcoming logistical obstacles and ensuring safe helicopter transportation of this valuable species.
This achievement highlights the importance of being vigilant against any threats to biodiversity. We want to thank all of the conservationists who actively supported this campaign. Your commitment and financial support is essential to ensuring a safe and balanced future for giant tortoises in Galapagos.
©Galápagos Conservancy
Jenifer’s Journey
Jenifer was fascinated by the ocean as a young girl. She worked at the Charles Darwin Foundation for many years, gaining expertise in Galapagos’ marine biodiversity, after earning her biology degree with the aid of a scholarship. Jenifer played a key role in 2014 in the marine ecosystem monitoring of the GNPD. She spearheaded a project funded by Galapagos Conservancy that aimed to restore coral reefs within selected areas of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
The Deepest Conservation Diving
Jenifer’s job often requires her to dive into the depths of the ocean in order to collect vital data and assess coral’s health. The role is not only demanding but also incredibly rewarding. Each dive and every data point contributes to the conservation of Galapagos’s unparalleled beauty.
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Innovative Approaches
Galapagos Conservancy, in recognition of the importance of corals to marine health, is proud to support Jenifer’s pioneering project. This involves establishing underwater nurseries at Academy Bay on Santa Cruz Island. These nurseries encourage coral growth and reproduction, which helps regenerate vital areas of the GMR. This project not only supports marine ecosystems, but also local communities and industry. It paves the way for a future that is sustainable.
Education and Inspiration
Jenifer is a firm believer in the saying, “Nobody can protect what they do not know”. She has made it her mission to educate the community on the Galapagos ecosystems and coral reefs. She hopes that by bringing attention to the uniqueness of the Galapagos ecosystem, the islanders will feel a greater sense of pride and responsibility.
Jenifer’s story is a great example of the important role that women play in conservation. Their passion and perseverance, as guardians of Galapagos’ terrestrial and underwater treasures are driving positive changes in the islands and beyond.
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Signing of the cooperation agreement between the Galápagos National Park Directorate and Galápagos Conservancy for the delivery of essential equipment for coral cultivation in the pilot project. ©Galápagos Conservancy
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Coral growth in Bahía Academia, Puerto Ayora, Thanks to Jennifer’s restoration efforts.
©Galápagos Conservancy
Galapagos is home to two main lobster species: the red lobster ( Panulirus pnicillatus), and the green lobster( Panulirus gracilis). These spiny lobsters have spiky thick antennae, two frontal horns, and are both clawless. The red lobster is found in shallow, clear waters while the green lobster prefers sandy beaches of mangrove bays.
Lobster fishing has grown significantly in Galapagos since the 1960s. It was once the most profitable marine resource of the archipelago. Overfishing has led to a decrease in lobster populations and the need for urgent regulations to ensure sustainability. These regulations include fishing seasons, quotas and allowed sizes.
The spiny lobster fishing season began on August 28, following a population survey and dialogues with representatives of the Galapagos National Park Directorate, as well as technicians from the Galapagos National Park Directorate. The sea cucumber season will end on October 1, and lobster fishing will continue until December 31. The Galapagos Lobster’s conservation is vital, not only because of its economic importance, but also due to its role as an essential part of the ecosystem. It feeds on marine animal wastes and helps purify the surrounding environment.
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Lobsters have been a valuable commercial resource in Galápagos since the early 1960s, contributing significantly to the income of the archipelago’s fishermen. ©Galápagos Conservancy
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Santa Cruz fishermen have been actively involved in conservation efforts to protect lobsters. They work with the relevant authorities and organisations in order to ensure their long-term sustainability. Selective capture is one of their key strategies, allowing them to release lobsters that are not the right size or have eggs.
Our Director of Conservation Dr. Jorge Carrion stressed that Galapagos Lobsters are not just a delicacy, but also a vital indicator of the health of the marine ecosystem. He said that “their conservation not only safeguards this valuable natural heritage, but also ensures prosperity and harmony for future generations in this archipelago.”
The green lobster (Panulirus gracillus) in Galápagos prefers habitats with rocky and sandy
bottoms in murky waters, often found in bays with mangrove ecosystems.
Birth of an Idea
Vanessa Garcia, a local entrepreneur, and her husband Marlon share a passion for woodworking, which led them to launch a business selling wood furniture. To solve the issue of excess materials, they decided to create eco-friendly piggybanks. Much to their surprise, the first batch of 10 sold out within three days. The initial success of the product inspired the creation of more items, and the increasing popularity of handcrafted products led to the opening a physical shop in April this year.
Circular Economy and Sustainable Development
Nua Ecoregalos, as well as being a shop, is also a philosophy. The mission of Nua Ecoregalos is to promote circular economies by selling handmade products and sustainable items, like reusable water bottles that encourage reuse and reduce waste. Vanessa’s vision, determination, and the name of her venture are reflected in its name: “Nua”, which means woman in Shuar (an indigenous language spoken in Ecuador), and “Ecoregalos”, a Spanish portmanteau meaning eco-friendly gifts. Vanessa is passionate for long-term solutions that reduce the consumption of single-use plastics. She encourages this change in the local community by Nua’s Nua products and through social media.
More than a store: A literary corner
Vanessa and Marlon expanded their vision when they added a literary section in their store. The cozy book nook allows customers of all ages browse popular titles and children’s books, improving customer service while encouraging a love of literature in both locals as well as visitors.
Our general director, Washington Tapia, attended the opening of NUA Regalos on San Cristóbal Island, where we now have a new reading space. ©Galápagos Conservancy
Impact and Future
Nua Ecoregalos represents more than a business. It is a potential community-changer when innovation and sustainability meet. With the support of Galapagos Conservancy this venture demonstrates that economic development and conservation are compatible, and lays the foundation for a more sustainable future in the Galapagos Islands.
The iconic Galapagos Tortoise is a must-have in NUA Ecoregalos’ crafts, where we make
the most of carpentry wood scraps, transforming them into pieces of art. ©Galápagos Conservancy