Ivonne Torres, Conservation Center Coordinator, describes the Conservation Center’s purpose as an area for inquiry and learning about Giant Tortoises history and current status. She also provides information about conservation programs for this famous species. Ivonne also spoke about how volunteers and she work with local youth to raise awareness about Galapagos conservation. She shared that children and students from universities often visit her to learn more about the difficulties we face in protecting Galapagos biodiversity.
Dr. Diego Paez is a professor at the College of Biological and Environmental Sciences of the Universidad San Francisco de Quinto. Students receive direct information from conservationists during their interpretive visits to The Conservation Center. He said that students will be able to better see the work being done in caring for Galapagos and they will eventually take over conservation efforts [in the Islands].”
Galapagos Conservancy provided training for university students in interpretive communication skills. They participate in recreational activities every Friday as part of their community outreach internships. This is to help revitalize Charles Darwin Avenue.
Ivonne believes that didactic games that stimulate or encourage learning are useful educational tools. “We have used traditional games like hopscotch, dice, and other similar games to teach conservation through questions, answers, and that is part of our conservation education program.”
The Galapagos community is essential in protecting one of the most beautiful and well-preserved archipelagos in the ocean. In recent years, society has had a greater impact on the environment due to increased natural resource consumption and waste generation. This negatively impacts ecosystems. To ensure the Archipelago’s sustainability, it is crucial to provide environmental education for youth.
Conservation Center interactive games on Friday nights © Galápagos Conservancy
