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.”
