Galápagos E-post | July 2024
Our Commitment to the Conservation of Galápagos’ Protected Areas
The Galápagos Archipelago stands as a beacon of conservation with two major protected areas safeguarding its unique biodiversity. The Galápagos National Park and the Galápagos Marine Reserve collectively form a sanctuary that spans both land and sea, working together to maintain the archipelago’s ecological integrity.
Established in 1959, the Galápagos National Park covers approximately 97% of the archipelago’s land area and is globally renowned for its exceptional biodiversity within a volcanically active landscape. This expanse protects a variety of terrestrial habitats and species, from the iconic giant tortoises to the diverse array of finches that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution.
The Galápagos Marine Reserve, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, complements its terrestrial counterpart by protecting a vast marine environment that spans about 133,000 square kilometers. It was expanded in 2022 with the establishment of La Hermandad Marine Reserve. This marine protected area is crucial for the survival of numerous migratory species, including whale sharks and hammerhead sharks, and supports a diversity of marine life that relies on the nutrient-rich waters brought by ocean currents.
Together, these protected areas play a vital role in conservation and supporting the local economy through ecotourism. The sustainable management of these areas ensures that Galápagos remains a global treasure, exemplifying successful conservation practices while promoting a balanced coexistence between humans and nature.
Tree Nursery of the Galápagos National Park has been Renovated
The Galápagos National Park's newly renovated forest nursery on Santa Cruz Island was unveiled, now with the name of Hernán Carrión Nursery. This is a vital step in enhancing the archipelago's conservation capability, significantly boosting the nursery's infrastructure and plant production capacity for vital ecological restoration projects.
Galápagos Conservancy’s Board of Directors Affirms Its Commitment to the Long-Term Conservation of the Galápagos Archipelago
The Board of Directors of Galápagos Conservancy has reasserted its long-term commitment to the conservation of Galápagos, emphasizing strategic conservation initiatives and sustainable practices. This affirmation underscores the organization’s ongoing dedication to protecting the archipelago.
Securing the Future of Galápagos’ Sharks
The Galápagos Marine Reserve is home to at least 35 shark species, which play a vital role in maintaining the health of the Galápagos’ marine ecosystems. Conservation efforts focus on protecting this diverse community of sharks, and the nurseries of each species.
Strengthening Galápagos Conservation through Inter-Institutional Cooperation and Technological Innovation
In close collaboration with the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency (ABG), Galápagos Conservancy’s efforts focus on advancing technological practices to enhance the effectiveness of environmental protection, pest control, and eliminating illegal trafficking of native species.
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Seasonal Changes in the Galápagos Archipelago
Galápagos experiences two distinct seasons: a warm, rainy season and a cool, dry season, each profoundly affecting its unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Understanding these seasonal dynamics is crucial for effectively managing conservation efforts and protecting the archipelago's natural heritage.
Revitalizing our Conservation Center: A Renewed Commitment with Galápagos
Galápagos Conservancy is revitalizing its Conservation Center. We aim to enhance the facility's capabilities with improved infrastructure and updated information to continue sharing our work and advocating for the care and conservation of this global natural heritage.
Educational Synergy for Youth and Conservation in Galápagos
The Association of Interpretive Guides of the Galápagos National Park (“AGIPA”) project “Synergy for Well-Being and Conservation”, led by environmental education expert Yanex Álvarez, focuses on integrating science, conservation, and art to promote well-being among the children and youth of Galápagos.
SPOTTED!
Unusual sighting of a giant tortoise of the Chelonoidis hoodensis species in Gardner Bay, Española Island, suggests that the population of this tortoise species is growing and dispersing throughout its original range, probably in search of food. This species was on the brink of extinction, with only 15 individuals in the 1960's. Thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have increased significantly. Today, we witness them re-colonizing their ecosystem!