The Galapagos Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the unique ecosystems and biological integrity of the Galapagos archipelago. It is the only US organization focused exclusively on the Galapagos. The Conservancy works in partnership with the Ecuadorian government, local communities, and other conservation organizations to address the threats facing the Galapagos, including invasive species, climate change, and overfishing.
The Conservancy has a long history of working in the Galapagos. It was founded in 1964 by a group of scientists and conservationists who were concerned about the impact of tourism on the islands. The Conservancy’s early work focused on controlling invasive species, such as rats and goats, which were harming native plants and animals. In the 1970s, the Conservancy helped to establish the Galápagos National Park and the Galápagos Marine Reserve, which protect much of the archipelago’s land and sea areas.
In recent years, the Conservancy has expanded its focus to address the challenges of climate change and overfishing. It is working to develop climate-resilient conservation strategies and to promote sustainable fishing practices in the Galápagos Marine Reserve. The Conservancy is also working to engage local communities in conservation efforts, believing that they are essential partners in protecting the Galapagos.
The Galapagos Conservancy is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a global organization that unites governments, scientists, and non-governmental organizations in the pursuit of sustainable development. The Conservancy’s membership in IUCN gives it a voice in international conservation policy and allows it to collaborate with other organizations around the world to protect the Galapagos.
Here are some specific examples of the work that the Galapagos Conservancy is doing:
- Controlling invasive species: The Conservancy has been working to control invasive species in the Galapagos for over 50 years. It has helped to eradicate rats, goats, and other invasive animals from several islands, and it is currently working to control other invasive species, such as mosquitoes and plants.
- Protecting marine ecosystems: The Conservancy is working to protect the Galápagos Marine Reserve from overfishing and pollution. It supports research on marine ecosystems and sustainable fishing practices, and it advocates for the expansion of the marine reserve.
- Engaging local communities: The Conservancy believes that local communities are essential partners in protecting the Galapagos. It works with communities to develop sustainable economic opportunities that do not harm the environment, and it provides training and education on conservation issues.
The Galapagos Conservancy is a leading organization in the fight to protect the Galapagos archipelago. Its work is essential to ensuring the long-term survival of this unique and fragile ecosystem.