NEWS & EVENTS
LATEST NEWS

Scientific research cruise: “Assessment of the health and population status of Galápagos´emblematic fauna in the face of climate change conditions in the archipelago”
During March and April 2024, monitoring and scientific research activities.

Galapagos Data Hub Launch: Technological breakthrough for environmental conservation in Galápagos
Want to be part of the revolution in environmental conservation? Then the Galápagos Data Hub is your new digital destination! Discover a unique tool that gathers, analyzes, and shares crucial geospatial information for the sustainable management.

USFQ and the Galapagos Science Center participates in the Darwin200 expedition in the Galápagos: research and conservation
Darwin200 and the Galapagos Science Center will closely collaborate from May 14th to 17th to expand on Darwin’s observations and address environmental challenges through joint research and conservation actions.

New nursery for vulnerable hammerhead shark discovered in Galápagos
Scientists on a Greenpeace expedition in the Galápagos Marine Reserve believe they have found what could be the first known smooth hammerhead shark nursery in the region after observing several young pups. The team was also able to track a subadult smooth hammerhead.
SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES

Nutrient enrichment can increase the thermal performance of Galápagos seaweeds
This study, published in Marine Ecology Progress Series, examines how nutrient availability can help marine macroalgae in the Galápagos Islands better adapt to higher temperatures—a challenge they face due to climate change. Macroalgae are essential aquatic plants for marine ecosystems as they provide food and shelter for many species. However, their ability to survive and thrive largely depends on environmental conditions, such as the amount of nutrients in the water.

Ladybird Beetle Diversity in Natural and Human-Modified Habitats in the San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos, Ecuador
This study investigates the diversity of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) on San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos Archipelago. Researchers recorded 19 species, including four previously documented (two endemic and two native) and nine potentially native species reported for the first time. Endemic species, such as Psyllobora bisigma and Scymnobius scalesius, were rare and confined to native forests, while native species like Cycloneda sanguinea showed adaptability to various habitats, including urban and agricultural areas.

Assessing the chemical landscape of the Galápagos Marine Reserve
The Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR), famous for its incredible biodiversity, faces growing threats from chemical pollution like plastics, oils, pesticides, and heavy metals. The unique location of the Galápagos, where major ocean currents meet under intense sunlight, allows pollutants to flow in and spread.

From Prison Islands to Island Paradises: Are Violent Histories Being Overwritten with Nature-Based Tourism Imaginaries?
This article explores the transformation of former prison islands in Latin America—specifically Isabela (Galápagos), Coiba (Panama), and Gorgona (Colombia)—into nature-based ecotourism destinations. Originally used for exiling criminals, political prisoners, and other marginalized individuals, these isolated islands were chosen for their remote locations and difficult conditions, which made them suitable sites for confinement. However, as these prisons closed, new conservation and ecotourism initiatives developed, focusing on the islands’ natural beauty and biodiversity.
EVENTS
7TH GALAPAGOS RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION SYMPOSIUM
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on San Cristóbal Island, will host the 7th Symposium on Research and Conservation in Galápagos. This important multidisciplinary event, which will take place on Monday, July 14 and Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Charles Darwin Convention Center, will be organized by the Galapagos Science Center, thanks to the sponsorship of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, and with the support of the Galápagos National Park.
6TH GALAPAGOS RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION SYMPOSIUM
The 6th Galápagos Research and Conservation Symposium took place on Monday, July 15 and Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at the Charles Darwin Convention Center on San Cristóbal, Galápagos. This important multidisciplinary event was organized by the Galapagos Science Center, with the sponsorship of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito with the endorsement of the Galapagos National Park.
5TH GALAPAGOS RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION SYMPOSIUM
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on San Cristóbal Island, will host the 5th Galapagos Research and Conservation Symposium. This significant multidisciplinary event will feature scientific presentations and community-focused talks, showcasing research and initiatives related to conservation, environmental change, biodiversity and oceans, health, and community initiatives.
World Summit on Island Sustainability
In 2022, the Galapagos Science Center (GSC) and the broader UNC & USFQ Galapagos Initiative celebrated its 10th Anniversary. The GSC hosted the World Summit on Island Sustainability on June 26–30, 2022 at the Galapagos Science Center and the Community Convention Center on San Cristobal Island.
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