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Tag: Galapagos Science Center

Canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapágos

Endemic species of the Galápagos Islands are vulnerable to newly introduced pathogens, often transmitted through invasive hosts. One example is invasive parasitic arthropods, whose evolutionary success is linked to their association with domestic animals present in the archipelago. This interaction poses a significant risk, as these parasites can switch hosts and facilitate pathogen transmission between domestic and wild species.

USFQ, Metropolitan Touring, and Finch Bay Hotel sign an agreement to protect whale sharks in the Galápagos

Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and Metropolitan Touring have signed a collaboration agreement for the conservation of the whale shark, the world’s largest fish. This partnership reaffirms the commitment of both institutions to sustainability and the protection of the biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands. The initiative is being carried out in coordination with the Galápagos National Park Directorate (GNPD), the authority responsible for protecting the archipelago’s unique ecosystems.

2024 Christmas Newsletter and Annual Impact Report

This year, we celebrate 13 years of impactful work in conservation, research, and sustainable development in the Galápagos Islands. In our newsletter and annual impact report, we invite you to explore how we have contributed to preserving this natural heritage through scientific expeditions, innovative digital tools, and health and education programs. Explore the latest advancements, scientific findings, and inspiring stories from 2024 Don’t miss out—join us on our journey toward a more sustainable Galápagos!

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.

Galapagos Day: Inspiring Research and Engagement

UNC Center for Galapagos Studies and the Galapagos Science Center recently hosted its first Galapagos Day on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus titled Galapagos Day: Building Healthy Ecosystems on a Changing Planet. This event successfully brought together global researchers, students, and staff from UNC-Chapel Hill (UNC), the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), NC State University, and the Galapagos Science Center to share about their impactful work in Galapagos and relevant opportunities for collaboration, training, outreach, and student engagement moving forward.

UNC Center for Galapagos Studies receives support from Royal Caribbean Group to enhance local programs and student experiences 

The UNC Center for Galapagos Studies has received a $600,000 contribution from Royal Caribbean Group to support research and learning initiatives, enabling the expansion of research projects, community outreach programs and student engagement. The UNC Center for Galapagos Studies partners with the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) to operate the Galapagos Science Center, located on San Cristobal Island. It is the only university science facility of its kind in the archipelago. 

In 2022, the Galapagos Science Center (GSC) and the broader UNC & USFQ Galapagos Initiative will celebrate its 10th Anniversary. We are proud to announce the World Summit on Island Sustainability scheduled to be held on June 26–30, 2022 at the Galapagos Science Center and the Community Convention Center on San Cristobal Island.

The content of the World Summit will be distributed globally through social media and results documented through papers published in a book written as part of the Galapagos Book Series by Springer Nature and edited by Steve Walsh (UNC) & Carlos Mena (USFQ) as well as Jill Stewart (UNC) and Juan Pablo Muñoz (GSC/USC). The book will be inclusive and accessible by the broader island community including scientists, managers, residents, tourists, and government and non-government organizations.

While the most obvious goal of organizing the World Summit on Island Sustainability is to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the GSC and the UNC-USFQ Galapagos Initiative, other goals will be addressed through special opportunities created as part of our operational planning of the World Summit.

For instance, we seek to elevate and highlight the Galapagos in the island conservation discourse, seeking to interact with other island networks in more obvious and conspicuous ways to benefit the Galapagos Islands, the UNC-USFQ Galapagos Initiative, and the world. We will seize the opportunity to further develop the I2N2 – International Islands Network-of-Networks. Further, we wish to highlight and emphasize multiple visions of a sustainable future for the Galapagos Islands and we cannot do this alone. Therefore, engaging the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Tourism, the Government Council of Galapagos, the Galapagos National Park, and local Galapagos authorities, including government and non-government organizations and local citizen groups, is imperative.

The Galapagos Science Center on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos

Borrowing from Hawaii’s and Guam’s Green Growth Program and the Global Island Partnership, we wish to examine existing global programs that emphasize island sustainability and their incorporation into life, policies, and circumstances in the Galapagos Islands. We will also seek to enhance our connections with the institutional members of our International Galapagos Science Consortium and expand the Consortium through the recruitment of other member institutions. We will also work to benefit islands and their local communities by working with citizen groups as well as important NGOs who seek to improve the natural conditions in the Galapagos and diminish the impact of the human dimension on the future of Galapagos’ ecosystems.

Lastly, we will use the World Summit to benefit UNC & USFQ and our constituencies through a strong and vibrant communication plan about the World Summit, creating corporate relationships as sponsors, identifying funding goals through donors, and benefiting our study abroad program for student engagement in the Galapagos Islands. We plan to develop and issue a Galapagos Sustainability Communique after the World Summit that includes the vision and insights of all its participants for a sustainable Galapagos with applicability to global island settings.

We are eager to hear your perspective and have you join us at the World Summit on Island Sustainability!