"On the Origin and Demise of Species"
Floreana Restoration Plan
For the first time a plan has been developed to restore the whole of an inhabited island, Floreana. The Charles Darwin Foundation and Galapagos National Park are taking a holistic approach to removing introduced species, working with the local population and restoring all of the factors that make up its ecosystem in order to return Floreana to its original state.
Floreana was the first island in Galapagos to be inhabited. Since the early 1800s, the presence of humans has resulted in habitat destruction, species loss, and the introduction of invasive species. Using this new holistic approach to conservation in Galapagos, Project Floreana will link ecosystem restoration with the lives and aspirations of local people, and integrate ecosystem restoration into the livelihoods of inhabitants.
"The Origin and Demise of Species" Project
This project complements the Education on Floreana project and aims to continue educating and involving the local population in the importance of their island and its conservation. GCT is delighted to have received a donation of over £100,000 to fund this project in full. The project will help to build an understanding among inhabitants of the island's unique biodiversity and its vulnerability to invasion. Improved awareness will be based upon four key elements.
Flamingo Lagoon, Floreana Island
© Chris Deeny
- Building a permanent outdoor interpretation exhibit in Floreana on evolution and the fragility of island and marine biodiversity
- Undertaking a training needs assessment to determine the vocational skills inhabitants require
- Developing didactic material for Galapagos schools focused on evolution and present to the education ministry
- Increasing the understanding of island vulnerability to invasive species through practical solutions.
To make a secure donation in support of Project Floreana or in support of our work more widely please click here.