Galapagos Islands News

Floreana, an unassuming, mid-sized island in the south of the Galapagos archipelago, has something most Galapagos Islands don’t: a reliable source of fresh water. For this reason, it was among the first islands to be colonized. The early colonists brought with them plants and animals that they believed necessary for their survival, including pigs, cats, donkeys and plants like fruit trees and vegetables. Decades later, Floreana is now one of the Galapagos Islands most contaminated by these introduced species, which have had a devastating effect on the ecosystem.

Floreana in Crisis

These introduced species have had a disastrous effect on Floreana. The once-common Floreana mockingbird now survives only on two offshore islets and is one of the most endangered species in the Galapagos. Although introduced species such as donkeys have been eradicated, others, such as rats and many plants, have not. Even the marine ecosystem near Floreana’s only town has been overfished and needs protection.

Now, biologists from the Park Service and the Charles Darwin Foundation are ready to turn back the clock on Floreana and do everything in their power to return the island to a pristine, natural state.

How to Save Floreana

Unlike other conservation efforts, Project Floreana is taking a much more holistic approach to reach its goals. The people of Floreana have been involved in the project from the start, and a group of Floreana youths serves as on-site assistants to the scientists and biologists. As much effort is being put into education as into direct control of invasive species. Scientists know that without local support, the program is doomed to fail. Much of the project focuses on sustainable development and improved quarantine procedures.

A Blueprint for Success

It is hoped that this community-based model of co-operation between locals and scientists will become a model for future efforts to clean up other islands and ecosystems, in Galapagos and elsewhere, where introduced species and poor ecological practices have severely damaged native ecosystems.

A Wide Base of Support

Although the program was designed and initiated by the Charles Darwin Foundation and the National Park, other international institutions are helping, with personnel and resources as well as with coming up with the estimated $1.7 million that the program is likely to cost over the course of five years. The Universities of Missouri and Zurich, the St. Louis Zoo and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, among other institutions, are involved in the project.

Optimism is high in Galapagos for Project Floreana, which will give hope to other affected ecosystems and habitats around the archipelago. Most importantly, Project Floreana marks a change in the philosophy of conservation in the islands: no longer are biologists waging a defensive battle against invasive species, but rather have taken the offensive, enlisting community support to make a damaged island whole again. Here’s hoping for success in this noble endeavor!