The Galápagos isn't just evolution's laboratory, but also a cradle for modern rewilding. Local communities along with environmental organizations (@parquegalapagos, @fundacion.jocotoco, @islandconservation, @durrell_jerseyzoo, @charlesdarwinfoundation, and @rewild) have come together to restore islands and the oceans surrounding them. Their efforts could be a model for the rest of the world.
They are working to return 13 native species that went locally extinct to Floreana Island, including the Floreana Giant Tortoise. This tortoises could reshape the entire ecosystem, selectively browsing plants and dispersing the seeds of native plants, returning it to a savanna-like ecosystem. The transformation will make Floreana more resilient to climate change, better protect food & water sources, and better preserve its culture and nature-based tourism.
The Galápagos community and the government of Ecuador also created a new marine protected area (MPA) earlier this year. @bezosearthfund, @pewenvironment, BlueAction Fund will support effective management of this MPA.
Follow the link in bio to read an op-ed co-authored by Danny Rudea Córdova, Director of Galápagos National Park Directorate, and published in @guardian
Photo by Andrew S. Wright/Island Conservation
#RewildGalápagos
