On June 26th – 27th, 2023, the 5th Galapagos Research and Conservation Symposium took place at the Charles Darwin Convention Center in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal Island. This remarkable multidisciplinary event featured scientific presentations and community-focused talks, showcasing research and initiatives related to conservation, environmental change, biodiversity, oceans, health, and community initiatives.

The primary objective of the symposium was to emphasize the importance of research as a crucial factor in informing solutions and sharing national and international conservation efforts. The event provided a space for the exchange of research practices, with symposium speakers being active researchers in the Galapagos, fostering extensive collaboration networks, and demonstrating a strong commitment to training the next generation of researchers in the archipelago.

This gathering served as a unique opportunity for participants to collaborate on projects and establish new, vital national and international alliances and networks to advance conservation efforts.

Moreover, the symposium aimed to promote community participation as exhibitors and audience members, allowing them to showcase their conservation-related efforts. This enabled authorities to understand the needs and concerns of the local population, influencing their decision-making. The event also played a crucial role in educating the Galapagos community about the special and unique ecosystem they inhabit and the social and public health challenges they face.

The 5th Galapagos Research and Conservation Symposium 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.