NEWS & EVENTS
LATEST NEWS
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.
A step towards an ecological future with “sustainable solutions” for the Galapagos Science Center
In a joint effort to promote sustainability and improve water resource management, Plastigama Wavin, the Ecuador Water Security Coalition, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) with its Galápagos campus, and the Galapagos Science Center (GSC) implemented the “AquaCell 400 Technology Installation Project” in September. This technology is used for rainwater harvesting, treating the collected water to make it potable and safe for consumption.
“Loberto and Zally: The Galápagos Sea Lions” — A Literary Project for Education and Conservation in Galápagos
The launch of the book “Loberto and Zally: The Galápagos Sea Lions” took place on San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos, during a Family Science event organized by the GSC on August 17 of this year. The printed story will reach 200 elementary and middle school students from all educational institutions on the island.
VI Galapagos Research and Conservation Symposium: Science and Community Collaboration
The VI Symposium on Research and Conservation of Galapagos, a multidisciplinary event that brings together experts and the community, concluded successfully after presenting the most relevant scientific research conducted in the archipelago.
SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES
From Prison Islands to Island Paradises: Are Violent Histories Being Overwritten with Nature-Based Tourism Imaginaries?
This article explores the transformation of former prison islands in Latin America—specifically Isabela (Galápagos), Coiba (Panama), and Gorgona (Colombia)—into nature-based ecotourism destinations. Originally used for exiling criminals, political prisoners, and other marginalized individuals, these isolated islands were chosen for their remote locations and difficult conditions, which made them suitable sites for confinement. However, as these prisons closed, new conservation and ecotourism initiatives developed, focusing on the islands’ natural beauty and biodiversity.
Small Business, Big Impact: The Role of SMEs in Galápagos Conservation
This article explores the fundamental role that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in environmental conservation in the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Multidecadal underwater surveys reveal declines in marine turtles in the eastern tropical pacific
A recent study has revealed an alarming decline in marine turtle populations in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. This research, based on over 35,000 dives conducted at Cocos Island, Costa Rica, over a period of 26 years, provides deep insights into the vulnerability of turtles to environmental pressures and predators.
Plastic Pollution and Animal Health in Juvenile Green Turtles in Ecuador
Marine vertebrates, particularly green sea turtles, are especially vulnerable to plastic pollution through ingestion or entanglement. This study investigated wild juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from two Ecuadorian national parks (Galápagos and Machalilla) to assess the prevalence of plastic pollution in their feces and its potential impact on various health metrics.
EVENTS
6TH GALAPAGOS RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION SYMPOSIUM
The 6th Galápagos Research and Conservation Symposium took place on Monday, July 15 and Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at the Charles Darwin Convention Center on San Cristóbal, Galápagos. This important multidisciplinary event 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 with the endorsement of the Galapagos National Park.
5TH GALAPAGOS RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION SYMPOSIUM
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on San Cristóbal Island, will host the 5th Galapagos Research and Conservation Symposium. This significant multidisciplinary event will feature scientific presentations and community-focused talks, showcasing research and initiatives related to conservation, environmental change, biodiversity and oceans, health, and community initiatives.
World Summit on Island Sustainability
In 2022, the Galapagos Science Center (GSC) and the broader UNC & USFQ Galapagos Initiative celebrated its 10th Anniversary. The GSC hosted the World Summit on Island Sustainability on June 26–30, 2022 at the Galapagos Science Center and the Community Convention Center on San Cristobal Island.
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