WWF's activities in the Galapagos
Educating people for nature
The Special Law for Galapagos, which WWF strongly supported, states that nature conservation must be included in the curriculum of schools in the archipelago.
Ever since it was passed in 1998, WWF has been actively training teachers and working directly with children. The WWF team uses publications and posters alongside more interactive techniques such as drawing competitions to reach all age groups.They also campaign outside the classroom and have backed several initiatives aimed at a broader audience. Most recently, WWF launched a new exhibit in the Charles Darwin Research Station interpretation centre: the Van Straelen Centre, named after a keen naturalist dedicated to protecting nature. As most tourists visit the Centre, the environmental message is getting out to well over 75,000 people a year in the Galapagos alone!
- Know more about the new exhibit from the Galapagos Conservation Trust website
- Hazardous chemicals and oil spills in the classroom - Article from WWF-UK
The Energy Blueprint - a vision for 2011
In 2001, WWF produced a plan to wipe out unsustainable energy sources such as fossil fuels from the Galapagos, in ten years. The idea is to swap all high pollution systems currently in use with demonstrated, cost effective environmentally sensitive technologies that rely on synthetic diesel, wind and solar power.
- Know more about the Blueprint from WWF-US
- WWF and Ecuador sign accord to transform Galapagos into model for clean energy use
Applying the science
Rather than supporting the import of more fossil fuels from the mainland to counter the energy shortages suffered in many inhabited parts of the Galapagos, WWF is applying the ideas in the Energy Blueprint. By investing in photovoltaic cells and batteries, WWF dramatically changed the lives of many, including the 80 people living on Floreana Island. From one day to the next they were able to enjoy basic commodities such as lamps and refrigerators - just by harnessing power from the sun.
Enlightened population
Providing equipment is just the first step. For many, photovoltaic cells could have come from outer space. The concept is so novel in the islands that most feared they would need to change all their kitchen appliances for example in order to benefit from the new source of energy.
To shatter these misconceptions, WWF started education campaigns and also initiated a number of training courses to ensure people using the likes of solar panels understood their functioning well.
Residue wipe out
As well as coming up with new types of energy, WWF is also working on eliminating old sources and by-products of consumption. Cooking and motor oil, for example, have to be disposed of in a specific way to ensure they do not damage the environment. The guide, Learning about Renewable Energies, provides the road map for getting rid of the leftovers and is full of useful tips on how to get sustainable energy.
A tug of war for underwater wonders
The waters around the Galapagos are packed with species of high interest to fishermen, tour operators and conservationists. Unfortunately, these groups have divergent views as to how the marine resources should be used.
When it boils down to it, the tourism sector would like to take out as many boats as possible; the fishing industry would happily harvest vast quantities of fish; and hardcore conservationists feel it would be better to leave the area alone. As these three factions all operate within the same area, WWF set out to help reach sustainable compromises.
Making the most of the marine reserve
In 2004, WWF launched a project involving 9 organisations and bringing together fishermen, tour operators and conservationists. With less than 1% of the world's seas and oceans within protected areas and with the Galapagos one of the largest reserves, WWF is seeking to ensure all interested parties agree to secure a sound future for the Galapagos marine environment.
Working with a management plan drawn up some years back, the novel initiative looks into the likes of governance, with a special focus on feedback and monitoring. Within the tourism sector, the spotlight is on capacity building, with tourist guides sensitised to best environmental practice.
At the fisheries level, the organizations will work with fishermen to attain sustainable fishing. The division of the marine reserve into different zones, linked to a variety of restrictions and uses, is also high on the agenda. WWF and its counterparts are instrumental in defining these areas and monitoring their use.
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