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Flagship Project: Floreana
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The village on Floreana
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Linking ecosystem restoration with the lives and aspirations of local residents:
An integrated approach to conservation
Project Leader: Rachel Atkinson
Floreana was the first island in Galapagos to be inhabited. Since the early 1800s the presence of humans has resulted in habitat destruction, species loss, and the introduction of invasive species. Through a new holistic approach to Galapagos conservation, the restoration of Floreana Island links ecosystem restoration – marine and terrestrial - with the lives and aspirations of local residents.
By involving the community in science-based conservation, the project constructs a long-term
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Rubus niveus, one of the worst invasive plant species
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plan for habitat protection, recovery of threatened species and management of invasive mammals. Floreana’s restoration differs from previous large-scale efforts in that the human presence is an integral factor. The project thus inextricably links traditional biological research and conservation to actions by the human population; environmental education with local goals and values, and ecosystem restoration with the livelihoods of inhabitants.
The project will produce and implement tools to prioritize protected areas for threatened species and their habitats. Ten species (seven bird, two reptile, and one plant) are already extinct on Floreana. Incursions of invasive plants and over-grazing by farm and feral animals have degraded most island vegetation, and four endemic plants are critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™.
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The Floreana mockingbird – the project flagship
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The Floreana mockingbird is one of several locally extinct species to be reintroduced. This species played a pivotal role in Darwin’s reflections that led to his theory of natural selection. Highly vulnerable, it exists only on two small offshore islets. Its transfer and release on Floreana requires the removal of probable extinction factors through invasive mammal control, habitat restoration and reduction of disease risks. The giant tortoise is also a candidate for reintroduction; long extinct on Floreana, it is the only large endemic herbivore in Galapagos and a keystone species for ecosystem function.
In the Galapagos Marine Reserve a decade of over-fishing has severely damaged the marine community. In collaboration with local fishermen, scientists will set up no-take zones near Floreana’s coastal village to facilitate studies to revitalize the ecosystem. Once the marine ecosystem is restored its flourishing underwater life will provide snorkelling and dive opportunities for locally based tourism.
Community support is critical to the success of restoration of Floreana Island. The project combines island restoration with sustainable human activities highlighting the importance of conservation. Improved quarantine and inspection standards will be implemented to help protect the unique vulnerability of the island ecosystems and build a broader understanding among inhabitants of environmental stewardship.
Restoration of Floreana Island is a long-term restoration plan, adaptable for as long as
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The team of field assistants on Floreana
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humans interact with nature on the island. Once this initial phase is complete, Project Floreana will serve as a blueprint for future ecological restoration.
This is a bi-institutional project of the Galapagos National Park Service and the CDF. The project will also involve the collaboration of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Zoological Museum, University of Zurich , University of Missouri, St Louis, WildCare Institute, St Louis Zoo and Island Conservation, as well as the community of Floreana.
Funding for this part of the project is estimated at 1.7 million USD over 5 years.
Funding to date for work in Floreana has been given by Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund, Galapagos Conservation Trust, Galapagos Conservancy, Galapagos Conservation Fund
The project will involve many of the staff at the CDF
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