Giant tortoises are emblems of Galapagos. They are critical ecosystem engineers and they are also important for the local economy. Yet all 12 species of Galapagos Giant Tortoises are of conservation concern. Our work focuses on conserving these gentle giants through research and education.

Giant tortoises are emblems of Galapagos. They are critical ecosystem engineers and they are also important for the local economy. Yet all 12 species of Galapagos Giant Tortoises are of conservation concern. Our work focuses on conserving these gentle giants through research and education.

While the Galapagos remains one of the best-managed destinations, with exponential visitor growth, tourism continues to impact this delicate ecosystem. We are studying how to make tourism in Galapagos more sustainable, in a way that reduces the impact on Galapagos’ fragile ecosystems while continuing to benefit the local community.

While the Galapagos remains one of the best-managed destinations, with exponential visitor growth, tourism continues to impact this delicate ecosystem. We are studying how to make tourism in Galapagos more sustainable, in a way that reduces the impact on Galapagos’ fragile ecosystems while continuing to benefit the local community.