Floreana Island, heavily impacted by introduced species and biodiversity loss, now hosts one of Galápagos’ most ambitious restoration efforts. With a small community and 54 species still threatened, the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project aims to recover the island’s ecological balance through the removal of invasive species and the return of native wildlife.

For the first time, international trade of a commercially important shark was banned, and protections expanded to 70+ shark & ray species.

As threats to oceans intensify, bridging science and policy is key to protecting migratory species. This piece explores how UN conventions like CMS translate research into action, spotlighting efforts to uplist the Critically Endangered scalloped hammerhead shark and strengthen international conservation through collaboration, evidence, and policy innovation.

Orchids, art, and perseverance intertwine in this remarkable story of Daniel Weber, a Swiss architect whose passion for botany left a hidden legacy in Galápagos. Decades later, a near-lost orchid collection is rescued against the odds—revealing a powerful journey of science, memory, and the people determined to bring it back.

The Galápagos landbird breeding season (January–April) is critical for conservation. Monitoring and adaptive management, including innovative control of Philornis downsi, are improving nesting success. Early results show population recovery in key species, supported by habitat restoration. Ongoing data collection will determine long-term effectiveness and guide future conservation strategies.

Research in the Scalesia forest on Santa Cruz Island revealed more than 200 taxa of parasitoid wasps, compared with only 30 species previously reported for Galapagos. These tiny insects play essential ecological roles and highlight how much remains unknown about the archipelago’s biodiversity and fragile ecosystems in the Pacific Ocean.

Galápagos green sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. At Quinta Playa, scientists monitor their nesting activity to better understand the impacts of climate change. This research provides critical information to protect one of the most important green turtle nesting populations in the Eastern Pacific.