GALAPAGOS BOTANICAL GARDEN 2010

Introduction

Great Wilderness and its partners are building the first Botanical Garden on the Galapagos Islands near Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz.  The project is being developed in three phases; 1) land acquisition, 2) design and construction of the volunteer quarters, guest quarters and food service facilities and 3) program implementation.  A generous donor has given two hectares and we are currently seeking partners to complete the project.

More than a proposition to build a tourist/volunteer facility, this project is a community-based educational center for conservation and sustainable land management with implications for the state-run, Galapagos National Park Service. The focus on community-based approaches and integrated agricultural zone management will increase public awareness and outreach while giving visitors a chance to work side-by-side with local residents. A phenology study monitoring the native tress in the Islands will be a major project component and could have implications for understanding how climate change affects ecological interactions in the native forests and other terrestrial biological systems on the Galapagos. 

The Center will provide an option for those who want to balance their visit on the islands between the profound personal experience the islands provide with a contribution to community based efforts that preserve the natural wonders of the Galapagos for future generations. There are very few options for those who wish to leave the islands stronger than they found them.

The Galapagos Islands, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is one of the world’s most splendid ecosystems. Forty percent of the species in this island chain are found nowhere else in the world, but they are under increasing pressure from rapidly increasing human population, unsustainable resource exploitation, the introduction of invasive species and the ineffective implementation of existing land use legislation, among others.

Many of us have dreamt of seeing this special place and the unique animals and plants that have evolved here nearly undisturbed millions of years. Since Charles Darwin published his landmark book Origin of Species in 1859 the curiosity about the islands has attracted people in numbers that are both a blessing and a curse. Each plane or ship arrives with the possibility of introducing invasive species and over 100,000 tourists per year test the ability of the islands infrastructure to service the needs of the residents and visitors.

The Botanical Garden will play a major role in the development and dissemination of best land management practices and clean energy use that could be applied in other populated islands in the Galapagos and elsewhere. Programs will focus on both short, easy-to implement and longer term strategic sustainability efforts including: renewable energy, energy efficiency projects, sustainable agriculture and a botanical garden with exhibits, native plant features and watershed resources. The property is strategically located to become the center-point of a wildlife corridor from the coast to the highlands, a partnership with the National Park Service.

Ecosystem Management and Habitat Restoration

The proposed center would use a two-pronged approach to rehabilitate the forests of Galapagos, while enhancing the livelihood of Santa Cruz farmers. 

a. The biological corridor

The first part of our project will be a reforestation corridor that runs from an altitude of 100 meters (limit of the National Park marine corridor) up to 600 meters above sea level connecting the three distinct island life zones with uninterrupted native vegetation and their seed dispersal agents.  This agreement with local farmers will connect their properties through a reforestation corridor.

b. Sustainable Agriculture (coffee, agro-forestry, etc)

In the area of sustainable agriculture, we would like to encourage a resurgence of small-scale local and organic food production and agro-tourism through sustainable production of vegetables, fruits (including coffee production) and hard woods that are not a risk to become invasive.  Agro-forestry mixes food production with native tree species.  The result is that native habitat is maintained in productive areas. Existing primary forest will not be disturbed, and areas of secondary vegetation will be devoted to experimental trials in agro-forestry and native silviculture.

c. The Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens are outdoor museums and surprisingly there are none on the Galapagos.  Our site is 70% native forest and 30% disturbed.  All of the native forest will be preserved and the remaining land will display native species from all the islands.  Organic gardens for food production, medicinal plants, ornamentals and tree propagation plus plants and trees for sale to the local residents contribute to sustainability of the project.  Composting is fun and even a bit competitive among gardeners who pride themselves on ‘cooking’ the best blend.  Demonstration agro-forestry and reforestation areas will spread to an adjacent school.

Clean Energy Technology Use (solar power, wind power)

The center will seek innovative uses for solar and wind power that increase efficiencies in the use and reuse of resources.  Conservation promoters will be trained to assist farmers and students to spread sustainability methods throughout the islands. Models at the Botanical Garden will inform this work

Other components:

1. Develop a traditional system for freshwater collection from rainfall or mist net, wells etc.
2. Septic: Three discrete systems as practical models for islanders.
3. An electric vehicle will be used to carry supplies and people from Puerto Ayora.

Project sustainability

After an initial investment the Botanical Garden will become entirely self-sustainable through the following income sources:

1. Volunteer fees and the Internship Program
2. Natural History Courses and groups
3. Guest house fees
4. Restaurant Service
5. Conference Center rental

Information and Communication Technology

The food service and conference center will be an Internet hotspot.  Volunteers will conduct classes in the computer lab at the nearby Scalesia Academy School.

Community Extension Programs

Technical assistance to farmers will replicate our demonstrations gardens at farms on the Galapagos.  Environmental Education and Community Outreach at schools will provide English classes and conservation education courses.  The conference center will host community meetings on a variety of topics. The GBG community will network worldwide through our volunteers.

Collaboration and support to Galapagos’ Conservation Programs

Staff and volunteers of the Botanical Garden will work closely with the Galapagos National Park Service to support their conservation efforts at the Galapagos (eradication of invasive animal and plants species, recycling plant, etc).