Restore the habitat of Floreana Island to protect its unique biodiversity and support the sustainable development of its community. The project focuses on the removal of invasive species, including rodents and feral cats, and strengthening the biosecurity of the entire archipelago.

The removal of invasive species is essential for the survival of unique species in the world and the well-being of the Floreana community. Invasive species threaten 54 species on Floreana Island and the productive activities of its people, from agriculture to tourism.

OUR GOALS:

  • Removal two invasive vertebrate species from Floreana Island.
  • Strengthen the agricultural and ecotourism activities on the island.
  • Improve biosecurity, agricultural production, and ecotourism systems.
  • Eliminate disease transmission vectors affecting human and livestock health.
  • Reintroduce 12 out of the 13 locally extinct species to Floreana Island.
  • Enhance the capacities of Floreana's institutions and community.
  • Develop a collaborative model for implementing restoration projects.

OUR TEAM

The Ecological Restoration Project of Floreana is executed by DPNG, ABG, JOCOTOCO FOUNDATION, ISLAND CONSERVATION and DURRELL WILDLIFE CONSERVATION TRUST. We have a dedicated and passionate team. This multidisciplinary team comprises professionals in various fields, including specialized pilots, conservation experts, ecological restoration specialists, biosecurity agents, park rangers, among others.

MEET OUR LEADERS:

  • víctor carrión
  • chad handson
  • ronal azuero
  • cristian sevilla
víctor carrión

Victor, the leader of the Ecological Restoration Project on Floreana Island, works for the Jocotoco Conservation Foundation. With 28 years of experience in protected areas and invasive species management, both in the public sector and non-governmental organizations, he brings extensive knowledge and unwavering dedication to this cause. His coordination is essential for our project on Floreana, and his commitment and expertise are a fundamental pillar in achieving our ecological restoration goals on this unique island worldwide. During his time in the Galápagos National Park, Victor successfully led the Isabela Project, resulting in the eradication of goats, donkeys, and pigs on several islands in the archipelago. Additionally, he was part of the team responsible for the successful eradication of rodents on Pinzón Island, Rábida, and 11 islets. Victor's coordination is crucial for our project on Floreana, and his dedication and experience are a fundamental cornerstone in achieving our ecological restoration objectives on this globally unique island.

chad handson

Serving now as Island Conservation’s Deputy Vice President, Conservation has implemented a suite of island restoration projects over the last twenty years with a focus on addressing one of the most impactful threats; introduced invasive species. Having worked with over a dozen of the most damaging vertebrate species, he has extensive experience in assessing feasibility, project planning and budgeting, biosecurity, innovating tools and methodologies and implementing eradications. His mission is to prevent extinctions which is ongoing through the rewilding of some of our world’s most at-risk islands. Before joining Island Conservation, Chad played a role in the world’s largest goat removal on Santiago Island, Galápagos, applying his management and training skills to a team of over 40 Ecuadorian field staff. He co-chairs Island Conservation’s Eradication Advisory Team reviewing and advising on projects globally and has led the development of Island Conservation’s internal project management process.

ronal azuero

Currently holds the position of Head of Phytosanitary Surveillance at the Agency for the Regulation and Control of Biosafety and Quarantine for Galapagos. He is a passionate defender of biodiversity and an expert in pest control. His career in environmental conservation began in 1999 as a volunteer at the Charles Darwin Station, where he quickly stood out for his dedication and commitment. In 2002, he was promoted to field assistant and contributed significantly to research projects on Aedes aegypti (dengue mosquito) on populated islands. Ronal received a scholarship that allowed him to obtain his third-level degree, and after graduation, he joined the Agricultural Health Service (SESA) as a phytosanitary technician. Over time, Ronal became a leader in the Galapagos Biosafety Agency (ABG) team, assuming the role of Phytosanitary Surveillance Management Manager. His experience has focused on the execution of control and eradication projects of introduced species, covering urban, rural and agricultural areas. Their dedication and continued contributions have left a lasting mark in preserving the delicate ecological balance of the Galapagos Islands.

cristian sevilla

He is a specialist in conservation and restoration, he is currently responsible for this process in the Galapagos National Park Directorate. In its beginnings, he was an important part of the Isabela goat eradication project on several islands, and of the deratization projects of Pinzón, Seymour, Rábida and several other islets. He was also the leader of the tilapia eradication project in Laguna del Junco, and is a counterpart to several research projects on fauna, wild flora and their interactions in the Galapagos ecosystems.

MEET THE WHOLE TEAM:

Ángel Atilio Ramón Aldaz
Abraham Chicaiza
Alberto Santander
Alexander Abad
Alexander G. Abad Castillo
Andrés Campoverde
Andres Zapata
Ángel Naula
Angie Carrión
Antonio P. Gamboa Acosta
Bladimir Valle
Byron Delgado
Capt. Edwin Acosta
Capt. Holguer Arévalo
Carlos A. Gaona Villalta
Carlos M. Perugachi Noquez
Carolina Carrión
Chad Handson
Daniel B. Guerrero Cuaspud
David H. Barrera Alava
David Milligan
Dionicio Pinto
Dionicio V. Pinto Zhanay
Edison A. Conforme Peñafiel
Edison Conforme
Enmanuel Pacheco
Ernestor Gaona
Fabián Masaquiza
Fabricio Vasquez
Fernando A. Nole Curimilma
Fernando Nole
Fidelino Gaona
Fraser Alistair
Freddy A. Azuero Armijos
Freddy Villamar Cocha
Gian Alexander Paredes
Hernan Alonso Vela
Javier Castilla
Jean Piere Cadena
Joel Arica
Johanes F. Ramírez Kastdalen
Johny Mazón
Jonathan Contreras
José M. Calva Gaona
José Naula
José Ostaiza
Joselito Mora
Joshua Vela
Juan Chávez
Juan Pablo Mayorga
Jules Paredes
Julio Maza
Karina Coronel
Karina Kastdalen
Keyla Castro
Lauro A. Chavez Arciniega
Liam Curtis
Luke Kenneth
Manuel E. Ronquillo Goyes
Manuel Masaquiza
Marcelo Ronaldo Gavilanez
Marcos Floreana
María Alejandra Espín
Mario Chasug
Marlon A. Ramón Herrera
Marlon del Águila
Matthew Michael
Michael Alexander
Moisés E. Villafuerte Mariño
Mykel Goñi
Nelson Pillajo
Norma A. Intriago de la Cruz
Pablo Ulloa
Paola Sangolquí
Patricia Altamirano
Paúl A. Vaca Vargas
Pedro P. Ulloa Cruz
Peter Peñafiel
Rafael D. Chango Miranda
Renato Pérez Loyola
Roberto Maingon
Roland Digby
Sierra Moore
Terry William
Timo Sullivan
Tinus Johan Weber
Tobías Castro Kugele
Victor Carrión González
Vilma Calvopiña
Vivian Huacuja
Wilson A. Cabrera Freire
Wilson R. Villamar Cocha
Wilson X. Villafuerte Manrique
Yamer Jimenez

  • Project is carried out by:

  • CON EL APOYO DE DONANTES:

  • Y COLABORADORES: