On the “Beautiful Island”, as San Cristóbal is known, the signing of the implementation agreement for the GEF7 Project called “Strengthening of the protected areas of the Galapagos, through adequate control and surveillance of the Marine Reserve and the Ecological Restoration of Floreana Island” took place, in order to safeguard the biodiversity of the areas and provide well-being to the population that lives in the archipelago and depends on ecosystem services.

This subscription was developed as part of an inter-institutional alliance between the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, through the Directorate of the Galapagos National Park together with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Development Bank of Latin America – CAF and the Jocotoco Foundation.

The implementation of this emblematic project is planned for 60 months and, thanks to the allocation of resources from the GEF of USD 1,940,000, will be invested in processes of removal of introduced vertebrates and the implementation of the operational plan for the elimination of invasive rodents and other species foreign to Floreana Island, which will allow obtaining a direct benefit for the inhabitants of the island, since the ecosystems will be rehabilitated and their living conditions will be improved through the generation of jobs and the renewal of the infrastructure for productive activities and their sustainable management.

In addition, through this investment, monitoring and information systems will be developed to confirm the removal of invasive species, park ranger techniques will be strengthened with the supply of control equipment and the reinforcement of the legal department of the DPNG; on the other hand, roadmaps will be established to design an insurance scheme to reduce the financial risks associated with the re-invasion of invasive alien species (IAS) and for the issuance of green bonds for the biodiversity of Galapagos.

Gustavo Manrique, Minister of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, said that “we have an island region characterized by its marine and terrestrial biological wealth, which is the basis for achieving harmonious development between humans and nature, guaranteeing the means of life for our population that depends entirely on the health of ecosystems.”

For his part, Sergio Díaz – Granados, Executive President of the Development Bank of Latin America – CAF, highlighted that “this commitment will allow us to begin a sustained work of protection of marine fauna. This project adds to a long list of investments and activities of CAF, during 20 years in Galapagos.”

The event was attended by the Minister of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, the Minister President of the Governing Council of Galapagos, CEO of the GEF, the Executive President of CAF, the Director of the Galapagos Program of the Jocotoco Foundation, among other authorities and specialists.

Communications Directorate
Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition