Author: lasof

Lorena Benítez Ramírez

lasof on

Meet Lorena Benítez Ramírez, a scientist and geographer specializing in remote sensing, food security, and climate change, working at the Geography Institute at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). Passionate about nature and meticulous in her work, Lorena is focused on understanding land-use dynamics and coverage in Galapagos agroecosystems. Her research identifies key socio-environmental factors impacting sustainability and aims to create strategies that enhance resilience in these systems facing climate change. “I would love for everyone to participate in my research, as sharing experiences, results, and receiving direct feedback from those actively working in agriculture in the islands is essential,” Lorena shares.

Call to Action:

We invite members of the Galapagos agricultural community to participate in Lorena Benítez Ramírez’s research. Let’s share insights and experiences that contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agriculture in the islands.

Tags:

Geography, Remote Sensing, Agroecosystems, Food Security, Climate Change, Galapagos

Carolina Proaño

lasof on

Meet Carolina Proaño, an independent scientist dedicated to monitoring and protecting petrels on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Islands. Passionate about collaborating with like-minded people, Carolina is committed to conserving this iconic Galapagos bird. Through her work, she advises farmers on sustainable practices that aid in protecting petrels, striving to spread these actions to a larger network of agricultural communities. Carolina shares, “I hope that our efforts to protect the Galapagos petrel expand to benefit the ecosystem and inspire public policies that improve the species’ situation.”

Call to Action:

Join Carolina Proaño in her mission to protect the Galapagos petrel. Through sustainable agricultural practices and conservation efforts, we can all contribute to preserving this unique species.

Tags:

Conservation, Sustainable Agriculture, Galapagos Petrel, Species Monitoring

Scott Henderson

lasof on

Meet Scott Henderson, the Galapagos Program Lead at Conservation International (CI). A resident of the Galapagos Islands for over 35 years, Scott is deeply invested in organic agriculture and owns a coffee farm in the region. As the founder of CI in Galapagos in 2003, his work is dedicated to supporting research and sustainability in the archipelago. Scott currently offers his farm as a research site, promoting data collection that benefits scientists focused on sustainable agricultural practices in the islands. According to Scott, “My primary motivation is to contribute to Galapagos’ sustainability through relevant data and observations.”

Call to Action:

We invite you to learn more about Scott Henderson’s work and to join Conservation International’s mission of promoting sustainability and conservation in the Galapagos Islands. Let’s collaborate to protect this unique ecosystem!

Tags:

Conservation International, Sustainable Agriculture, Research, Galapagos, Conservation, Organic Coffee

Mateo Davila

lasof on

Meet Mateo Davila, a Biologist passionate about terrestrial animal monitoring and scientific research. Mateo has been working on research projects in the Galápagos Islands since 2011, dedicated to the conservation and study of terrestrial biodiversity in this fragile ecosystem. According to Mateo, “What motivates me the most is being able to contribute to the knowledge and conservation of Galápagos’ terrestrial fauna through science.”

Call to Action:

We invite other researchers, conservationists, and community members to connect with Mateo Davila to collaborate on education and scientific outreach campaigns that promote the protection of Galápagos’ terrestrial ecosystems.

Tags:

Biology, Conservation, Animal Monitoring, Education, Scientific Outreach

San Cristobal Workshop: Sustainable Agricultural Practices

lasof on
Ilustración de un paisaje agrícola con agricultores trabajando juntos, simbolizando prácticas agrícolas sostenibles.

We invite you to join the Workshop on Sustainable Agricultural Practices in San Cristobal! This event is designed to strengthen rural leadership through the learning of sustainable practices and the development of solidarity economy skills.

Workshop Details:

  • Date: September 23rd
  • Location: Rancho Isla Bonita (La Soledad Area)
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

During this workshop, you will learn about the following key topics:

  • Women’s Role in Agriculture
  • Resilience and Food Sovereignty
  • Agroecological Value Chains
  • Hydrosocial Cycle and Water Cycle
  • Solidarity Economy

Workshop Goal:

The main goal of this workshop is to strengthen rural leadership through sustainable practices and promote skills in solidarity economy. We look forward to seeing you there!

For additional details, contact us at 099-825-9112.

Organized by:

Canada CFLI, Heifer Ecuador, Vecinos Galapagos, Ola Igualdad, USFQCADE, San Cristobal Decentralized Autonomous Government, GSC, SGA, GEO.

Tags:

San Cristobal Workshop, Sustainable Agriculture, Solidarity Economy, Galapagos

Donaldo Navarrete

lasof on
Donaldo Navarrete and farmers in a hands-on training on sustainable farming techniques in a rural area of the Galápagos.

Meet Donaldo Navarrete, a professional from Heifer Ecuador passionate about improving experiences in rural areas of the Galápagos. Currently affiliated with Heifer Ecuador, he is committed to enhancing the Galápagos food system and the well-being of rural communities. According to Donaldo, “What motivates me the most is structuring work lines so that stakeholders can better position themselves within the observatory, and also creating a repository of all the research surrounding rural areas in the Galápagos.”

Donaldo Navarrete y agricultores en capacitación práctica sobre técnicas agrícolas sostenibles en una zona rural de Galápagos.
Donaldo Navarrete and farmers in a hands-on training on sustainable farming techniques in a rural area of the Galápagos.

Call to Action:

We invite other food system stakeholders to join this coordinated intervention initiative between producers and consumers to achieve a sustainable food system in the Galápagos Islands.

Tags:

Heifer Ecuador, Agriculture, Conservation, Rural Areas, Food System, Galápagos, Sustainability, Collaborator

Ronald Herrera

lasof on

Meet Ronald Herrera Sánchez, a Professor at ISTJM and a researcher passionate about Agroecological Farm Management and Participatory Processes Design for Agroecology. He is currently affiliated with Instituto Superior Tecnologico Juan Montalvo (ISTJM) and is committed to promoting agroecology through invasive species management and implementing participatory processes. According to Ronald, “I was part of the professional team that designed and implemented the BioAgriculture Plan for Galapagos and work with participatory action research in pest management.”

A man in a shirt in front of an audience with a projected slide behind him.
Ronald is sharing about his work in an interdisciplinary knowledge exchange with farmers of Santa Cruz Island.

Conclusion/Call to Action:

Continue the process of participatory farm monitoring under agroecological principles. If you are interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out.

Tags:

Agroecology, Conservation, Education, Galapagos, Participatory Processes

Francisco Laso

lasof on

Meet Francisco Laso, a Professor passionate about Agricultural Area Monitoring, Food Systems Education, and Interdisciplinary Data Management. He is currently affiliated with Western Washington University and is committed to developing cartographic tools, securing funding for collaborative projects, and creating educational materials. According to Francisco, “What motivates me the most is the opportunity to improve communication between farmers and scientists to avoid duplication of efforts and promote sustainability in Galapagos.”

A group of people around a drone that is taking off.
Francisco teaching locals and conservation scientists how to map agricultural areas in Galapagos with a drone (Photo: Stephen Blake).

Call to Action:

Explore the Galapagos Science Center Dataverse, a key resource for accessing data that supports research and conservation in Galapagos.

Tags:

Agriculture, Conservation, Education, Geography, Galapagos, Cartography, GIS

Galapagos Data Hub

lasof on
Screenshot of the Galapagos Data Hub

🔍 Quick Overview:

Explore a centralized platform for accessing a wealth of environmental data on the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Data Hub is designed to support research, conservation, and sustainable development by providing open access to diverse datasets collected by scientists and researchers.

📚 What’s Inside:

  • Type: Data Repository
  • Topic: Environmental Data, Conservation, Research
  • Created By: Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ)
  • Published On: Continuously updated

🌟 Why It Matters:

The Galapagos Data Hub is an essential resource for anyone involved in research, conservation, or policy-making in the Galapagos. By providing open access to critical environmental data, it empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions that protect this unique ecosystem.

📥 Grab It Now:

Visit the Galapagos Data Hub
Start exploring the data that’s shaping the future of Galapagos conservation.

🎯 Related Goodies:

You might also like:

🏷️ Tags:

Environmental Data, Galapagos, Conservation, Research, Data Repository

🤝 Get Involved:

Interested in contributing your data or collaborating with other researchers? Reach out to the Instituto de Geografia (USFQ) or to the collaborators of the Galapagos Agroecological Observatory and become part of the effort to protect the Galapagos Islands.

CDF Datazone

lasof on

🔍 Quick Overview:

Unlock a treasure trove of data on the Galapagos Islands! The CDF Datazone is your go-to resource for accessing scientific research, biodiversity records, and environmental data that drive conservation efforts in this unique archipelago.

📚 What’s Inside:

  • Type: Data Repository
  • Topic: Biodiversity, Conservation, Environmental Data
  • Created By: Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF)
  • Published On: Continuously updated

🌟 Why It Matters:

The CDF Datazone is essential for anyone working in or interested in the Galapagos. It provides the data backbone for conservation efforts, helping scientists, policymakers, and conservationists make informed decisions to protect this fragile ecosystem.

📥 Grab It Now:

Visit the CDF Datazone
Access invaluable data that can shape the future of Galapagos conservation.

🎯 Related Goodies:

You might also like:

🏷️ Tags:

Conservation, Galapagos, Biodiversity, Data, Research

🤝 Get Involved:

Want to contribute your data or collaborate with other researchers? Reach out through the CDF’s Contact Page and become part of the Galapagos conservation community.