Donations Strengthen Control and Surveillance in Galapagos

08 Dec 2023
Galapagos, December 7th, 2023 - In a joint effort to enhance control and surveillance systems in the Galapagos Archipelago, important donations were made to the Seymour, Puerto Villamil, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Puerto Ayora Captaincies, and the Galapagos National Park Directorate. These contributions, carried out from December 5th to 7th, 2023, mark a milestone in collaboration for the conservation of the islands.

The primary objective of these donations is a complete recovery of the control and surveillance systems in all the Captaincies of Galapagos. This will be achieved through the adaptation and implementation of functional monitoring rooms. These rooms will provide optimal space for Navy and Galapagos National Park Directorate officials to carry out their control and surveillance actions in the areas under their jurisdiction specifically, in the Galapagos and Hermandad Marine Reserves.


Through the improvement of infrastructure and the provision of satellite equipment for the monitoring room, effective control will be achieved. This advancement will translate into tangible benefits for the management and conservation of the protected areas of Galapagos and Hermandad.


Captain Patricio Rivas, Director of DIRGIN, stated, "We are grateful for this donation that will strengthen our capacity to protect and conserve these unique waters surrounding the islands. It is an important step in ensuring a sustainable future for Galapagos."


"Through an initial assessment and a detailed report, we have identified the specific needs of each control and surveillance room in the Galapagos Captaincies. This report served as a guide for the determination of essential equipment," mentioned Manuel Bravo, WildAid Ecuador Director.


Eliécer Cruz, Galapagos Program Director of the Jocotoco Conservation Foundation, said, "The Ecuadorian Navy is an essential partner for us. Control and monitoring systems not only streamline marine management and security but also play a crucial role in conservation."


"The Control and Monitoring Center of the Galapagos National Park works in coordination with the Captaincies and DIRGIN for the control and surveillance of activities in the Galapagos and Hermandad marine reserves. This collaborative work allows comprehensive monitoring of protected areas, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and strengthening the conservation of the unique biodiversity that characterizes Galapagos," said Juan Chávez, Galapagos National Park Director.


This invaluable donation was made possible through the cooperation between the WildAid Foundation and the Jocotoco Conservation Foundation. The Ecuadorian Navy worked in an interinstitutional manner with the Galapagos National Park Directorate to coordinate the delivery and ensure its effective implementation. Additionally, the financial support from the Bezos Earth Fund and Rewild played a fundamental role in the realization of this project.

For more information:

Isabel Grijalva
Jocotoco Conservation Foundation
isabel.grijalva@jocotoco.org.ec
0984400328