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Published: January 20th 2010
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Hacienda Tranquila Project, community-based organization, initiated and led by Galápagos residents
Established in: 2005
Located at: Highland region of San Cristóbal, Galápagos Island, Ecuador
Extension: 50 ha
Forest type: Dry and Moist Tropical Forest
The highland forests of the populated Islands in the Galapagos chain have been greatly altered due to the introduction of exotic and invasive species of animals and plants. Highland conservation, development and poverty issues have been almost completely neglected by conservation, development and government agencies. As a result of the lack of fruit and vegetable production on the Galapagos Islands, boats from the Ecuadorian mainland unload fruits and vegetables to hotels, restaurants, and markets on a daily basis. Quarantine regulations are consistently ignored and at least two exotic and/or invasive plant or faunal species enter to the islands. This is the reason why one of the main current problems on the Galapagos Islands is the introduction of non-native species (plants and insects), mainly through the importation of food to the islands from mainland Ecuador.
Regarding the habitat restoration aspect, the reserve is dedicated to eradicate and control invasive species of plants, especially a type of invasive raspberry, in order to
plant native trees and vegetation. The reserve is currently implementing a biological corridor going from 100 m.a.s.l. to 450 m.a.s.l. to demonstrate the different native vegetation at different gradients of the island. The native vegetation consists of Miconias, Manzanillo, Escalecias and other native species.
The Hacienda Tranquila Bio Station has worked to develop, habitat reconstruction, reforestation activities utilizing native species for the last 5 years. Consistent with past work, one of the objectives of this station is to develop the technology to reconstruct native habitat in the highlands on San Cristobal, and to serve as a centre for similar projects in the highlands on other populated islands in the Galapagos chain. The foundation has established a Plant Conservation Center for the production of native plant species for this work.
Objectives:
Hacienda Tranquila Bio Station’s main goal is to be a project that seeks to reconcile the conflict between man and nature by promoting sustainable values. In addition, the foundation works to mentor children from San Cristobal center for National Institute for Children and Families in Ecuador (INNFA) in order to promote environmental conservation among young children. The foundation also assists in other community projects.
ACTIVITIES
• Reforestation
- Volunteers work to reverse the negative effects of invasive or introduced species, restoring the native and endemic forests of San Cristobal Island in the biological station at Hacienda Tranquila. The work will help realize the long term aim to construct a native plant corridor from the dry forest portion of the reserve below to the moist forest above. Volunteers will maintain an organic vegetable garden and working to improve trash disposal trough recycling and compost. (Collecting seeds, classifying seeds, nursery work, out planting within the reserve or nearby reserve, help maintain reforestation lines, etc.). The goal is to connect 3 vegetation types.
• Social Work -Collecting fruit from the Bio Station and mentor children from San Cristobal center for National Institute for Children and Families in Ecuador (INNFA) working with them in hippo-therapy, gardening, environmental education, and fieldtrips to the Bio station.
• Community Work - Motivate community members to plant local, rather than introduced vegetation to continue educating the local population about the environment and how to protect it. Volunteers also assist in other community projects.
What Difference Does This Project Make?
This is the only project in the Galapagos that combines environmental, community and social intitiatives
to improve the sustainability of the islands. The Biological Station opened on San Cristobal in 2005. Since its inception, the station’s field lodgeing and a significant nursery operation have been constructed. The Foundation has worked towards the development of reforestation, habitat re-composition, and agro forestry activities during its 5 years on the island. In virtue of this, one of the objectives of this station is to develop methodological practices for natural system reconstruction that will serve as a model for similar projects in other reserves. Volunteers have begun reforestation work with Hacienda Tranquila staff, replacing exotic, invasive plants with native species. Furthermore, volunteers collaborate with organizations such as the Instituto Nacional del Nino y la Familia (INFA) in Hippo-Therapy to promote environmental conservation among young children from the island as well as motivate community members to plant local, rather than introduced vegetation. Plans include the construction of a native plant corridor from the dry forest portion of the lowland reserve to the moist forest above. Reforestation with native plants will be emphasized as a plant production center is developed.
Contac as;
Hacienda Tranquila
www.haciendatranquila.com
San Cristobal Island, Galapgos, Ecuador
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