The Galápagos Islands

How do the various land and sea ecosystems of the Galápagos respond to climate change?

What are the consequences of unprecedented levels of fishing or tourism upon a marine ecosystem already feeling the effects of a changing climate? How do we ensure a healthy balance of human and environmental needs?

LEARN MORE: Explore the relationship between human health and the environment.

Conservation International – in cooperation with the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment, World Wildlife Fund, Charles Darwin Foundation, and the Galápagos National Park – is beginning to answer those questions, starting with a vulnerability assessment for the region’s biodiversity and human well-being that began in September 2008.

The Galápagos island region provides a globally-unique 'field laboratory' for assessing the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity and the associated human well-being.  In April 2009, experts from around the world gathered to assess the results and recommend adaptation measures to face the changing climate in the region.

Vulnerability Assessment of the Galápagos Islands (PDF - 354 KB) Excerpt: "To ensure the long-term well-being of the biodiversity and people of the Galapagos, it is essential to understand the specific vulnerabilities of the region to climate change and define the urgent priority actions needed to ensure that people and biodiversity can adapt to these changes."

More documents:

• English
• Español

• Climate Change in the Galápagos Islands (PDF - 1.69 MB)
• A Mooring System to Protect Galapagos Coral Reefs (PDF - 3.58 MB)

• El Cambio Climático en las Islas Galápagos (PDF - 1.77 MB)
• Boyas de amarre para proteger los arrecifes de corales (PDF - 3.59 MB)