EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
BASIC INFORMATION
(Updated 14.02.2013)
EXPIRY DATE: Please note in order to keep the clearing-house up-to-date LifeWeb Expressions of
Interest will be profiled for a limited duration of one year. After one year you will be invited to update
and renew the Expression of Interest. However without confirmation it will be archived and removed
until further notice.
COUNTRY/COUNTRIES
Ecuador
PROJECT TITLE
Improving Ecuador islands’ resilience to climate change through ecosystem restoration by eradicating
invasive alien species, repatriating endemic species, and strengthening biosecurity
LEAD CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS LIFEWEB EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Name and contact information (to be consulted on content and revisions)
Name: Victor Carrion
Email: vcarrion@galapagos.gob.ec
Phone: Office: +593 52526189 Cell.: +593 987000182
Organisation: Galapagos National Park Directorate, Ministry of Environment, Ecuador
IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTION(S)
Please list the implementing institution(s) for this project
Galapagos National Park Directorate, Ministry of Environment
Galapagos Biosecurity Agency, Ministry of Environment
Floreana Parish Council
Island Conservation
ABSTRACT
Please briefly describe the project in two to three sentences and explain why it is important to conserving
biodiversity, addressing climate change, securing livelihoods and contributing toward the achievement of areabased Aichi Targets of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020
The Ministry of Environment, represented by the Galapagos National Park Directorate and Galapagos
Biosecurity Agency, will work with the Floreana Parish Council, Island Conservation, and other partners to
build Floreana Island’s resilience to climate change through ecosystem restoration and long-term
protection. In particular, we will: a) eradicate invasive alien species (cats, rats, mice), b) re-establish viable
populations of the IUCN Critically Endangered Floreana mockingbird (Mimus trifasciatus) and the recently
rediscovered Floreana giant tortoise (Chelonoidis elephantopus), and c) implement a series of communitybased activities (e.g., pride campaign, biosecurity programme, training in conflict transformation) to help
ensure the sustainability of Floreana Island’s biodiversity and the 140 people whose livelihoods directly
depend on it. The project advances Aichi Biodiversity Targets 5 (habitats conserved), 9 (invasive alien species
managed), and 12 (extinction prevented) and will provide a model for similar work on other inhabited
islands in Ecuador (e.g., Isla de la Plata) and beyond.
GEOGRAPHIC SCALE
Please select one of the following.
X
Multinational
National
Sub-national
LINKS WITH THE WORLD DATABASE ON PROTECTED AREAS
If this project’s scope involves protected areas registered in the World Database on Protected Areas, please
include the URL links where the sites appear on http://www. protectedplanet.net of all the areas involved in this
project. If the area(s) are not registered in the WDPA, please indicate the complete name(s).
Galapagos National Park: http://www.protectedplanet.net/sites/Galapagos_National_Park
Galapagos Islands World Heritage Site:
http://www.protectedplanet.net/sites/Galapagos_Islands_World_Heritage_Site
Archipielágo de Colón UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve:
http://www.protectedplanet.net/sites/Archipielago_De_Colon_Galapagos_Unescomab_Biosphere_Reserve
Galapagos Marine Reserve:
http://www.protectedplanet.net/sites/Galapagos_Marine_Reserve_Marine_Reserve
MAPS
Please send high quality digital GIS files or scanned maps situating and describing the project area. These files
may be made available for download on the LifeWeb website and may be used in CBD and LifeWeb
communication materials
Name of attachment
Description
1.
2.
2
3.
Add additional rows as needed.
Alternatively, please indicate latitude and longitude coordinates for the center of the project. For help, see:
www.getlatlon.com.
Latitude
Longitude
-1.308331
-90.431373
Note: if the LifeWeb Expression of Interest includes protected areas that are not included in the World Database
on Protected Areas and are not visible on the http://www.protectedplanet.net, you will be directed, through the
process of submission, to the manager of the World Database on Protected Area to ensure the areas are
represented correctly on the global protected areas map as noted in CBD COP IX/18, para 11.
IMAGES
Please send high quality images and any additional media (videos, web pages, brochure, etc.) of the project.
Please note that images will be used to profile your Expression of Interest on the CBD LifeWeb Website and may
also be used for other CBD LifeWeb communication materials. Please note that at least one image is required.
Name of attachment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Description
Floreana community.jpg View of Floreana Island township – home to 140 residents
Floreana highlands.jpg View of Floreana Island highlands – farm land and tourist destination
Mockingbirdmap.jpg
Current distribution of the extirpated Floreana mockingbird
Tortoisemap.jpg
Current distribution of the extirpated Floreana giant tortoise
Habitationmap.jpeg
Location of the Floreana Island township
Mockingbird_Tortoise.jpgIllustrations of the Floreana giant tortoise and Floreana mockingbird
Add additional rows as needed.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
LOCAL CONTEXT AND PROBLEMS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE PROJECT
Please describe the context and challenges (including threats to biodiversity) in the area. You are welcome to
attach supporting documents.
This project seeks to restore island ecosystems and secure human livelihoods by eradicating invasive alien
species and re-establishing locally extinct species. Project success will facilitate climate change resilience on
human-inhabited islands in Ecuador and beyond.
Ecuador is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world. Main threats to the country’s biodiversity
include deforestation, invasive alien species, natural resource extraction, and climate change. Ecuador
recently submitted its 5th National Report to the CBD, describing the country’s current and future progress
towards achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets in conjunction the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020
(5th National Report: https://www.cbd.int/reports/nr5/). Strategic and timely actions to mitigate the
adverse impacts of climate change and invasive alien species are conservation imperatives.
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The Galapagos Islands are among the ‘jewels’ of Ecuador and a top conservation priority; their rich, endemic
biodiversity (>95% of species extant) draws substantial nature-based tourist income (@US$1 billion/year).
In order to facilitate protection of its unique biodiversity, Ecuador created the Galapagos National Park in
1959 and designated the Galapagos Marine Reserve in 1996. In acknowledgment of their global
conservation value, the Galapagos Islands became the first World Heritage Site in 1978 and were designated
as a UNESCO-Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1984. However, largely due to threats posed by invasive alien
species, UNESCO listed the Galapagos Islands as a World Heritage Site in Danger in 2007. Because they are
inhabited by endemic species that persist on a single island complex, Floreana Island and two of its satellite
islands have recently been identified as an Alliance for Zero Extinction site
(http://www.zeroextinction.org/).
This proposed project focuses on the ecological restoration and long-term protection of Floreana Island, a
173 km2 human-inhabited island in the Galapagos Archipelago, which hosts 54 IUCN Red Listed species (10
Critically Endangered, 18 Endangered, and 26 Vulnerable species), the world’s largest Galapagos petrel
(Pterodroma phaeopygia) breeding colony, and 11 nesting seabird species.
Whalers began visiting Floreana Island regularly in the late 1700s. Floreana Island was the first Galapagos
island to be settled (1832), and is now home to 140 people who rely on nature-based tourism, farming, and
fisheries for their livelihood. Due to the long history of human activity, Floreana Island has experienced the
most significant habitat degradation and highest level of species loss of any island in the Galapagos. Over
the past 300 years at least 12 native species have been extirpated from the island, largely due to the
adverse impacts of invasive alien species [the exceptions being the Floreana giant tortoise (Chelonoidis
elephantopus and Galapagos hawk (Buteo galapagoensis) which were also overharvested]. Four native
species have become locally extinct in just the last 30 years.
Ecuadorian conservation agencies and non-governmental organizations, as well as the people of Floreana
Island, currently share a strong interest in the repatriation of two of Floreana Island’s endemic species: the
Floreana mockingbird (Mimus trifasciatus) and Floreana giant tortoise (Chelonoidis elephantopus).
The Floreana mockingbird is included on the IUCN Red List as a Critically Endangered species due to the
small size of the remaining population (85-231 individuals) and tendency of the population size to fluctuate
with extreme weather events. In 2007, a particularly dry year on Floreana Island, the total global population
of Floreana mockingbirds declined to 46 adults. The species became extinct on Floreana Island between
1868 and 1880, and can now only be found on two rodent- and cat-free satellite islets off Floreana Island’s
coast, Champion (0.1 km2) and Gardner-by-Floreana (0.8 km2). The status of the Floreana mockingbird is
monitored on an annual basis.
For approximately 150 years, the Floreana giant tortoise was thought to have been driven to extinction by
human harvesting and invasive alien species (e.g., rats and cats that prey on hatchling tortoises). However,
genetic studies recently revealed that the Floreana giant tortoise still persists in the wild on the northern
end of the island of Isabela, a few hundred kilometers from its place of origin on Floreana Island. The
tortoises were likely released on Isabela Island by seafarers who had collected them on Floreana Island for
food. These findings provide great hope for recovery of this species, as well as the other native species that
depended on its services as a herbivore and seed disperser. A few individuals of the species now constitute
the nucleus of a small captive breeding population being led by the Galapagos National Park Directorate on
Santa Cruz Island.
Feral goats (Capra hircus) were successfully removed from Floreana Island in 2007 by the Galapagos
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National Park Directorate in collaboration with the Floreana Parish Council. However, feral cats (Felis catus)
and invasive alien rats (Rattus rattus) and mice (Mus musculus) remain a threat to biodiversity and people.
The eradication of invasive alien species from Floreana Island will not only enable the recovery of individual
species, it will facilitate ecosystem recovery and resilience to environmental change. Ecuador’s National
Climate Change Plan (2013) promotes ecosystem-based approaches (e.g., invasive alien species eradication)
to climate mitigation.
Eradicating invasive alien species to build resilience to climate change is as much a socio-cultural issue as it
is an ecological issue. The residents of Floreana Island recognize that they are being negatively impacted by
invasive alien species (e.g., through crop losses, disease risk transmission) and that they are highly
vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change (e.g., extreme weather events). The Floreana Parish
Council has requested support from the Government of Ecuador and its partners to help safeguard their
future. This project will help meet their needs by increasing food and income security (especially from
tourism), eliminating disease risks, and fostering community cohesion and empowerment through training
in conflict transformation and implementation of a campaign intended to build pride in the island’s endemic
species (hereafter ‘pride campaign’).
Recognizing the value to biodiversity conservation and human livelihoods, invasive alien vertebrate
eradications have already been successfully completed on 1,100 islands worldwide, the vast majority of
which are uninhabited (http://diise.islandconservation.org/). Approximately 50% of IUCN Critically
Endangered and Endangered island-based mammals, reptiles, and amphibians exist on islands that also
have human populations greater than 10,000 people (http://tib.islandconservation.org/). There is a clear
and immediate need to advance innovative approaches and tools to eradicate invasive alien vertebrates on
human-inhabited islands. Success of the Floreana Island project proposed herein will set a global precedent,
enabling new climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation projects on hundreds of humaninhabited islands in Ecuador, and across the world.
Summary of Threats and Opportunities
 Invasive alien species (eradicate invasive alien rodents and feral cats; strengthen biosecurity
program)
 Climate change (restore and protect island ecosystems; build social resilience through training in
conflict transformation and a community-empowering pride campaign)
 Extirpation of endemic species (reintroduce Floreana mockingbird and Floreana giant tortoise postrodent and feral cat eradication)
Please provide a brief description of each objective and, if possible, estimate of funding required for each, as well
as the overall expected results. Please add or delete rows for objectives, as needed.
MEASURABLE RESULTS
FUNDING
OBJECTIVES
NEEDED*
US$
1. Eradicate invasive alien species:
All feral cats and invasive
alien rodents permanently
 Undertake feasibility study
removed from Floreana
 Conduct community consultations (ongoing)
Island
16,276,187
 Test methodology
 Develop/execute eradication plan and mitigate
negative impacts to non-target species populations
 Measure/monitor impact
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(Note: In full agreement with farmers, livestock may be
completely removed from Floreana Island to reduce
poisoning risk and replaced with higher production breeds as
an opportunistic benefit of the project)
2. Repatriate Endemic Species:
 Undertake feasibility study (including population
viability analysis)
 Consult/engage community (ongoing)
 Develop/implement pride campaign
 Develop/implement reintroduction plan
 Monitor
 Adaptively manage, as appropriate
Viable populations of the
Critically Endangered
Floreana mockingbird
(Mimus trifasciatus) and
Floreana giant tortoise
(Chelonoidis elephantopus),
resulting in IUCN Red List
down listing of the
mockingbird and a secure
population of the tortoise
(not currently IUCN listed
because it was believed to
be extinct)
960,000
Floreana Island residents
taking pride in and
proactively protecting island
biodiversity, with particular
attention to the endemic
fauna
Biosecurity Agency and
programs strengthened,
with support by the local
people and tourist industry
3. Improve biosecurity programme:
 Conduct broad stakeholder consultation/engagement
(ongoing; including local community, tourist industry,
government agencies and partners, etc.)
 Generate recommendations
 Implement Floreana Biosecurity Plan (Note: to
include spay/neuter programme for pet cats)
4. Train Floreana Island residents:
 Strategically assess needs for training in conflict
transformation in the context of environmental
change (as a response to a request to Island
Conservation from the community)
 Develop and implement training courses
 Measure/monitor training impact
Minimize introduction risks
of foreign fauna and flora
2,000,000
Re-introduction of invasive
rodents prevented
indefinitely
All remaining cats sterilized
and under responsible pet
ownership
Floreana residents report
greater capacity to engage
in conflict transformation
Future conflicts within the
community or between the
community and other
parties are resolved in a
465,000
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
Offer additional training as needed
5. Transfer model:
 Document project activities
 Identify target audiences for lessons learned
 Package and transfer ‘best practices’ through media
most appropriate for each target audience
TOTAL FUNDING NEEDED
timely and constructive
manner
Invasive alien vertebrate
eradication projects
successfully implemented
on other human-inhabited
and uninhabited islands of
Ecuador (e.g., Santa Cruz,
Isla Santay, Isla de la Plata)
and lessons learned
transferred worldwide
300,000
20,001,187
*Please provide amounts in USD or Euros and specify the currency.
TIMEFRAME
Please indicate the estimated number of years required to implement the project, ranging from 1 to 5 years.
5 years
ALIGNMENT WITH NATIONAL PLANNING1
Consistent with decision X/31, please indicate the relevance between this submission and the following national
planning processes. Please be specific and attach supporting documents in Section 5.
National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and action plans for implementing the CBD
Programme of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA)
Ecuador’s first NBSAP (‘Política y Estrategia Nacional de Biodiversidad del Ecuador;’
http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/ec/ec-nr-05-es.pdf) focused on the time period 2001-2010. It proposed four
main conservation measures: (1) consolidate and strengthen the sustainability of production activities
based on native biodiversity; (2) ensure the existence, integrity and functionality of all biodiversity
components (ecosystems, species, genes); (3) balance pressures from conservation and sustainable use on
biodiversity; and (4) guarantee the respect and exercise of individual and collective rights to participate in
decisions related to access and control of resources, and ensure that the benefits derived from the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, as well as from the use of knowledge, innovations and
practices of the indigenous communities and local populations, are justly and equitably distributed.
Due to the late timing of the approval (2007), as well as limits in legislation, institutional capacity, and
funding, the Government of Ecuador has faced challenges in enacting the vision and activities set out in the
NBSAP. As a result, the country’s initiatives have been strategically opportunistic, followed a ‘common
sense’ approach, and engaged the direction and capacities of various private, public, and international
organizations. Although not explicitly consistent with program of work set out in the NBSAP, numerous
achievements in biodiversity conservation have been made, particularly in the Galapagos Archipelago.
The project proposed herein advances the four main conservation measures set out in the NBSAP by: a)
protecting and restoring native ecosystems and b) securing the livelihoods of the people who depend on
1
National-scale submissions must be endorsed in writing by the Ministry of Environment’s authority responsible for
coordinating international cooperation. We also encourage all Expressions of Interest to be endorsed by national
authorities for coordinating international cooperation, as appropriate.
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them. While the initial target location for the project is a single island (Floreana) in the Galapagos, we
intend to transfer ‘best practices’ to other human-inhabited islands in Ecuador (e.g., Santa Cruz, San
Cristobal, Isabela, Santay Islands) and beyond. Not only will this serve to support the objectives of Ecuador’s
first NBSAP, it will enable other governments to advance NBSAP objectives as well.
Ecuador recently submitted its 5th National Report to the CBD (http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/ec/ec-nr-05es.pdf), describing the country’s current and future progress towards achieving the Aichi Biodiversity
Targets in conjunction with the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. We consider strategic and timely
actions to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and invasive alien species to be urgent
conservation needs. This project’s specific contributions toward achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Target are
described later in this proposal.
The Government of Ecuador released a report on its activities to implement the CBD Programme of Work
on Protected Areas in 2012 (‘Plan de Acción para la Implementación del Programa de Trabajo sobre Áreas
Protegidas de la Convención sobre la Diversidad Biológica; https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/ec/ec-nbsappowpa-es.pdf ). Ecuador has a strong commitment to not only establishing protected areas, but ensuring
that they do, in fact, convey long-term protection to biodiversity and the people who rely on natural
resources for their livelihoods and well-being. Approximately 1/3 (32%) of Ecuador’s terrestrial and marine
environments have been afforded legal protection status; 47 of these are described in the report to the
CBD, including the Galapagos Islands. This project will support implementation of Ecuador’s protected areas
plan by: a) helping to ensure that the biodiversity of Floreana Island is protected in accordance with the
multiple protected area designations held by the Galapagos Islands, b) integrating local peoples into
protected area planning and implementation, and c) building the capacity of protected area managers and
local people on other Ecuadorian islands (e.g., Isla de la Plata) to achieve conservation through the removal
of invasive alien species and recovery of endemic species.
Other national planning strategies (e.g. Poverty Reduction Strategies (PRSPs), National Climate Change
Strategies, REDD+ strategies, National Adaptation Plans of Action (NAPAs), economic and sustainable
development plans, national resource mobilization strategy, infrastructure plans, land use plans, strategies for
achieving the Millennium Development Goals, etc.)
The project explicitly advances the following national- and sectorial-level plans and strategies:
Climate Change Mitigation
 National Climate Change Plan (2013), which places a strong emphasis on ecosystem-based
approaches to climate mitigation
 Galapagos Islands Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment recommendations (2011)
 Zero Fossil Fuels on the Galapagos Islands initiative (2007)
Biodiversity Conservation
 5th National Report to the CBD (2014)
 Invasive Species Action Plan (2013)
 Management Plan for the Protected Areas on Galapagos for a Good Standard of Living (2013)
 Galapagos National Park’s ‘Reducing vulnerability of endemic species by eradicating priority invasive
species’ project, approved by National Planning Authority (2012)
 Action Plan for the Implementation of the Protected Areas Programme of Work of the Convention
on Biological Diversity (2012)
 Plan for Total Control of Introduced Species (2007)
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Livelihood Security
 National Plan for Good Standard of Living 2013-17 (2013)
 Ecuador’s 2020 Strategic Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development (2012)
 Floreana Parish Council’s Strategic Plan (2011)
 Ministry of Agriculture’s bio-agriculture plan for Galapagos (2014)
 Millennium Development Goals, 7. Ensure environmental sustainability(2013)
ECOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTION
Please indicate the extent to which the area(s) is/are ecological priority(s) for the national protected area system,
based on contribution to ecological representation, connectivity, viability and/or irreplaceability within the
protected area system. If available, please refer to the national ecological gap analysis or other geographic
prioritisation exercises.
Ecuador is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world, and also one of the most ecologically
vulnerable to environmental change. The World Wildlife Fund includes the Galapagos Archipelago among
the ‘Global 200 Ecoregions,’ indicating that it should be considered a priority for protection. The
Government of Ecuador has currently secured five different protected area designations for the Galapagos
Islands as a whole: World Heritage Site, UNESCO-Man and Biosphere Reserve, National Park, Marine
Reserve, and Whale Sanctuary. Within the Galapagos Islands, specific sites have additional protected area
status. For example, Humedales del Sur de Isabela is a wetland of major importance recognized by the
Ramsar Convention and Floreana Island (as well as two satellite islets) are Alliance for Zero Extinction sites.
The Galapagos Islands are home to numerous endemic species which are considered global conservation
priorities. Floreana Island alone hosts 54 IUCN Red Listed species (10 Critically Endangered, 18 Endangered
and 26 Vulnerable species), and the world’s largest Galapagos petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia) breeding
colony.
We intend to actively transfer the ‘best practices’ employed on Floreana Island to other human inhabited
islands in Ecuador (e.g., Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, Santay Islands) and beyond. This will enable both
island nations (especially Small Island Developing States) and nations with islands to improve their national
protected area systems by ensure that protection is achieved in practice as well as intent.
54 IUCN RED LISTED SPECIES IN THE GALAPAGOS
Type
CR
EN
VU
Vertebrate
2
4
2
Plant
5
8
19
Invert
3
6
5
Total
10
18
26
54
CONTRIBUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change mitigation
Please indicate information about carbon sequestration and/or storage benefits from this project. If specific
figures are currently available, please include them here.
An analysis of more than 400 published scientific studies indicates that the long-term stability of forest
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carbon stocks depends on ecosystem resilience, which is linked to biodiversity at multiple scales. The
eradication of invasive alien species (feral cats, invasive rats and mice) from Floreana Island will secure
carbon stocks by: a) preventing forest degradation, b) protecting the seed bank , c) re-establishing seed
dispersers (Floreana mocking bird and Floreana giant tortoise), d) recovering nutrient-producing seabird
colonies (which promote forest health), and e) facilitating the regrowth of native plants.
In 2007, the Galapagos National Park Directorate, in coordination with the Floreana Parish Council,
eradicated feral goats from Floreana Island. Significant vegetation recovery followed goat removal,
particularly the regeneration and maturation of woody plant species which have significant carbon
sequestration properties. Ecosystem recovery is still in progress. The eradication of invasive alien rodents
will further enhance the capacity for the native vegetation to recover, and for carbon storage benefits to
accrue over time.
Climate change adaptation
Please indicate information about climate change adaptation benefits from this project, such as storm barriers,
flood control, protection against sea level rise, enabling specific mobility in the face of climate change, etc.
Biodiversity conservation increases ecosystem resilience. The eradication of invasive alien species from
Floreana Island will promote recovery of native vegetation (see above), which, in turn, will help maintain
and re-establish the native fauna and secure the livelihoods of local peoples dependent on these habitats
and their services. Restoration will create the conditions necessary for the reintroduction of endemic
species extirpated from the island. The more intact the Floreana Island ecosystem, the greater its capacity
to adapt to an environmental disturbance.
OTHER ECOSYSTEM GOODS, SERVICES AND LIVELIHOODS
Please provide a brief description of benefits of this project to providing the following ecosystem goods and
services applicable to this project.
Freshwater security (e.g. water provision for household consumption, industrial production, grazing and
agriculture, avoiding desertification, etc.)
Freshwater is a limiting resource on Floreana Island, and the Galapagos Islands in general. The 140
residents, livestock, and wildlife are largely dependent on the health of just two freshwater springs. This
project will help protect those springs by increasing vegetation cover across the island. This will convert
eroded soils back into a “sponge,” causing the groundwater layers to rise rather than fall. Capture of sea-fog
(locally known as ‘garua’) will be enhanced, resulting in more substantial precipitation. Additionally,
increasing vegetation cover will reduce the temperature of the air column above the island, causing water
vapour to condense, and thereby increasing rainfall. The net effect will be a positive increase in freshwater
availability.
Food security (e.g. mitigating spread of invasive alien species, increasing fish stocks, increasing variety of local
foods, conserving crop wild relatives etc.)
The invasive alien rodents on Floreana Island deplete food supplies through the destruction of in-field crops,
depredation of stored food and seed, and fecal contamination. The rodent impact is so substantial that
entire fields of maize and cassava can be devastated while rodent control measures are being applied. The
eradication of invasive rats and mice will completely eliminate these crop losses.
Invasive alien rodents also have a negative impact on fisheries through the consumption of inter-tidal
species such as chiton and the endemic shellfish locally called ‘churo.’ The residents of Floreana Island are
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directly dependent of these marine resources.
Human health and wellbeing (e.g. regulating the emergence and spread of disease, increasing physical activity,
providing sources of traditional knowledge, medicines, biomedical research opportunities, etc.)
Removal of feral cats and invasive rodents will eliminate primary vectors of diseases on Floreana Island,
helping to safeguard the health of the Floreana Island resident and tourist visitors.
Invasive alien rodents are often attracted to human-built infrastructure. They feed, chew holes, urinate,
defecate and nest in areas occupied by people. The presence of rodents in commensal areas can lead to an
increased risk of disease, including toxoplasmosis, lymphocytic clorio-meningitis, plague, leptospirosis,
hantavirus, and salmonellosis. Once rodents are removed from commensal areas, the hygiene of a building
and its contents can be better managed and human health secured.
Feral cats also serve as reservoirs and critical hosts of parasites and disease, and often live in the vicinity of
human dwellings in order to take advantage of rodent populations and shelter. Cats carry several diseases
in the Galapagos which can infect both humans and wildlife. For example, cats are the critical host for
Toxoplasma gondii, which causes the disease toxoplasmosis. Most warm blooded animals are susceptible to
toxoplasmosis infection. Toxoplasmosis is a threat to the endemic Galapagos fur seals (Arctocephalus
galapagoensis) and the Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) found on Floreana Island, as well as the
island’s human residents and visitors. Symptoms of toxoplasmosis in native fauna include poor
coordination, blindness, lethargy, respiratory and enteric distress, and sudden death. In infected people,
similar symptoms are exhibited. However, toxoplasmosis is best known as being a cause of spontaneous
abortion in pregnant women.
Income generation (e.g. tourism-related activities, harvesting of non-forest timber products, fishing, etc.)
The recovery of Floreana Island ecosystems has the potential to increase tourist income to the benefit of
the Floreana Island residents and other Ecuadorians. The ecological restoration of New Zealands’s Tiritiri
Matangi Island provides an inspirational model.
In 1984, the small island of Tiritiri Matangi was a pastoral farm with sheep and cattle, and a small patch of
remnant forest. Over the following three decades, the community worked with the New Zealand
Department of Conservation to replant native species and eradicate invasive alien rats and rabbits. These
activities enabled native vegetation recovery and the reintroduction of a suite of endangered New Zealand
wildlife. Free of the adverse impacts of invasive alien mammals, rare New Zealand birds and reptiles
(species found few other places) began to thrive. Tiritiri Matangi Island is now one of the premier visitor
sites in Auckland harbour. Although visitation is limited to 35,000 tourists a year, tourism activities on this
island alone generated US$ 115,000,000 in 2013.
The recently launched Floreana Island community tourism initiative aims to equitably distribute the
benefits of the tourism to the Floreana Island community. In order to minimize environmental impacts
while facilitating economic opportunity, the total number of tourists will be reduced and the average time
each visitor spends on the island (a shift from day-trips to overnight stays) increased, allowing for greater
total income generation. The project we propose herein supports these overarching goals. Like Tiritiri
Matangi Island, Floreana Island will rely on its restored natural capital to attract national and international
visitors who will pay premium prices for opportunities to see unique (and previously threatened) wildlife,
generating significant income for Ecuador.
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Cultural and spiritual enrichment (e.g. protection of natural sacred sites, sanctuary for culturally important
species, preservation of pilgrimage routes, etc.)
Although the Galapagos Archipelago hosts just one thousandth of the inhabitants of Ecuador, their
importance in absolute terms is vastly larger; the Galapagos Islands serve as a symbol of the Ecuadorian
nation. Conservation of the Galapagos Islands thus has a strong cultural component for Ecuador: (a) the
Archipelago symbolizes the country’s international image at the tourist level, (b) the islands are part of the
natural heritage of protected areas, belonging to all Ecuadorians; (c) the proper management and
conservation of the Archipelago empowers Ecuador's international image as a country responsible for the
management and use of natural ecosystems as a source of environmental services, determining the welfare
of its population and (d) the Galapagos Islands are one of the best symbols of Ecuadorian nationality and
sovereignty.
Floreana Island’s cultural history is the best known and, arguably, the most compelling in the Galapagos.
Because Floreana Island offered one of the only reliable year-round freshwater springs in the Galapagos
Islands and a diversity of plant and animal species, it was a destination for pirates and other seafarers to
stop and replenish their water and meat supplies (targeting giant tortoises). In order to create shelter, these
Floreana Island visitors carved holes in the soft stone of the island highlands. These structures, sometimes
referred to as ‘The Stonehenge of The Galapagos,’ are now a tourist curiosity.
Whalers began visiting Floreana Island regularly in the late 1700s. They established a ‘post office’ in a barrel;
whalers would leave letters and pick up letters to deliver en route to other destinations. The ‘post office’ is
still intact and used by the island’s tourists. The Galapagos National Park and Floreana Island’s community
tourism project is in the process of reopening the historic trail between the highlands and Post-office Bay
which was used for taking agricultural products from the highlands to visiting boats to trade for other
commodities.
The Wittmer family settled on Floreana Island in 1832. Several books have been written about the
mysterious disappearances and deaths that occurred thereafter. The stories remain a fascination and draw
for tourists. In 1835, Charles Darwin visited Floreana Island where he collected specimens that would later
inspire the publication (‘On the Origin of Species’) in which he established the theory of evolution.
Floreana Islanders revere the spectacle of Galapagos petrels searching for and entering their nesting
burrows at Cerro Pajas – a vegetated volcanic cone in the highlands. The site is naturally constructed like a
massive amphitheater, creating an echo chamber for the voices of hundreds of petrels calling
simultaneously. This spectacle is considered one of natural wonders that make Floreana Island unique.
Galapagos petrels are part of the identity of Floreana Islands, as are the extirpated Floreana mockingbird
and Floreana giant tortoise. These species constitute a critically endangered aspect of the human heritage
of the island and its people, a heritage which is currently threated by invasive alien species.
Optional: Please indicate any additional information and attach supporting documents.
INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT
Please indicate the partners to be involved in this project and their roles.
PARTNER NAME
ROLE IN THIS PROJECT
1. Galapagos National Park Directorate, Provide political support and leadership during the project's
Ministry of Environment
planning and implementation. Lead eradication activities on
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2.
Galapagos Biosecurity Agency,
Ministry of Environment
3.
Floreana Parish Council
4.
Island Conservation
National Park lands. They will also be a key partner in
community engagement activities. Repatriation of extirpated
species.
Lead biosecurity strengthening process and oversee biosecurity
programme long-term. Provide political support and leadership
during the project's planning and implementation. Manage
aspects of project related to non-National Park lands. They will
also be a key partner in community engagement activities.
Provide local political support, community leadership and
representation, facilitate community engagement, and
participate in stakeholder meetings. Implement aspects such as
appropriate management of organic and inorganic refuse.
Provide technical assistance in invasive alien species
eradication, including planning, implementation and
confirmation
Support community consultation processes
Provide conflict transformation training courses. Provide
funding and resources to fill gaps and to implement aspects
that are challenging for government institutions.
Add additional rows as needed.
COUNTERPART FUNDING
CATEGORIES
TOTAL PROJECT COST
COUNTERPART
FUNDING
SECURED
Domestic
funding
secured
GEF allocations
International
funding
secured
ADDITIONAL FUNDING NEEDED
INSTRUCTIONS
SOURCE(S)
Please indicate the total budget and currency required for this
project.
Please indicate domestic funding committed,
DPNG
including government budgets, private
GBA
foundations and NGOs, as well as in-country
Floreana
financing mechanisms such as trust funds, park Parish Council
entry fees, water funds, airport fees,
FEIG
development fees, etc.
Please indicate your countries’ GEF allocation
that has been used towards these protected
area activities. Please see here for information
about national GEF allocations:
http://www.gefonline.org/Country/CountryPro
file.cfm
Island
Please indicate any funding that has been
Conservation
committed from international sources,
including multilateral and bilateral donors,
international foundations and international
NGOs.
This amount should be equivalent to total project cost minus
counterpart funding secured.
AMOUNT
US$
20,001,187
7,709,326
1,500,000
80,000
80,000
0
600,000
10,031,861
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LINKS TO THE CBD PROGRAMME OF WORK ON PROTECTED AREAS
The following section is to be filled in only if the project is aligned with the CBD Programme of Work on Protected
Areas. Please attach supporting documents and list them in Section VI.
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Please indicate institutional commitments and/or sustainable financing mechanisms that will contribute to the
project’s sustainability.
 Galapagos National Park Directorate (DPNG): DPNG have a national government-approved 5 year
US$16,700,000 investment project for invasive alien species, of which US$6,709,326 is allocated to
this project. In addition, an estimated US$1,000,000 will be provided in-kind from annual operating
expenditure and salaries for this project.
 FEIG (Galapagos Invasive Species Fund)/DPNG: A US$80,000 grant to DPNG to initiate planning and
preparatory work on Floreana Island has been awarded for 2014-2015. Additional FEIG grants will
be applied for, and it is conservatively estimated that a further US$300,000 will be awarded.
 Galapagos Biosecurity Agency (GBA): It is conservatively estimated that US$300,000/year
US$1,500,000 total) will be invested by the GBA in developing and maintaining a state-of-the-art
biosecurity program. Part of this investment is contemplated within their 2014-2017 national
government approved US$10,400,000 million investment project.
 Island Conservation (IC) has secured US$600,000 and propose to secure from private philanthropic
sources project support totaling US$3,200,000
 Island Conservation has applied to the German International Climate Initiative (IKI) for
US$6,671,861 to fund aspects of the project that will be challenging for Ecuadorian government
institutions to implement and to act as counterpart funding
PARTICIPATION AND EQUITY
Please indicate how this project will (ensure) the full and effective participation of indigenous and local
communities and the equitable sharing of costs and benefits with indigenous and/or local communities.
This project is a direct response to the needs identified by the inhabitants of Floreana Island. The work will
proceed in its entirety through an open, transparent, and participatory approach. At the request of Floreana
Parish Council and other stakeholders, Island Conservation supported the Galapagos National Park in
hosting a 5-day workshop in early 2014 for Floreana Island residents and institutional leaders to develop a
holistic vision for Floreana Island and to explore needs and opportunities for conflict transformation in the
context of environmental change. By request, Floreana Island residents will receive additional training in
conflict transformation, as well as support for developing sustainable agriculture and ecotourism.
Stakeholder consultations will be held in order to determine the most appropriate methodologies for
invasive alien mammal eradication on Floreana, develop a pride campaign focused on island endemics, and
identify needs and opportunities for strengthening the islands biosecurity programme. Floreana residents
and island visitors will be empowered to take on leadership roles through this project. For example, some
island residents have already been trained in biological survey and data collection methodologies and are
thus contributing vital information to project design. The pride campaign is an inherently community-based
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activity that will largely be envisioned and implemented by the people of Floreana Island.
GOVERNANCE TYPES
If applicable, please explain how this project will contribute to a greater diversity of governance types in the
national protected area system.
This project will build the capacity of governing bodies at local (e.g., Floreana Parish Council), subnational
(e.g., Galapagos National Park directorate, Galapagos Biosecurity Agency), and national (e.g., Ministry of
Environment) levels. It will also provide an opportunity for the Government of Ecuador to be seen as a
world leader in the application of ‘best practices’ for protected areas management that serve conservation
goals while meeting the needs of local people in the challenging context of global change.
LINK WITH THE 2011-2020 STRATEGIC PLAN FOR BIODIVERSITY
AND THE AICHI TARGETS
LifeWeb facilitates financing that contribute toward the achievement of the area-based Aichi Targets in the
2011-2020 Strategic Plan for Biodiversity. Please indicate below how the proposed project contributes toward
these targets. Please be specific and attach supporting documentation as necessary in Section V.
AICHI TARGET 5
“By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including forests, is at least halved and where feasible brought
close to zero, and degradation and fragmentation is significantly reduced.” (CBD Quick Guide to Aichi Target 5
EN, ES, FR)
Please indicate how this project contributes toward achieving Aichi Target 5 (if applicable)
The species targeted for eradication on Floreana Island include invasive black rats (Rattus rattus) and house
mice (Mus musculus), as well as a feral population of cats (Felis catus). These species are currently having
direct and indirect adverse impacts on Floreana Island habitats. Permanent removal of these species will
enable the recovery of habitat structure and function.
Direct impacts
Rodents are opportunistic omnivores. Their adverse impacts on island habitats through plant and seed
depredation have been well documented worldwide. A comparison of rat-infested and rat-free islands, as
well as pre- and post-rat eradication experiments, clearly demonstrates that rats can depress the
population size and recruitment of various native plants, altering forest structure, composition, and
function.
Indirect impacts
The impacts from invasive alien vertebrates, especially predatory mammals, are one of the leading causes of
species extinction on islands. Rats and cats will predate a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate taxa.
Invasive rodents will also feed on bird and reptile eggs. Population declines and/or the loss of native species
can have cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, ultimately resulting in the loss of natural habitats.
These indirect impacts are particularly dramatic when endemic vertebrates that play important roles in
pollination, seed survival and dispersal, grazing, soil disturbance, and nutrient distribution are driven to
extinction or near extinction. Three examples of possible habitat-level impacts of invasive alien rodents and
feral cats on Floreana Island habitats include:
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


Predation on the IUCN Critically Endangered medium-tree finch (Camarhynchus pauper), a Floreana
Island endemic, could hinder seed dispersal across the Floreana Island landscape
Because seabirds deliver large amounts of nutrients to terrestrial island systems through guano and
food waste, predation on seabirds can reduce nutrient availability and thus depress primary
production in insular plant communities and coastal marine productivity
The inability to re-establish viable populations of the Floreana giant tortoise due to the predation of
invasive mammals on tortoise eggs and hatchlings would prevent the recovery of habitats that
evolved with the grazing pressure, seed scarification, and seed dispersal services that the tortoise
once provided
We intend to actively transfer ‘best practices’ to other human inhabited islands in Ecuador (e.g., Isla de la
Plata) and islands worldwide. This will enable both island nations (especially Small Island Developing States)
and nations with islands to contribute to the achievement Aichi Target 5.
AICHI TARGET 9
“By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritized, priority species are controlled or
eradicated, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment.”
(CBD Quick Guide to Aichi Target 9 EN)
Please indicate how this project contributes toward achieving Aichi Target 9 (if applicable)
We will work with our partners to eradicate three species of invasive alien mammals from Floreana Island,
namely black rats (Rattus rattus), house mice (Mus musculus), and a feral population of domestic cats (Felis
catus). The impacts of these invasive alien species on Floreana Island’s endemic species and fragile
ecosystems are discussed elsewhere in this proposal, as well as in documents attached.
Strategic and tactical actions to prevent future introductions of invasive alien species are also a key aspect
of this project, and will help ensure that the benefits of the proposed work conveyed to Floreana Island
biodiversity and human residents are sustained over the long-term. Using a participatory approach that
engages Floreana Island residents, the tourist industry, and other stakeholders, we will identify
opportunities to strengthen the already existing biosecurity system on Floreana Island and implement these
measures in perpetuity. It is anticipated that improvements will include stronger inspection, detection, and
response programmes; an ethic of responsibility for protecting their island and aspects of self-regulation
inspired within the community (as part of a pride campaign); and a spay/neuter initiative for the remaining
pet cats on the island.
Project success will establish Floreana Island as the first large inhabited island to be free of invasive alien
mammals. We intend to actively transfer ‘best practices’ to other human inhabited islands elsewhere in
Ecuador and worldwide. This will enable both island nations (especially Small Island Developing States) and
nations with islands to contribute to the achievement of Aichi Target 9.
AICHI TARGET 10
“By 2015, the multiple anthropogenic pressures on coral reefs, and other vulnerable ecosystems impacted by
climate change or ocean acidification are minimized, so as to maintain their integrity and functioning.” (CBD
Quick Guide to Aichi Target 10 EN)
Please indicate how this project contributes toward achieving Aichi Target 10 (if applicable)
Island ecosystems and the people dependent upon them are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
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These low-lying, often remote, coastal nations typically have small human populations, limited natural
resources, and a history of environmental degradation which will make them particularly susceptible to the
increased frequency of natural disasters associated with climate change.
This project will help build both biotic and social resilience to climate change on Floreana Island through: a)
restoration and protection of natural ecosystems, and b) community development through engagement in a
pride campaign and training in conflict transformation, with an explicit focus on preparing the Floreana
Island residents to constructively resolve human conflicts in the context of rapid environmental change.
Parallel projects will focus on complementary aspects of sustainable agriculture and ecotourism.
We intend to actively transfer ‘best practices’ to other human inhabited islands in Ecuador and worldwide.
This will enable both island nations (especially Small Island Developing States) and nations with islands to
contribute to the achievement of Aichi Target 10, with a particular emphasis on the combined goals of
ecological and social resilience to climate change and other anthropogenic stresses.
AICHI TARGET 11
“By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas,
especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through
effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas
and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes.”
(CBD Quick Guide to Aichi Target 11 EN, ES)
Please indicate how this project contributes toward achieving Aichi Target 11 (if applicable)
The Galapagos Islands are among the ‘jewels’ of Ecuador and a top priority for biodiversity conservation on
national, regional, and global scales. In order to facilitate protection of its unique biodiversity, Ecuador
created the Galapagos National Park in 1959 and designated the Galapagos Marine Reserve in 1996. In
acknowledgment of their global conservation value, the Galapagos Islands became the first World Heritage
Site in 1978 and were designated as a UNESCO-Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1984. Floreana Island is
geographically included in these protected area designations, with over 98% of the land surface area being
National Park and its surrounding waters covered by the Marine Reserve. Floreana Island (along with two of
its satellite islets) was also recently been named an Alliance for Zero Extinction site.
Unfortunately, invasive alien species do not respect jurisdictional boundaries and undermine the
conservation opportunities in parks and other protected areas worldwide. Largely due to threats posed by
invasive alien species, UNESCO listed the Galapagos Islands as a World Heritage Site in Danger in 2007.
The eradication of invasive alien species and repatriation of endemic species will help ensure that Floreana
Island’s biodiversity and ecosystem services are protected in practice as well as intent. Our work will
proceed through a participatory approach that proactively engages and responds to the needs of Floreana
Island residents and other stakeholders (e.g., ecotourists).
We intend to actively transfer ‘best practices’ to other human inhabited islands in the Galapagos
Archipelago, in Ecuador, and beyond. This will enable both island nations (especially Small Island Developing
States) and nations with islands to contribute to the achievement of Aichi Target 11 in some of the most
urgent and challenging conservation contexts.
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AICHI TARGET 12
“By 2020 the extinction of known threatened species has been prevented and their conservation status,
particularly of those most in decline, has been improved and sustained.” (CBD Quick Guide to Aichi Target 12
EN, ES, FR)
Please indicate how this project contributes toward achieving Aichi Target 12 (if applicable)
Ecuador is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world. Due to their rich, yet highly vulnerable,
endemic biodiversity, the Galapagos Islands are one of the country’s top conservation priorities. This
proposed project focuses on the ecological restoration and long-term protection of Floreana Island, a 173
km2 human-inhabited island in the Galapagos Archipelago which hosts 54 IUCN Red Listed species (10
Critically Endangered, 18 Endangered and 26 Vulnerable species), the world’s largest Galapagos petrel
(Pterodroma phaeopygia) breeding colony, and 11 nesting seabird species.
The eradication of invasive alien rodents and feral cats from Floreana Island is anticipated to benefit all 54
IUCN Red Listed species, resulting in down listing as their populations grow and stabilize. Two Critically
Endangered endemic species, the Floreana mockingbird and Floreana giant tortoise, will be repatriated to
their island of origin and viable populations established.
Through strengthening of Floreana Island’s biosecurity program and the engagement of Floreana residents
in a campaign that builds pride in Floreana Islands endemic species, we will help ensure the conservation of
these currently IUCN Red Listed species over the long-term.
We intend to actively transfer ‘best practices’ to other human inhabited islands in Ecuador (notably Isla de
la Plata) and worldwide. This will enable both island nations (especially Small Island Developing States) and
nations with islands to contribute to the achievement of Aichi Target 12 in other locations where invasive
alien vertebrates drive species loss and impede species recovery.
AICHI TARGET 13
“By 2020, the genetic diversity of cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and of wild relatives,
including other socio-economically as well as culturally valuable species, is maintained, and strategies have been
developed and implemented for minimizing genetic erosion and safeguarding their genetic diversity.” (CBD Quick
Guide to Aichi Target 13 EN)
Please indicate how this project contributes toward achieving Aichi Target 13 (if applicable)
Floreana Islanders revere the spectacle of Galapagos petrels searching for and entering their nesting
burrows at Cerro Pajas – a vegetated volcanic cone in the highlands. The site is naturally constructed like a
massive amphitheater, creating an echo chamber for the voices of hundreds of petrels calling
simultaneously. This spectacle is considered one of natural wonders that make Floreana Island unique, and
inspired the local school to adopt the petrel as its symbol. Galapagos petrels are part of the identity of
Floreana Islands, as are the extirpated Floreana mockingbird and Floreana giant tortoise. These species
constitute a critically endangered aspect of the human heritage of the island and its people, a heritage
which is currently threated by invasive alien species.
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AICHI TARGET 14
“By 2020, ecosystems that provide essential services, including services related to water, and contribute to
health, livelihoods and well-being, are restored and safeguarded, taking into account the needs of women,
indigenous and local communities, and the poor and vulnerable.” (CBD Quick Guide to Aichi Target 14 EN)
Please indicate how this project contributes toward achieving Aichi Target 14 (if applicable)
This project is a direct response to the needs for assistance expressed by the residents of Floreana Island. It
will explicitly proceed through a particular approach, engaging these and other relevant stakeholders who
are adversely impacted by the degradation of Floreana Island’s ecosystems.
The ecological integrity of Floreana Island will be restored through: a) the eradication of highly damaging
mammals (invasive rodents and feral cats) and b) repatriation of the endemic Floreana mockingbird and
Floreana giant tortoise. These island ecosystems will be further safeguarded through: a) strengthening of an
island-wide biosecurity programme, b) development and implementation of a pride campaign, and c)
adoption of sustainable farming and ecotourism practices by the local people and other stakeholders
operating on Floreana Island.
Local peoples and tourists will also benefit from: a) substantial reductions in disease risk; b) protection and
likely enhancement of the two freshwater springs on the island; c) increases in agricultural yields due to
reduced crop loss (in-field and storage); d) community empowerment through engagement in consultations
and increased leadership opportunities, conflict transformation training, and a pride campaign; and e)
greater protection from extreme weather events as a result of improved biotic and social resilience.
We intend to actively transfer ‘best practices’ to other human inhabited islands in the Galapagos
Archipelago, in Ecuador, and beyond. This will enable both island nations (especially Small Island Developing
States) and nations with islands to contribute to the achievement of Aichi Target 14 in a comprehensive
manner, where engaging local people and securing their livelihoods is considered an aspect of wholeecosystem restoration.
AICHI TARGET 15
“By 2020, ecosystem resilience and the contribution of biodiversity to carbon stocks has been enhanced, through
conservation and restoration, including restoration of at least 15 per cent of degraded ecosystems, thereby
contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation and to combating desertification.” (CBD Quick Guide
to Aichi Target 15 EN, ES, FR)
Please indicate how this project contributes toward achieving Aichi Target 15 (if applicable)
An analysis of more than 400 published scientific studies indicates that the long-term stability of forest
carbon stocks depends on ecosystem resilience, which is linked to biodiversity at multiple scales. The
eradication of invasive alien species from Floreana Island will secure carbon stocks by: a) preventing forest
degradation, b) protecting the seed bank , c) re-establishing seed dispersers (Floreana mocking bird and
giant tortoise), d) recovering nutrient-producing seabird colonies (which promote forest health), and e)
facilitating the regrowth of native plants.
We intend to actively transfer ‘best processes’ to other human inhabited islands in Ecuador and worldwide.
This will enable both island nations (especially Small Island Developing States) and nations with islands to
contribute to the achievement of Aichi Target 15 through the eradication of invasive alien vertebrates and
re-establishment of native species which have vital roles to play in securing carbon stocks in health forest
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ecosystems.
Contribution to any other Aichi Targets
Please describe contributions to any other Aichi Target (if applicable)
ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please indicate any additional information not captured elsewhere in this Expression of Interest
A. Floreana Island planning/preparation timeline:
• 2010: The Galapagos National Park Directorate, Island Conservation, and other partners implemented first
aerial baiting campaign for rodent removal on islands in South America (Rabida Island and 11 islets). Two
years later previously rare and unrecorded native species became abundant.
• 2011: Closure of GEF project (initiated in 2002) that addressed the most significant invasive alien species
problems on uninhabited islands in the Galapagos
• 2012: DPNG, Island Conservation and other partners removed invasive rodents from Pinzon and Plaza Sur
Islands to protect the Pinzon giant tortoise and land iguanas
• 2012: Floreana Parish Council and Galapagos National Park Directorate separately request Island
Conservation to do a feasibility study for eradicating invasive alien vertebrates from Floreana Island
• 2013: Working with the aforementioned institutions, Island Conservation conducted and published a
scientific feasibility study for the removal of feral cats and invasive rodents from Floreana Island
• 2014: A 5-day workshop for Floreana Island, institutional and NGO leaders was conducted to develop a
holistic vision for Floreana Island and to explore needs and opportunities for conflict transformation in the
context of environmental change
B. Global invasive alien species eradication data: For additional information on the successful eradication
of invasive alien species from islands worldwide and where the need for invasive alien species eradications
is greatest, please visit:
Database of Island Invasive Species Eradications (DIISE): diise.islandconservation.org/
Threatened Island Biodiversity database (TIB): tib.islandconservation.org
KEYWORDS
Please check the following keywords that apply to this project.
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Threats addressed:
Encroachment and development
Global climate change
Inappropriate resource management policies
Infrastructure for energy and transportation
Invasive alien species
Over-harvesting
Unregulated tourism and recreation
Other threat addressed
Habitat Types:
Arctic
Coastal
Coral reefs
Deep seas
Dry and sub-humid lands
Forests
Grasslands
Inland waters (lakes and rivers inland of oceans)
Islands
Mangroves
Mountains
Other habitat type
Other keywords:
REDD-plus
Climate change adaptation and/or mitigation
Conflict prevention and resolution
Trade
Business
Renewable energy
Restoration
Wildlife protection
Endangered species
Reduce deforestation
Traditional knowledge
Capacity building
Transboundary conservation
Cross-cutting issues:
Access and benefit sharing
Children and youth
Communication and awareness building
Indigenous peoples
Local community management
Monitoring, indicators and assessments
Sustainable use
Other cross-cutting issue
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ATTACHMENTS
Please indicate the file names of any supporting documents/annexes attached to this Expression of Interest.
Name of attachment
Description
1. Management Plan
Management Plan for the Protected Areas on Galapagos for a Good
Standard of Living (2013)
2. Feasibility Analysis
Floreana Island Ecological Restoration: Cat and Rat Eradication
3.
4.
5.
Feasibility Analysis (2013)
Climate Change Report Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment of the Galapagos Islands
(2011)
Galapagos Brochure
Brochure on invasive alien species in the Galapagos Islands
Floreana Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet on invasive alien species on Floreana Island
Add additional rows as needed.
SIGNATURE: ____________________________
DATE: ____________________________
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