During the period of 2006-2007, Galapagos Conservancy’s grant-making and program activities will focus on four areas directly related to the critical conservation challenges in Galapagos:

1. Local Capacity for Conservation and Sustainable Development. Successful protection of Galapagos requires strong local leadership. We will continue to provide essential funding for our principal partners, the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) and the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS), whose work is vital for successful conservation in the islands. We will also work to strengthen the ability of Galapagos residents to play a meaningful role in conservation by supporting environmental education and public education reform.
   
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2. Planning and Policy for Effective Conservation. Galapagos Conservancy will work closely with the CDF, GNPS, INGALA (the Galapagos National Institute, responsible for planning in Galapagos) and an array of international experts to develop a “State of Galapagos Report” which will include: studies on sustainable economic opportunities related to tourism, fishing, and agriculture; an analysis of the micro and macro economics of the islands; and development of effective socio-economic and cultural indicators for Galapagos conservation. This report will be widely disseminated and will serve as an important tool in future regional planning and program development for the archipelago.
   
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3. Control and Elimination of Invasive Species. In March 2006, Project Isabela—an unprecedented island restoration program in terms of size and scope—came to its successful conclusion. Feral goats and pigs have been eliminated from Santiago and northern Isabela islands, an area the size of Rhode Island. Still, more needs to be done to expand the lessons learned and technologies developed to other parts of the archipelago. Also, eradication of other invasive species, such as frogs, fire ants, black flies, and an array of plant species must continue. Improvements must be made to the Galapagos Quarantine and Inspection System and rapid community response mechanisms that can identify and react to new threats of invasive species.
   
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4. Ensure Effective Management of the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR). We will continue to support research and monitoring necessary for decision making in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, scientific assessments of zoning schemes, and conflict resolution, participatory management, and alternative economic opportunities for fishermen (low impact tourism, new market products, etc.).
   
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This is an ambitious agenda that would be impossible without the 11,000 members of Galapagos Conservancy whose generosity translates ideas into action. Please feel free to write or call us with your comments and ideas.

comments@galapagos.org.