EspañolThis project is dedicated to saving the endangered plants of Galapagos through planting and conservation in the temperate zone of upper San Cristóbal. The endangered species include scalesia, lecocarpus, calandrina galápagosa, among others.
The vascular Galapagos plants consist of 500 native species, of which 180 are endangered. Apart from these plants, there are 700 introduced species.
Native Species: Considered species that arrived through natural means such as ocean currents, winds, etc.
Endemic Species (endangered): Considered species that have colonized an area through natural means and have established themselves in an area and have adapted to it, giving rise to new species which are unique and do not exist in any other part of the world.
Introduced Species: Species that have been transported by humans from one part of the world to another, whether intentional or accidental. Some species can cause damage to native ecosystems.
Nevertheless, in recent years, various species that can not be eradicated have been introduced to the islands that are occupying a great deal of the land. Some of the plants include: blackberry, guayabo, chupi rose, among others.
The population that lives in the upper part of the San Cristóbal island is dedicated to organic agriculture. They make use of organic wastes that are obtained from the farm, giving priority and emphasis to fertility of the soil by means of compost preparation, reducing the use of non-renewable resources such as fertilizers and pesticides. This helps to ensure human health and conserve the environment.
The planting of agricultural products such as corn, bananas, cassava, and others, is done according to the seasons of the year. Vegetables are grown throughout the year. Other farmers are dedicated to livestock with the objective of selling meat and dairy products (cheese, milk and yogurt) for the local population as well as visitors to the islands.
The idea and general objective of this project began with the purpose of reforesting and conserving the endangered and native plants of the Galapagos Islands. In addition, we are part of GOOD LIVING which promotes ECOTOURISM as an alternative, sustainable development for the local population that improves quality of life.
In this way, we are promoting environmental awareness to the people of San Cristobal Island to protect and conserve all the ecosystems of this beautiful island chain which is so unique in the world.
The plants in danger of extinction include:
ESCALECIA
Scalesia Affinis.- Scalesia Affinis.- is a species of Magnoliophyta belonging to the Asteraceae family.
Very well adapted to a tropical but dry climate, it is the survival medium for many sea species such as blue-footed boobies, sea frigates and the survival of land animals such as finches, sparrows, land iguanas, insects, giant tortoises, among others.
LECOCARPUS
Lecocarpus.- is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Asteraceae family, native to the Galapagos Islands.
CALANDRINIA GALAPAGOSA
Description.- Species belonging to the Montiaceae family, it is an endemic bush-type plant inhabiting the island of San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands. It is an annual prostrate plant, low growth,and is very attractive, with bright magenta flowers which open fully during a sunny day. Its small, black seeds usually germinate late in the summer and grows slowly in the winter as a small plant. In the spring, it grows rapidly and flowers frequently in October. It reaches 35 cm or more in length, while its basal leaves can be 1 cm long.
It is a unique plant in the world, and it is about to disappear because animals such as goats eat it. One of the main characteristics of this species is that it very susceptible to climatic changes.
It was named in honor of Jean Louis Calandrini, Swiss botanist of century XVII.
Plant Conservation
For us, the conservation of the endemic and native Galapagos plants is important because they represent a fundamental role in the island chain. Our work consists of the collection of seeds, care during germination, and later transplantation to where they will live permanently.