Charles Darwin Foundation and the Province Farming Authority of Galapagos Unite to combat introduced species

Beginning the 25th of March, the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) and the Provincial Farming Authority of Galapagos (PFA) will work together to combat introduced plant and animal species and ensure the conservation of Galapagos ecosystems.

CDF Executive Director Gabriel Lopez and PFA Regional Technical Director Luis Bravo Solís signed an agreement this 25th of March to combine efforts for investigation, information, and technical assistance in order to assure the conservation and sustainable development of the farming zones the province of Galapagos.

The CDF will assist the PFA with technical assistance and information to encourage sustainable and viable development in the farming zones around the archipelago. Additionally, CDF will assist the PFA in establishing a demonstration trail with native and endemic plants to be constructed in the area administered by MAGAP in Puerto Ayora, and will advise agricultural producers on control and management of weeds and introduced species.

For its part, the PFA will plan its projects with the advice of the CDF and Galapagos National Park, assess each property involved in the projects and supervise their suitable usage, present technical information on the advance of the projects to the CDF, and, in collaboration with the CDF, disseminate information about the campaign.

This agreement is vitally important for the archipelago because introduced species constitute a major problem for the preservation of native and endemic species, as well as for farming activity in Galapagos.

Further Information: Ivonne Guzmán cdfinfo@fcdarwin.org.ec www.darwinfoundation.org