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Coastal
Cleaning
The complex system of currents around the islands, and in part the local human activities and even tourist-related activities may cause the accumulation of inorganic waste, especially plastics, along the shores. This material can alter the shores’ ecosystems with serious consequences.
Sea lions, turtles, birds, and iguanas could remain trapped and, even die, in debris accumulated along the shores.
Fundación Galapagos Ecuador together with the Galapagos National Park, has developed a permanent program of coastal cleaning to avoid ecological damage. Aboard fishing boats, young volunteers from all over the world, work eight days a month, navigating along the shoreline of the islands, cleaning up the accumulated garbage.
Volunteers collecting garbage
(click to enlarge) |
The collected solid waste is classified and processed. Plastic is currently the most abundant material, but metal, wood, glass, rubber and cardboard are also found. We analyze the origin of such debris and develop educational campaigns that involve the local population with the intention of finding solutions for proper waste management
Results
| Year |
#Trips |
Total kg |
| 1999 |
22 |
8.603 kg |
| 2000 |
16 |
2.736 kg |
| 2001 |
10 |
1.538 kg |
| 2002 |
10 |
1,808 kg |
| 2003 |
1 |
1,307 kg |
| 2004 |
7 |
6,560
kg |
| 2005 |
6 |
5.792
kg |
| 2006 |
8 |
10.097
kg |
| 2007 |
8 |
11.647
kg* |
| 2008 |
1 |
3.055
kg |
* Incluye datos de Día Internacional de la Limpieza Costera
Benefits:
Reduces the garbage along the coastline.
Protects the fauna from these hazards |
Sea lion trapped on a plastic ring.
(click to enlarge)
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Provides alternative work for the local fishermen.
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(click to enlarge)
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Helps us to identify and reduce the sources of contamination. |
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