Santa Cruz Island
Galápagos is a special place, we keep hearing it and saying it; and there is no doubt! One walks along the trails and encounters species that show no fear, like the tortoises we saw breeding in the middle of the path this afternoon. There are species that were here before humans visited the islands, native and endemic creatures flourish, 95% of the original flora and fauna is still around, and that’s fantastic, it’s a big reason for pride.
Today Galápagos is more than just a pristine environment. Galápagos is also its people, young and old, third or second generation or new comers. People that arrived from all over Ecuador and the world, who got here with different projects in mind. It’s hard to define the Galápagos population though; and it’s difficult to know if new comers or adults of the second or third generation share the same perspective about the importance of such a place. But what they all have in common is their kids, their children that go to the same schools, have the same teachers, and since early in their lives hear about the importance of their home islands. This is the new generation of Galápaganians, this is the future of this archipelago, and it’s where we have to put most of our efforts and work.
Lindblad Expeditions believes this, and as part of the many programs for conservation, we invite children from different schools to have a ride along with us, whenever it’s possible. Today we had “The Dolphins”, a club in Puerto Ayora that learns about the islands through afterschool activities and field trips. We took them to Caamano, a mile south from Puerto Ayora, and showed them the underwater realm through the glass bottom boat. They loved the sea lions; they recognized the different sea urchins and sea stars, and some of the fish as well.
While on board, our Captain Fausto Hinojosa and first officer Edgar Torres, showed them the bridge, the engine, the galley; Sofia Plonski, our Hotel manager, organised for them a feast with pizzas and ice cream, all decorated with colourful balloons.
I know three hours of learning and fun is not enough, I wish we could give them a world of possibilities, show them this is a huge planet with so much to learn from, and so much to give to. But it’s a seed planted in their hearts and eager minds. I do believe this Polaris experience will have an impact in their lives.
Galápagos is a special place, we keep hearing it and saying it; and there is no doubt! One walks along the trails and encounters species that show no fear, like the tortoises we saw breeding in the middle of the path this afternoon. There are species that were here before humans visited the islands, native and endemic creatures flourish, 95% of the original flora and fauna is still around, and that’s fantastic, it’s a big reason for pride.
Today Galápagos is more than just a pristine environment. Galápagos is also its people, young and old, third or second generation or new comers. People that arrived from all over Ecuador and the world, who got here with different projects in mind. It’s hard to define the Galápagos population though; and it’s difficult to know if new comers or adults of the second or third generation share the same perspective about the importance of such a place. But what they all have in common is their kids, their children that go to the same schools, have the same teachers, and since early in their lives hear about the importance of their home islands. This is the new generation of Galápaganians, this is the future of this archipelago, and it’s where we have to put most of our efforts and work.
Lindblad Expeditions believes this, and as part of the many programs for conservation, we invite children from different schools to have a ride along with us, whenever it’s possible. Today we had “The Dolphins”, a club in Puerto Ayora that learns about the islands through afterschool activities and field trips. We took them to Caamano, a mile south from Puerto Ayora, and showed them the underwater realm through the glass bottom boat. They loved the sea lions; they recognized the different sea urchins and sea stars, and some of the fish as well.
While on board, our Captain Fausto Hinojosa and first officer Edgar Torres, showed them the bridge, the engine, the galley; Sofia Plonski, our Hotel manager, organised for them a feast with pizzas and ice cream, all decorated with colourful balloons.
I know three hours of learning and fun is not enough, I wish we could give them a world of possibilities, show them this is a huge planet with so much to learn from, and so much to give to. But it’s a seed planted in their hearts and eager minds. I do believe this Polaris experience will have an impact in their lives.
