The Galapagos Science Center (GSC) contributes to sustainable development and greater environmental awareness in the local community. We have built lasting partnerships with the local hospital on San Cristobal Island to help them respond to COVID-19, conducted outreach activities with all the schools on San Cristobal, and created seed grants to help support locals by funding innovative ideas that enhanced research in areas such as food security, improved marine practices, and conservation of native and endemic plants.
We recognize that research and action are most impactful and successful when part of a larger community, which is why over the past 10 years the GSC has shown a long-term commitment to the communities of the Galapagos to better understand the complex interactions among people and the environment in which they live.
Connecting with Nature
Engage, motivate, and empower.
Our community outreach program — known as Connecting with Nature — is built to engage, motivate, and empower people of all ages while creating awareness of Galapagos biodiversity and a community commitment to conservation. A few key programs within this initiative include:
Reading Sessions with Marti
Children in the community develop reading and critical thinking skills about the dangers facing marine species, strengthening empathy, respect, and conservation values. This program combines education and fun to raise awareness about local marine flora and fauna.
Family Science Events
Local, national, and foreign expert guests teach about scientific research topics in an accessible format to encourage Galapagos families to embrace conservation in all aspects of their lives. Families learn a variety of skills, such as identifying sustainable options to replace plastic in their daily lives or conserving their island as a citizen scientist.
DNA Galapagos Sessions
Students in the local community learn more about new methodologies used in the field of conservation through activities developed to generate interest in science, enhance professional development, and to encourage them to protect biodiversity.
Annual Shark Day Event
Community members participate in recreational and educational activities developed to promote the importance of protecting these indispensable species for marine ecosystems.
Since its inception, Connecting with Nature has positively impacted nearly 4000 members of the community, including children, teachers, students, and local families. To find out more about the community outreach taking place at the Galapagos Science Center, enjoy this video!
Learn More
Visit galapagos.unc.edu to learn more about how the Galapagos Science Center is solving environmental challenges to ensure healthy island ecosystems for future generations.
Kelly Weaver • 919-445-0763 • weaverk@email.unc.edu