Responsible Coexistence: Caring for Pets and Protecting Wildlife in the Galapagos
In biodiversity hotspots, the presence of pets around wild species can upset ecological balance. This dynamic is being addressed in the Galapagos Islands through an initiative that blends pet welfare with wildlife protection. A handbook titled Responsible Coexistence is being distributed to educate residents on how to care for their pets while preventing any interference with native fauna.
The initial recipients of these guidelines were residents of San Cristóbal, the Galapagos’ capital. An educational outreach campaign accompanies the handbook, using posters and other materials to communicate the rules of coexistence established by local regulations. The aim is to shield endemic Galapagos species from disturbances caused by human activity while ensuring the well-being of pets and wildlife alike.
The San Cristóbal guide draws inspiration from recent urban fauna regulations approved at the end of 2021. This resource presents clear, pictorial information on sanctions for pet-related non-compliance, preventive health guidance, the benefits of neutering, urban legends, and the link between animal abuse and social violence. It also offers practical nutritional recommendations for pets living in urban settings.
Although the guide was conceived through the Franz Weber Foundation and the Decentralized Autonomous Government of San Cristóbal, a broad team contributed to its development. Veterinarians, local authorities such as the Biosafety Authority, the National Park, and the Government Council, along with collaborating non-governmental organizations, contributed expertise to shape the content.
“This work reflects the experience gained through close collaboration with the local community, understanding its internal dynamics and the most pressing needs,” said a representative from the foundation who coordinated the project. The process benefited from contributions from veterinary professionals, technical staff from the National Park, the Biosafety Agency, and the Government Council, among others. The result is an accessible, educational brochure that resonates with people of all ages and can be adapted to different parts of the world, including other island communities that face similar challenges, such as the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands which are experiencing the arrival of invasive species that threaten native ecosystems.
The project team hopes the guide reaches every family on the island. In the coming weeks, outreach aims to connect with roughly 1,956 households and properties across the island, ensuring broad awareness and engagement.
During the outreach, educational posters will be displayed in busy public areas, billboards will be placed at municipal post offices, and informational videos will be produced for the community. The guide’s content can be downloaded from the project site and a new section will encourage the adoption of dogs and cats in need of homes on San Cristóbal. The coordinators emphasize that communities can build volunteer networks to support these efforts.
Local leaders emphasize that the campaigns are essential for improving neighborhood dynamics. When society embraces the regulations, the experience for both residents and visitors improves, while protecting endemic species.【citation】
Convive the Galapagos will remain a long-term effort to promote responsible pet ownership and the conservation of regional wildlife. Following the campaign’s success, the foundation intends to bring the discussion to Spain, highlighting parallels with regions that manage biosphere reserves and face similar ecological pressures, such as the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands where invasive species pose ongoing challenges.
…
For inquiries about the program, a contact point is provided within the environmental department in the project notes.