The Galápagos Alliance: Deepening Penn’s Commitment and Planning for the Future

This project expands the scope of Penn’s university-wide research efforts in Galápagos. Research to this point has involved working together with local leaders and community members to address pressing issues where ecology, climate change, poverty, and educational inequality intersect. These projects have been diverse, crossing the disciplines of philosophy, biology, engineering, and urban design. With this project, the team aims to deepen its focus in two areas, and begin planning for 20 years of engagement in Galápagos.

The team proposes to support PennDesign students and faculty as they design guidelines for managing urban growth and the potential impacts of sea-level rise in the populated coastal zone of San Cristóbal Island. The effort will also supplement Penn's flagship sea lion community science project, with a marine biodiversity monitoring project conducted by local women.Finally, the team will embark on a substantial planning exercise with local-to-Penn and local-to-Galápagos leaders, stakeholders, and potential funders, to chart a 20-year plan for engagement.