Leonardo DiCaprio’s Pledge: Rewilding the Galápagos Islands
How a historic $43 million initiative is restoring species, habitats, and hope for the Galápagos archipelago.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s $43 Million Commitment to the Galápagos
In May 2021, environmentalist and actor Leonardo DiCaprio announced a historic $43 million conservation effort aimed at rewilding the Galápagos Islands, one of the world’s premier ecological treasures. The initiative brings together a coalition of partners to restore habitats, reintroduce extinct species, and revive threatened wildlife populations on islands that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Origins and Partners of the Galápagos Rewilding Initiative
The rewilding initiative is spearheaded by Re:wild, an international conservation organization co-founded by DiCaprio alongside leading scientists and conservationists. The coalition includes:
- Galápagos National Park Directorate
- Island Conservation
- Charles Darwin Foundation
- Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment and Water
- Local communities throughout the Galápagos
The initiative builds upon decades of local and international conservation success, aiming to scale up and replicate proven approaches across the archipelago and the larger Latin American Pacific region. Its central mission: to “amplify and scale local solutions led by Indigenous peoples, communities, and governments” around the critical threats facing the islands.
Floreana Island: A Blueprint for Restoration
Floreana Island, home to around 140 people and 54 unique, threatened species, stands at the heart of the rewilding plan. The project’s vision for Floreana includes:
- Reintroducing 13 extinct native species, including the Floreana mockingbird, the first mockingbird described by Charles Darwin
- Controlling or removing invasive species such as rats and feral cats, which have devastated bird and reptile populations
- Promoting sustainable livelihoods and ecotourism for local communities
Charles Darwin’s work on Floreana and the surrounding islands helped shape the theory of evolution, making its restoration globally significant.
Focus Species: The Floreana Mockingbird and Pink Land Iguana
- The Floreana mockingbird was one of the inspirations for Darwin’s theories. Now extinct on Floreana due to invasive species, its reintroduction signals hope for other threatened wildlife.
- The pink land iguana, unique to the Galápagos, is facing extinction with only approximately 300 individuals remaining. A breeding program for this rare species is underway, aiming to prevent its disappearance as a single volcanic eruption could wipe out the entire population.
Threats to the Galápagos: Invasive Species and Human Impact
The islands’ biodiversity faces mounting threats, especially from invasive species and unsustainable human activity:
- Invasive mammals, including rats and cats, have decimated populations of birds, reptiles, and invertebrates.
- Industrial fishing and marine exploitation threaten delicate marine ecosystems, vital both to wildlife and the Ecuadorian economy.
- Habitat loss and climate change accelerate species decline, with many endemic species at risk of extinction within decades if no action is taken.
Pioneering local conservationists, such as Paula A. Castaño—a wildlife veterinarian and restoration specialist—have spearheaded innovative approaches to mitigate these impacts. Their efforts include preventing the spread of invasive species, restoring plant and animal populations, and building capacity for long-term ecosystem management.
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A Model of Global Partnership
DiCaprio’s involvement has helped attract global attention and resources to the Galápagos through:
- Turning his social media platforms over to project leader Paula Castaño, amplifying the voices of local environmental heroes and conservation experts to his millions of followers
- Drawing support from foundations, governments, and private donors to catalyze large-scale ecological recovery
- Encouraging collective action and fostering international collaborations between organizations, governments, philanthropists, and individuals
This public-private model aims to set a framework for collaborative, scalable conservation solutions worldwide. According to Henry Cobos, mayor of San Cristóbal, “This new initiative is a great opportunity for the Galápagos to be a global leader in rewilding, protecting and restoring our natural resources not only for the people of Ecuador, but for the people of the world.”
Marine Conservation and Sustainable Ecotourism
While terrestrial efforts are crucial, the Galápagos’ surrounding waters are equally vital. The initiative includes heightened marine protection through:
- Expanding marine reserves
- Combating unsustainable fisheries and industrial marine activity
- Ensuring sustainable local fishing practices
- Increasing protection for critical habitats, benefiting both wildlife and the region’s fishing economy
Eco-tourism, already a mainstay of the Galápagos economy, will play a pivotal role. By promoting environmentally responsible tourism, the project aims to generate revenue for conservation and provide livelihoods for local residents, illustrating how nature-based economies can support both people and planet.
The Science of Rewilding: Restoring Functioning Ecosystems
Restoring the Galápagos Islands requires a multifaceted scientific approach:
- Eradication of invasive species, which often entails coordinated campaigns across multiple islands
- Captive breeding and reintroduction for species extinct or nearly extinct in the wild
- Habitat restoration, such as replanting native vegetation and restoring food webs
- Long-term ecological monitoring to track ecosystem recovery and adapt management strategies
Projects already underway will be expanded, leveraging cutting-edge biodiversity research and lessons learned from previous local successes.
Measurable Goals and Regional Scale
Key aims of the initiative include:
- Reversing the decline of over 250 threatened species throughout Latin America’s Pacific region within the next decade
- Protecting at least 30% of marine waters, consistent with global biodiversity targets
- Building resilience in island and marine ecosystems in the face of climate change
Empowering Local Communities: The Foundation of Conservation Success
Central to the rewilding effort is the empowerment and partnership with the Galápagos’ local inhabitants:
- Involving Indigenous peoples and residents in designing and implementing conservation solutions
- Integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research
- Ensuring benefits of restoration—such as increased ecotourism and sustainable livelihoods—flow directly to communities
By highlighting the stories of local leaders, like wildlife veterinarian Paula Castaño, the project demonstrates how investing in homegrown expertise can yield global conservation returns.
A Global Blueprint for Rewilding
Leonardo DiCaprio and Re:wild envision their work in the Galápagos as a living example for ecosystem restoration worldwide. The project’s blend of science-driven interventions, community partnership, and global advocacy offers a template for:
- Conserving critical biodiversity hotspots
- Restoring degraded ecosystems through science and innovation
- Uniting public and private resources for maximum impact
- Inspiring new waves of environmental leadership and action
As DiCaprio notes, “The environmental heroes the planet needs are already here. Now we all must rise to the challenge and join them.”
Project Progress and Early Impact
Leonardo DiCaprio’s social media announcement reached hundreds of thousands globally, instantly raising the profile of the initiative. Early accomplishments include the initial phases of invasive species removal, expansion of captive breeding programs, and increased community engagement in restoration planning.
The high-visibility advocacy serves as a powerful catalyst for further donations and international collaboration, making the Galápagos a symbol of hope for global conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does rewilding mean in the context of the Galápagos?
A: In the Galápagos, rewilding refers to restoring native plants, animals, and the natural ecological processes that support them. This includes removing invasive species, reintroducing animals extinct on certain islands (such as the Floreana mockingbird), and recovering natural habitats so ecosystems can function as they did before human disturbance.
Q: Why was Floreana Island chosen as a focus?
A: Floreana Island is a microcosm of the islands’ challenges and opportunities: it hosts dozens of threatened species and has experienced significant habitat loss from invasive species. Successful restoration on Floreana serves as a model for broader rewilding efforts across the archipelago and globally.
Q: Who are the main partners in the initiative?
A: The initiative is led by Re:wild, the Galápagos National Park Directorate, Island Conservation, the Charles Darwin Foundation, Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment and Water, and local communities, with support from the global conservation community including Leonardo DiCaprio.
Q: How will the $43 million be used?
A: Funding will be used for ecosystem restoration (like removing invasive species), breeding and reintroduction of endangered wildlife, marine protection, community empowerment, ecological research, and expanding conservation beyond Floreana Island to other islands and marine areas.
Q: How will this project affect local people?
A: Local communities will be integral to the project’s design and execution. Benefits include job opportunities in conservation and ecotourism, sustainable livelihoods, and enhanced environmental health for people and wildlife alike.
Key Points Table: Galápagos Rewilding at a Glance
| Project Focus | Main Actions | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Floreana Island | Species reintroduction, invasive species removal | Restored native biodiversity; recovery of extinct local species |
| Pink Land Iguana | Captive breeding, habitat protection | Prevention of extinction |
| Marine Conservation | Expanded marine reserves, sustainable fishing practices | Increased fish stocks, thriving marine life |
| Community Engagement | Local job creation, ecotourism, partnerships | Economic benefits, long-term stewardship |
Conclusion: A New Era for the Enchanted Isles
The Galápagos Islands—long regarded as a cradle of biological discovery—now aim to become a beacon of planetary restoration. Leonardo DiCaprio’s $43 million pledge, the result of a powerful coalition of local and international partners, offers a transformative chance to restore balance, safeguard biodiversity, and chart a course for global rewilding. As the world looks to the future, the story of the Galápagos is a reminder: with science, community, and vision, environmental healing is possible.
References
- https://www.livekindly.com/leonardo-dicaprio-galapagos-island/
- https://www.voyagers.travel/news/the-incredible-35-m-project-to-transform-wild-islands-backed-by-hollywood-star
- https://www.rewild.org/press/galapagos-national-park-environmental-heroes-local-communities-and-global
- https://www.rgs.org/schools/resources-for-schools/the-galapagos-islands-and-leonardo-dicaprio
- https://www.galapagos-ecolodge.com/2022/07/01/rewilding-the-galapagos-islands/
- https://www.islandconservation.org/rare-gecko-species-rediscovered-in-galapagos-following-island-restoration-success/
- https://www.islandconservation.org/rewilding-galapagos-islands-leonardo-dicaprio/
- https://www.rewild.org
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