The Mission "To develop a new preservation strategy for the Galapagos that builds on the current management plan for the Galapagos National Park and Galapagos Marine Reserve by designating the two as a 'World Scientific Preserve' that would be managed by an international commission and funded by an multinational trust."

   Biopreserves around the world are areas of terrestrial, coastal or marine ecosystems that are internationally recognized under UNESCO's intergovernmental research program Man and the Biosphere (MAB). These special areas are designed to have three primary functions:

1. conservation: protect the genetic resources, species, ecosystems and landscapes
2. development: foster sustainable economic and human development compatible with conservation
3. logistic: facilitate demonstration projects, environmental education and training, research and monitoring in support of the above 2 functions

   Due to the unique abundance of ecological diversity on the Galapagos, the preservation of the biopreserves on the Galapagos is a worldwide concern. Recognizing the intrinsic scientific value that lies in the Galapagos archipelago, we propose the designation of the Galapagos as a World Scientific Preserve, a place where scientists and researchers will be able to freely gather and share data about the past, present and future of the islands’ environment. The “worldly” nature of the reorganized preserve will also be reflected in the committee that will coordinate the efforts of international experts and the influx of funds from a multinational trust with the concerns and desires of the local population. Composed roughly equally of NGO representation and national representatives drawn from the trust, and local representation, the committee will collaborate with the Galapagos National Institute (INGALA) and other existing managing bodies on the islands to efficiently implement a new unified preservation strategy.
   The fundamental aim of the preservation strategy is to incorporate the biopreserve as an integral part of the bio-regional landscape rather than sharply defined islands. Due to the complex nature of the human-nature interactions on the Galapagos, the only successful biopreserve will be one that opens conservation to the local people; that is, a carefully constructed structure that can involve the natives in the conservation effort as well as fulfill commitments made under international agreements. Such a harmony of local and international voices will improve the stability of the islands and greatly contribute in the conservation effort.

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