The incredible £35m project to transform wild islands backed by Hollywood star | Travel News

The Galápagos Islands are at the center of a bold initiative to restore the ecosystems that have earned them global fame.

A coalition of conservation groups, supported by a $43 million (£35 million) pledge from actor and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio, is launching a groundbreaking rewilding project. This effort aims to restore the islands' natural ecosystems, promote ecotourism, and support local communities.

Floreana Island, home to 54 threatened species, is a primary focus. Plans include reintroducing 13 species that once thrived on the island but have since gone extinct, such as the Floreana mockingbird, famously noted by Charles Darwin during his historic visit in the 1830s.

The project, led by Re:wild, the Galápagos National Park Directorate, Island Conservation, and local communities, aims to restore biodiversity and combat the impact of invasive species like rodents and feral cats. Efforts will also include a breeding program to save the endangered pink iguana, unique to the Galápagos.

Beyond land, the initiative will enhance protection of the surrounding marine environment, vital to both the ecosystem and the Ecuadorian economy. Ecotourism will play a critical role, driving sustainable conservation efforts while supporting the region's economy.

Ecuador's Environment Minister Marcelo Mata Guerrero highlighted the significance of global partnerships, stating, "Innovative collaborations are key to restoring ecosystems and tackling the climate crisis."

The initiative extends beyond Floreana, aiming to rewild islands across Latin America's Pacific region, protect 30% of marine waters, and reverse the decline of over 250 threatened species within the next decade.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s involvement has drawn global attention, leveraging his social media influence to amplify awareness. A video featuring the project's work reached over 770,000 views, showcasing the critical role of storytelling in conservation.

"The planet’s environmental heroes are already here," DiCaprio noted, encouraging collective action. The Galápagos, once a pivotal site for Darwin's theory of evolution, now aspires to lead the way in global conservation efforts, offering a blueprint for restoring ecosystems worldwide.