From Idea to Execution: Building a Sustainable Oasis in the Galapagos

By Thomas S. Mullikin, PhD

EDITOR’S NOTE: This following excerpt is part of an article appearing in the July 2024 edition of CONSERVATION magazine.

Small developing nations and islands have had little to do with the macro atmospheric issues of amplified global climate change which is causing devastating impacts in some instances. Yet here is where we can sometimes find some committed and visionary and leaders determined to implement strategies that address both the associated atmospheric issues while also executing methodologies to meet the micro challenges of these complex changes. This type of local leadership is serving as a model for others around the world that, through careful planning, emissions can be reduced while also addressing the local challenges.

One example can be found on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. San Cristobal is approximately 780 miles west of the mainland of Ecuador. International interest in the beautiful ecosystems of San Cristobal and other islands of the Galapagos – along with greater ease of travel – has led to an increase in travel to this natural wonderland. …

Read full article at CONSERVATION MAG – https://conservationmag.org/en/places/from-idea-to-execution-building-a-sustainable-oasis-in-the-galapagos.

[Pictured are Dr. Mullikin with Luciana Bianchi at Golden Bay Galapagos]

– Dr. Thomas Stowe “Tom” Mullikin is a global expedition leader, attorney, university professor, former U.S. Army officer, and retired two-star commander of the S.C. State Guard. He serves as chair of the gubernatorially established S.C. Floodwater Commission and he is the leader of the annual SC7 Expedition from the mountains of South Carolina to the sea. Dr. Mullikin recently concluded an exploratory mission in Ecuador from Mount Chimborazo in the Andes to the famed Galapagos Islands.