Galapagos Conservationist Wins Whitley Prize for Petrel Protection

A Galapagos conservation project has won one of the best-known international conservation prizes.

Expreso, citing EFE, reports that Paola Sangolqui, marine conservation coordinator at Fundacion Jocotoco, received the Premio Whitley 2026 for her work to safeguard the Galapagos petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia).

Where The Work Will Focus

The Galapagos petrel is an endemic species facing critical danger of extinction because of invasive predators and agricultural expansion in the Ecuadorian islands, according to Expreso.

The award will support protection measures in the highland area of Santa Cruz. Expreso reports that the work will be carried out outside the Parque Nacional Galapagos boundary, in an area that lacked institutional attention despite its importance for the seabird's survival.

The technical team will carry out rat-eradication actions and strengthen long-term monitoring through tracking technologies.

Beyond Santa Cruz

Expreso reports that Fundacion Jocotoco and its partners are carrying out similar operations on San Cristobal, including Reserva Los Petreles and neighboring farms.

That matters because the article frames the work as conservation beyond formally protected areas, including agricultural zones and private land.

What This Means for Expats

For Galapagos residents, visitors and conservation supporters, the notable point is where the project sits: outside the usual park-boundary frame.

The Whitley Prize funding is aimed at a specific species, a specific island zone and a conservation problem tied to invasive predators and agricultural expansion.

Source: Expreso