Home • Galapagos • Field Updates

Galápagos: February 2007

“It was the most incredible experience of my life, and I hope I can pass it on and inspire others.” -- Nicolle Kindall, Meeker High School

We have lots of exciting news to report this month in Galápagos! We were asked by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to participate in a six-part series called ‘Saving Planet Earth’ being filmed over the course of the next several months. The BBC decided to demonstrate the importance of youth in worldwide conservation efforts, and once they heard about our innovative approach, they extended us an invitation.

Saving Planet Earth is a conservation series that aims not only to raise awareness of endangered species but also raise money for them in a fair and voluntary way by encouraging donations from viewers.

On Saturday, January 27th, a group of past EPI participants, plus a few of their younger siblings traveled to our site in the highlands of Santa Cruz with a BBC film crew. Together with Alex – a 10 year old young man from England – the group spent the morning getting to know each other, playing games, and more importantly working to eradicate invasive species present in Galápagos. 

Several of our students were interviewed by the film crew which allowed them to share their thoughts about why their work is important to the future of Galápagos. Many mentioned that in their opinion, adults aren’t taking enough actions to ensure a positive future for the islands and that young people – children and adolescents – have more energy and excitement about practicing responsible behavior with respect to the environment.

No one will ever claim that pulling thorn-covered blackberry bushes out of the ground is easy or glamorous. Nevertheless, our students realize that it’s an important action that needs to be carried out in Galápagos. And thanks to our friends at the BBC, the rest of the world will have the chance to learn about our students’ hard work and dedication. Make sure to tune in July when the BBC programs hits the air, and learn how EPI is saving planet earth!