Robinson Crusoe and Chincha Norte join healthy ocean challenge – Oceanographic Magazine

Conservation Efforts on Robinson Crusoe Island and Chincha Norte Island: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Robinson Crusoe Island: Biodiversity and Community-Led Restoration

Robinson Crusoe Island, part of the Juan Fernández Archipelago, spans approximately 47.94 square kilometres and is home to more endemic species than the Galápagos Islands. The island features rugged terrain with steep cliffs and dense forests. Its coastal benthic communities are diverse, supporting species such as the Juan Fernández lobster and the Juan Fernández fur seal.

Among the island’s endemic species are the critically endangered Juan Fernández Firecrown hummingbird and the Pink-footed Shearwater. Local community members are actively engaged in restoring and rewilding the island by removing invasive predators. These efforts aim to enhance the island’s ecological health, protect marine environments, and benefit the local community.

Julio Chamorro, Head of Robinson Crusoe’s Sea Council, stated: “This is a dream that came from our ancient ancestors, who started with the knowledge of conservation. What we’re doing is for our ancestors, for ourselves, for our children, and for those who have not been born yet.”

Chincha Norte Island: Restoration of a Historic Guano Island

Chincha Norte is the largest of the Chincha Islands, measuring approximately 1.3 kilometres in length and one kilometre in width. Primarily composed of granite, the island is characterized by steep cliffs and extensive guano deposits, a legacy of historically large seabird populations.

The surrounding marine ecosystem is rich in biodiversity, including various fish and invertebrate species, as well as seabirds such as cormorants, pelicans, and gannets. However, bird populations have declined by 90% in recent years due to El Niño events and avian influenza.

The Government of Peru has committed to using the restoration of Chincha Norte as a pilot project to evaluate the potential recovery of other historic guano islands, demonstrating a strategic approach to biodiversity conservation.

Jose Luis Cabello, Island Conservation’s Head of Operations in Latin America, emphasized: “The Chincha Islands, and especially Chincha Norte, embody a unique convergence of Peru’s natural richness and its historical legacy. Their restoration is not only a matter of ecological importance but also a commitment to preserving a cultural and environmental treasure for future generations.”

“By revitalizing Chincha Norte, we protect breeding habitats for seabirds, support marine biodiversity, and honour the deep-rooted connection between the Peruvian people and their coastal heritage.”

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Protection and restoration of marine ecosystems around Robinson Crusoe and Chincha Norte islands.
   • Conservation of marine species such as the Juan Fernández lobster, fur seal, and various seabirds.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Preservation of endemic terrestrial species including the Juan Fernández Firecrown hummingbird and Pink-footed Shearwater.
   • Removal of invasive predators to restore native biodiversity on Robinson Crusoe Island.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Community engagement in conservation efforts ensuring sustainable livelihoods and cultural heritage preservation.
   • Intergenerational commitment to environmental stewardship as expressed by local leaders.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Addressing impacts of climate phenomena such as El Niño on seabird populations and island ecosystems.
   • Implementing adaptive restoration strategies to enhance ecosystem resilience.

Conclusion

The conservation and restoration initiatives on Robinson Crusoe Island and Chincha Norte Island represent significant contributions to global Sustainable Development Goals. By protecting biodiversity, supporting marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and involving local communities, these projects exemplify integrated approaches to sustainable environmental management. Continued commitment to these efforts will ensure the preservation of unique natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations.

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1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article discusses marine biodiversity, including endemic species, marine life, and seabirds, highlighting the importance of conserving ocean ecosystems.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land – The focus on endemic species, invasive predator removal, and island restoration relates directly to terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – The mention of El Niño events impacting bird populations implies climate-related challenges affecting biodiversity.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The community’s involvement in conservation efforts reflects sustainable management of natural resources for current and future generations.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing to restore fish stocks.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicator for SDG 14
   • Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels (implied by focus on marine biodiversity and species such as the Juan Fernández lobster).
   • Coverage of protected marine areas (implied through conservation and restoration efforts around the islands).
2. Indicator for SDG 15
   • Red List Index (implied by mention of critically endangered species like the Juan Fernández Firecrown hummingbird).
   • Proportion of land area covered by forest and other natural habitats (implied by restoration and invasive species removal activities).
3. Indicator for SDG 13
   • Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters (implied by the impact of El Niño events on bird populations).
4. Indicator for SDG 11
   • Proportion of cultural and natural heritage sites protected (implied by efforts to preserve the cultural and environmental legacy of the islands).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: oceanographicmagazine.com