Islands of Insight: Science, Species & Sustainability in the Galápagos Pt. 2

In this captivating second installment of our Galápagos journey, Harvesting Wisdom host Mike McMahon is joined aboard the National Geographic Islander II by two exceptional guides: Fernando Ortiz and Socrates Tomala. Their deep expertise and lived experience in the Galápagos provide a rare look into one of the most biologically unique and environmentally protected places on Earth.

Fernando Ortiz, a seasoned naturalist who has spent 35 years navigating and studying the Galápagos, shares how this protected archipelago—though impacted by human activity—has maintained much of its ecological integrity due to strict conservation policies and geographical isolation. He discusses the evolutionary processes behind endemic species like the Galápagos tortoise and how ocean currents and geological formations sustain the region's incredible biodiversity.

Later in the episode, we meet Socrates Tomala, a native of Santa Cruz Island and a National Geographic ambassador, whose passion for ecology led him from beetle sampling as a teen to founding Forest for Tomorrow, a nonprofit dedicated to reforesting critical wildlife corridors in Ecuador's cloud forests. Socrates’ story highlights the intersection of tourism, education, and activism in preserving ecosystems threatened by fragmentation.

Together, their insights weave a powerful narrative about climate resilience, the need for biodiversity, and the urgency of bridging the gap between knowledge and action—a core mission of Urban Farming Education and the Harvesting Wisdom podcast.

Why Listen?
At Harvesting Wisdom, we believe “We have all taken a bite out of the apple.” This episode spotlights how we all share responsibility in both the challenges and solutions surrounding biodiversity and sustainability. From protecting mountain lions in Ecuador to restoring oceanic food chains, this episode encourages listeners to recognize their place in a shared ecological future and equips them with ideas to leave a social footprint.

Episode Highlights:

00:41 – Location update: En route to Fernandina Island by active volcanoes

02:10 – Fernando Ortiz reflects on 35 years in the Galápagos and the impact of introduced species

04:44 – Upwelling, ocean currents, and how life thrives in deep volcanic cliffs

06:49 – Evolution of endemic species like the Galápagos tortoise

11:30 – Biodiversity loss, climate adaptation, and ecological ignorance in urban life

13:18 – Socrates Tomala shares his upbringing on Santa Cruz Island and early work in marine biology

17:51 – Discussion on Amazonian Dark Earth, biochar, and hemp for soil remediation

21:33 – Founding of Forest for Tomorrow and restoring cloud forests

24:08 – Wildlife corridors and challenges of human-wildlife coexistence

26:08 – Impact of forest fragmentation, mycelium networks, and ecological connectivity

29:53 – The power of tourism and storytelling to drive environmental action

30:39 – How one inspired listener can change the future of a fragile ecosystem

31:22 – Darwin’s work on worms and the invisible power of soil ecosystems

#Galapagos #Biodiversity #SustainableTourism #ClimateChange #ForestRestoration #RemoteEcology #Upwelling #Darwin #Conservation #HarvestingWisdom