Plant science meets the decision-making process of restoration in quarries and waste dumps of a remote archipelago

Abstract

Special Services Sites (SSS) in the Galapagos refer to anthropogenically degraded areas such as quarries and waste dumps. These areas pose significant challenges for restoration due to adverse physical and weather conditions that hinder plant survival. Since 2013, the Galapagos Verde 2050 (GV2050) program has been working on the restoration of these SSS, serving as a scientific advisor to the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD). GV2050 employs various restoration tools to enhance plant survival, conducts long-term monitoring and follows an adaptive management approach where previous results guide future restoration activities. The aim of this study was to assess the survival of plant species used in four different SSS and to evaluate how these results inform decision-making among Galapagos stakeholders. Monitoring of plant species was conducted from 2013 to 2022, and their mortality was analysed using Cox models. To understand the decision-making workflow in SSS restoration and stakeholder interactions, information was gathered from meetings with GNPD staff. The results demonstrated that several restoration tools positively impacted plant species survival, although the effects varied by tool and species across different SSS. The analysis of the decision-making process revealed that multiple actors, including the GNPD, local agencies, government bodies, NGOs, the community and others, are involved in the initial planning stages of restoration. However, in later phases, most restoration results are primarily prepared by the GV2050 and reported to local authorities. Practical implications: Despite the unique nature and importance of the Galapagos, better practices could be implemented if the monitoring of SSS restoration and adaptive management is conducted collaboratively by GV2050 and GNP.