Outside, a few shafts of sun penetrate the wet swirling clouds. Water drips from a thousand green leaves. A confusing assortment of Galapagos finch calls repeat like a broken record. Inside, I sit directly in front of a fan pretending like it is helping with the 90% humidity and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s only 7:00 am here in the Galapagos and it already feels late, I’m already sweating, I’m already on my second cup of black tea with milk and honey.
Did he say Galapagos?
I’m here to spread nature journaling again. I’m here because I think that the Galapagos has potential to be a tipping point. Many people have called it a living laboratory since Darwin first visited in 1835. One thing is certain, this small chain of islands 600 miles from land has had a disproportionate impact on history. New ideas start in the Galapagos, not just Darwin’s.
You probably didn’t know that over 30,000 people live in the Galapagos in addition to the giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and famous finches. Fishing, nature tourism, and science are important parts of the economy. Want to see a microcosm for planet earth? Look no further. Here you can see the struggle balance economic growth and conservation of nature on a very limited resource base.
What does this have to do with nature journaling?
I believe that this island chain can change the world again. Nature journaling offers many tools that can help a society struggling to find a sustainable path in an irreplaceable environment. And it can help that society offer something to the world. If enough people start nature journaling in Galapagos it could tip and spread around the globe. That’s why I’m here.
Outside, seeds rain down from the invasive Cedrella tree. Finches flit around naively close to the road, still singing. A promise of sun breaks through the El Niño storm clouds. The sounds of humans revving up for the weekend reach my ears. Time for another cup of tea?
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