NATURAL CAPITAL SOLUTIONS
The accumulation of plastic and other solid waste in vulnerable ecosystems (e.g. mangroves) threatens biodiversity including ingestion and entanglement risks of species such as sea turtles and marine birds. The Galápagos Guardians program involves the installation of a technology developed to extract plastic and solid waste from rivers, acting like an interceptor, preventing it entering the oceans. The expected results include protection of biodiversity and water quality, strengthening ecosystem resilience against climate change and a long-term plan of creating a replicable model that can foster greater environmental resilience across Ecuador.
The program will tackle plastic and solid waste pollution in the Portoviejo River in Manabí Province and its surrounding ecosystems, aiming to recover at least one pound of waste (0.45 kg) for every dollar invested. Its core actions include the installation of innovative waste barrier technology in the river, mapping and monitoring pollution along the 52 km length of the river, and empowering local communities through cleanups, training, and awareness campaigns. Ichthion will collaborate with grassroots waste pickers and involve the community to change consumer behaviours towards more sustainable practices.
Ichthion Group was founded in 2017 focusing on developing technology to protect the oceans from single-use plastic, under the principles of the Circular Economy and Sustainability. Its operator in Ecuador, Ichthion Ecuador S.A.S. B.I.C., works in collaboration with public and private sectors to develop comprehensive solutions to prevent waste from reaching the oceans. Through the Galápagos Guardians iniatitive, Ichthion implements innovative systems and activities for the extraction plastics and other solid waste in rivers. Ichthion’s approach is based on generating reliable data to support public policies and promote systemic change in the fight against environmental pollution.