Elvis Kevin Crespin Buestan began his professional career in 2013. In 2017, he participated in a research experience as part of the INCYT-PNF-2017M3112/UPSE.CUP: 91810000.0000.384095 projects. In 2018, he earned a scholarship at Universidad de los Lagos in Puerto Montt, Chile, at the I~MAR Research Center, where he developed skills in organizing, coordinating, leading, and overseeing activities in a laboratory setting. He completed his undergraduate studies in 2019.
Galapagos farmers engaged in agriculture face several adverse effects, primarily linked to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers. These compounds contaminate the islands’ aquifers and seas, leading to eutrophication of water bodies and causing various ecological problems and health hazards. The continuous use of chemical fertilizers, especially in short-cycle and permanent crops, hinders the recovery of the natural fertility of soils.
The automated cultivation of native microalgae can generate plant biofertilizers, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. This is essential for producing pesticide-free food, improving soil health, water quality, and food quality, as well as contributing to the biodiversity and sustainability of the Galápagos Islands. The “AGROALGAE” project aims to highlight a previously overlooked resource to gradually improve the environment, demonstrating to the community the importance of embracing a green economy.
- Evaluate the growth of microalgae isolated from Santa Cruz Island.
- Formulate an agricultural biofertilizer based on native microalgae specifically designed for short-cycle crops.
- Apply the biofertilizer in an agricultural system, primarily for short-cycle crops.
- Analyze the positive effects of microalgae on the growth and development of short-cycle crops and present the results to the agricultural community of Santa Cruz Island.
Each of the goals 2.3, 2.4, 8.2, 9.5, and 12.2 will be addressed through a focus on maintaining productivity based on natural, sustainable, and inexhaustible sources, such as microalgae. This will enable the achievement of green growth, efficiently utilizing natural resources and their ecosystem services, while simultaneously generating new economic sectors and products that are environmentally friendly. By mitigating the negative impacts of climate change, we are addressing a critical factor for both the present and the future. Green development is only possible when the community is actively involved, as this participation provides us with basic services that increase well-being, generate green jobs, and contribute to poverty reduction. This project aims to transparently demonstrate to our local community that there are viable alternatives for their development, promoting a circular, fair, and solidarity-based economy. In this way, we not only contribute to the achievement of the SDGs but also strengthen the social and economic fabric of the region.
| Phase | Activity | Buget |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1. Internship to contribute to research, crop management, and biofertilizer production. | Maintain the microalgae collection. Scale up microalgae production according to the project's established protocols for mass cultivation. Deliver the biofertilizer to local producers for field evaluation. Collect information to assess the potential effects of the microalgae on various crops. | $1100,00 REQUIRE FUNDING (The value includes 10% of Overhead for the administration of the Co-Galapagos initiative) |
| Phase 2. Selection and maintenance of microalgal strains | To identify and select strains with beneficial characteristics for use as a biofertilizer, and to maintain them under controlled conditions to ensure their purity and viability. | $1100,00 REQUIRE FUNDING (The value includes 10% of Overhead for the administration of the Co-Galapagos initiative) |
| Phase 3: Microalgae cultivation | Prepare and sterilize culture media, inoculate them with microalgae under aseptic conditions, and monitor and adjust parameters such as light, temperature, pH, and nutrients to optimize growth. Subsequently, scale up the culture to a larger volume. | $1100,00 REQUIRE FUNDING (The value includes 10% of Overhead for the administration of the Co-Galapagos initiative) |
| Phase 4: Monitoring and Optimal Concentration of Microalgae for Foliar Application in Orchards | To conduct continuous monitoring of the microalgae culture to ensure that the appropriate cell concentration is reached. Once the optimal concentration is achieved, prepare the biomass for transport and subsequent application in the demonstration farm. | $1100,00 REQUIRE FUNDING (The value includes 10% of Overhead for the administration of the Co-Galapagos initiative) |
