GREENER
Finding solutions
GREENER
Finding solutions
Daniela (centre) and dedicated volunteers working to protect the Galápagos Islands.
In the face of the global climate crisis, research and collaboration are crucial for protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainability. The following stories highlight the work of University of Exeter PhD students, supported by dedicated organisations and donors, as they address environmental challenges in ecosystems from the Amazon to the Galápagos Islands and Cornwall.
From research to action: Reducing plastic pollution in the Galápagos
Plastic can remain in the environment for hundreds of years causing devastating effects on the unique habitats of the native wildlife in the Galápagos Islands. The increasing human footprint on the Islands, combined with oceans laden with floating plastic waste, poses an ongoing threat to every coastline.
The physical and social characteristics of the Galápagos have shaped a hotspot of biocultural diversity. With generous support from the Galápagos Conservation Trust, the University of Exeter is collaborating with NGOs, local community groups, and international scientists to combine ground-breaking research with coordinated education and outreach efforts to make the Galápagos plastic pollution-free. Our research on the sources and impacts of plastic pollution is helping to inform innovative solutions co-designed with local communities, driving meaningful change for the islands.
Daniela, a PhD student at the University of Exeter supported by the Trust and alumni, is focusing her research on developing evidence to propose sustainable livelihoods on the Galápagos and the Eastern Pacific to reduce plastic waste. Her findings indicate that most plastic is imported from Ecuador, and she is developing strategies to restrict plastic imports by refusing products that cannot be recycled or redesigning them to be plastic-free. Through knowledge sharing, better access to technology and infrastructure, and affordable sustainable products or services, plastic waste can be reduced. Daniela’s research is currently informing the development of Ecuador’s National Plan to reduce plastic waste, as well as the Plastic Regulation for the Galápagos Islands.
Thanks to the generous support of the Galápagos Conservation Trust, alumni Bob (BSc Psychology, 1969) & Sandy (LLB Law, 1969) Jessett, and Charles Platt (LLB Law, 1974), Daniela successfully led a design thinking workshop in Lima, Perú, in collaboration with experts from the Pacific Plastics Science to Solutions project. Over 40 specialists participated, offering valuable insights into their projects and research. In addition, Daniela’s work has been showcased at national and international conferences, broadening its reach to an even wider audience.
PhD student, Daniela Flor.
Waste on the beaches of the Galápagos.
Cultivating change: How cacao and collaboration can combat climate crisis
The world is in a climate crisis and one of the most effective ways to combat this is to protect the best carbon-storing technology that already exists: the rainforest.
Climate impact research over the last decade shows that people who live in the rainforest have historically been the best at shaping and stewarding these ecosystems. Indigenous people and local communities have lived in balance with the rainforest for thousands of years and are the real rainforest experts.
In collaboration with Cool Earth, an NGO that works alongside local communities to tackle climate change through forest protection, Léna Prouchet undertook a University of Exeter PhD Studentship. She focused on the partnership Cool Earth has established in Peru with the Awajun community around the growing and marketing of cacao. By highlighting the benefits of cacao cultivation, Léna helped the community take an entrepreneurial approach towards income generation and a sustainable future.
Being in frequent contact with Cool Earth ensured Léna’s project was connected to questions that were of interest to people working the problem as well as those writing about it. Léna continues to use her research to engage with policymakers and inform decision-making.
Emptying cacao pods.
“I think my work is an example of transdisciplinary research in management studies, which can bring about academic contributions but also put forward solutions to support practitioners. I hope it can provide inspiration for creating more collaborations between researchers and practitioners or policymakers.”
Léna Prouchet.
Phd student, Léna Prouchet.
Biodiversity in Cornwall’s post-industrial landscapes
Biodiversity is essential for the processes that support all life on Earth, including humans. Without a wide range of animals, plants, and microorganisms, we cannot have the healthy ecosystems that provide us with the air we breathe and the food we eat.
Cornwall has a long history of metal mining, which has left a legacy of post-industrial sites across the landscape. Many of these sites have developed into important areas of biodiversity, home to many rare and threatened species. Thanks to the generous support of Cornwall conservationists Keith Wilson and Adrian Spalding through The Cornwall Butterfly and Moth Society (CBMS) and Spalding Associates, significant research is being conducted in these unique environments.
One notable species of interest is the Silver-studded Blue butterfly, studied by Marcus Rhodes, a recent PhD graduate from Exeter. These butterflies thrive in the warm microclimates of former mining sites and have a fascinating symbiotic relationship with ants. The caterpillars secrete sugars and amino acids that attract ants, which, in turn, protect the caterpillars and even allow them to reside in their nests.
Marcus’ research looks at how a combination of metal contamination, poor soil, and topography influence the microclimate of the site and its effect on the distribution of the butterfly. This research could help us understand how microclimate affects species distribution and potentially buffer them against future climate change.
Silver-studded Blue butterflies.
“I am keen to ensure that this PhD project supported by CBMS and Spalding Associates has a practical legacy by continuing to work with CBMS, Parish Councils, and environmental groups to raise the profile of Cornish mining sites to secure greater protection for these important butterfly areas.”
Marcus Rhodes.
