24 August 2026

Photo: private

Nicole Acosta Vasconez successfully completed her PhD thesis with the title "Joint preservation of ecological systems and farm livelihoods in the Galapagos Islands through effective land use."

Her thesis explores how the development of agricultural production can contribute to the conservation of nature and the security of the food supply in rural Galapagos. To this end, the project first examines the current dynamics of invasive plant cover in rural areas. This information is then used to identify the main socio-economic factors influencing the distribution of invasive plants in these areas. Finally, a mathematical optimisation model was employed to investigate how changes in land use could address the nutritional requirements of the growing population, sustain rural livelihoods and protect the remaining native vegetation.

The dissertation was supervised by Prof. Dr. Uwe A. Schneider, with co-supervision by Dr. Kerstin Jantke.

Following the completion of her PhD, Nicole plans to apply the tools and skills she has acquired during her PhD and professional career to contribute to decision-making processes concerning socio-ecological systems.

We congratulate Nicole on this academic achievement and wish her all the best for the next chapter!