ABOUT THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
The iconic Galapagos Islands are known around the world for their unique endemic fauna and flora and the fact that it served as the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s evolutionary theory. The islands were formed by volcanic activity and today there are still some active volcanoes present. The islands were recognized by UNESCO in 1978 as a World Heritage Site and in 1985, as a biosphere reserve. Unfortunately, the local fauna is threatened by invasive species, rampant tourism, overfishing and plastic waste. We are fortunate to work with two local BlueCommunities allies with whom we work on various projects: Fundación Naveducando and Frente Insular RMG.
LOCAL GOALS
UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
LOCAL PARTNERS
Naveducando strives to be a catalyst for conservation and sustainability in the Galapagos Islands by investing in educational programs that will facilitate change. These programs will provide students with knowledge, support and tools to help them protect the archipelago now and in the future. Our goal is to instill a deeper appreciation for the natural world, inspire and motivate them to be thoughtful stewards and safeguard this unique, fragile and precious ecosystem for future generations.
Frente Insular de la Reserva Marina de Galápagos is a local group motivated by their love for the Islands. Since its inception, they have carried out more than 400 coastal cleaning activities and environmental education. Beyond this, they are present at local events, weekly on the radio, and seek synergies and alliances with other organizations and groups working towards the same goals. Its motto is “Create Community with the Community”.
GALAPAGOS INFINITO
It seeks to generate a change, leading to ALL future generations of students when they have an average age of 12 and are in the last year of Basic Education; to a five-day navigable cruise. In this, in addition to knowing and interacting with the wonderful and unique natural environment where they live, they will be given real information about the main problems that affect both the islands and the planet.
COASTAL CLEANUPS
Frente Insular RMG Insular Front RMG has organized more than 200 coastal cleanups by various institutions to date, all documented with local volunteers committed to the cause of protecting the islands. We enter with permission from the environmental authority to places on the islands that are not crowded and that are not even populated and even so we find a large amount of garbage due to the marine currents. The most abundant waste is plastic, but the experience of traveling inhospitable places and finding this waste challenges us to reach the goal of increasing people’s responsibility for biodiversity and its future.
WHERE THERE IS AN ORCHARD THERE IS HOPE
Frente Insular RMG has also wanted to expand its social impact and that is how they started this project, an initiative to help families in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island to develop family orchard. Especially during the pandemic, this project has offered relief to families that depended on tourism and have seen their income severely affected by the situation. In this way they can produce their own food in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.