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Here at Ecoventura, we’re lucky to operate in one of the planet’s most amazing natural eco-systems and one of the most pristine marine environments on earth. Our responsibilities extend to doing all we can to maintain this environment and the wildlife we share it with, reflected in an array of conservation and sustainability initiatives. We support a host of organisations that are working tirelessly to improve conservation efforts in the Galapagos, and are particularly proud of our collaboration with the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF).

To celebrate the CDF’s 60 year anniversary, between the 3rd – 10th November 2019 we hosted a cruise on the Theory in partnership with the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, an important donor to the CDF and a major philanthropic organisation dedicated to scientific discovery and environmental conservation.

As part of our commitment to raise funds for the CDF, Ecoventura donates two charters a year, with all proceeds going to the Galapagos Biodiversity and Education for Sustainability Fund (GBESF). In honor of the CDF’s 60 year anniversary, this year the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation were onboard the Theory – a spectacular way to see some of the great work the foundation is doing and encourage them to get involved! Joining them were Santiago Dunn, CEO of Ecoventura and Arturo Izurieta, Ph.D Executive Director of CDF.

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation established a 2-year partnership with the CDF in 2018, aimed at supporting the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. With the support of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, CDF scientists and socio-economists have been investigating the dynamics of fisheries in the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

This has involved establishing baseline population data of predatory fish, such as sharks, and of economically valuable fish, to determine the effectiveness of the Galapagos Marine Reserve governance system and to identify improved strategies for species management. The project also involves conducting research into the local communities’ dependence on the fishing industry in the Galapagos to provide insight into how to enhance the sustainability of this important sector.

CDF and Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation guests enjoying an excursion from the Theory

As Liza Nagode, Donor Relations Officer of the CDF, explains, “The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s commitment to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands has been vital in supporting CDF’s mission to provide knowledge and assistance through scientific research and complementary action to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity of the Galapagos archipelago.

“The proceeds of the cruise will directly contribute to the marine and terrestrial scientific research for conservation and outreach activities throughout this unique World Heritage Site.”

Since joining forces with the CDF in 2017, Ecoventura has donated over $270,000 for the GBESF to help fund research and monitoring trips, buy vital scientific equipment and run educational projects and conservation camps for scientists and students. In 2017,  Ecoventura together with the CDF and the Galapagos National Park Directorate created the GBESF, the purpose of which is to raise funds to help conservation in the Galapagos Islands. Specifically, the fund supports marine and terrestrial conservation and education efforts run by the CDF, as well as providing patrolling, surveillance and management support to the Galapagos National Park authorities.

The Charles Darwin Foundation is a non-profit group established in 1959 dedicated to conducting scientific research in the Galapagos. The foundation plays a key role in protecting “the Islands’ natural resources and the sharing of scientific results for the conservation of this living laboratory”, whilst also supporting the professional development of the scientific community in the Galapagos and Ecuador as a whole. CDF’s collaboration with government agencies, scientists, educators, researchers, and volunteers has played an important role in Galapagos conservation, restoration, and sustainable development of the Galapagos over the last 60 years.

We’re immensely proud of the work the CDF is doing in the Galapagos and our role in supporting them. If you would like to learn more about our conservation work, or to discuss future travel plans to visit the Galapagos to see them for yourself, feel free to visit our website or get in touch with the team and we’d be happy to help: Telephone: (305) 262-6264 / Toll free: (800) 633-7972 / email: info@galapagosnetwork.com.