How to Support the Galápagos Islands
We know that many of you are wondering how to help and where to direct your support. We put together a list of organizations (in no particular order) that either:
- Run locally in the archipelago or
- Provide direct, ongoing support to local populations and the challenges they face
Organizations To Support:
- Galápagos Whale Shark Project
- Island Conservation
- Mingas por el Mar
- Ecology Project (EPI) Ecuador
- Scalesia Foundation
- Galápagos Foundation
- Charles Darwin Foundation
- Galápagos Whale Shark Project (GWSP) @galapagos_whale_shark_project
The GWSP is comprised of a small group of scientists and volunteers who study whale sharks in the Galapagos Islands, a historically understudied species in the region. The GWSP has been featured in recent press due to the loss of the signal from the research-tagged whale shark, Esperanza, or “Hope”
Donate at: bit.ly/gwspsupport
Note: The GWSP receives donations via the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) – be sure to designate that you are giving support to the Galapagos Whale Shark Project
- Island Conservation @ISLANDCONSERVATION
Island Conservation supports a restoration project on Floreana Island focused on eliminating invasive species from Floreana and protecting species such as the Galapagos Petrel, Floreana species of mockingbird, land snail and giant tortoise. They also support a multi-million dollar Global Environment Facility (GEF) project in the Galapagos, as well as provide support for research on the uninhabited Pinzon Island.
Donate at: bit.ly/islandconservation
Note: Under “donation details” enter the specific program or project you wish to support or enter “galapagos” for any of their 3 projects in the islands
- Mingas por el Mar @mingasporelmar
The purpose of this project is to educate the community about the amount of garbage found on all the beaches of Ecuador. Mingas por el Mar want to “instill the importance of changing our consumption habits, reducing our use of disposable plastics and implementing a culture of reuse and recycling.” They have been featured recently in press coverage due to their work in cleaning up local Galapagos beaches
Donate at: bit.ly/supportmingas
- Ecology Project (EPI) @ecologyprojectgalapagos
Since 2003, EPI Ecuador trains active youth in conservation. They improve science education and support local conservation efforts through a partnership between students, park rangers and scientists. Their programs develop the knowledge, dispositions and skills necessary to create an active and environmentally responsible citizenship
Donate at: bit.ly/EPIDONATE
Note: Select “program designation” and enter “EPI Ecuador” when making a donation
- Scalesia Foundation bit.ly/scalesia
A private Ecuadorian foundation established in 1993, the Fundacion Scalesia Galapagos aims to improve the quality of education in the islands and serves as a local voice and champion for education reform. They directly support the Tomas de Berlanga School on Isla Santa Cruz.
US-based donor inquires: [email protected]
All other inquires: [email protected]
- Galapagos Foundation @muyugalapagos
The Galapagos Foundation supports a range of educational and sustainability initiatives in the islands. The restaurant, MUYU, or “seeds” in Kichwa languae, is a pilot program from the Galapagos Foundation for establishing ethical, sustainable hospitality and gastronomy projects in the Galapagos. They focus on zero-waste, foraging and local sourcing and lowering carbon emissions. In addition to accepting monetary and in-kind donations through the Galapagos Foundation, you can also support their current GoFundMe raising funds for MUYU which employs and directly supports 200 families in the islands.
Donate at: bit.ly/galapagosfoundation
Donate at: bit.ly/muyugofundme
- Charles Darwin Foundation @charlesdarwinfoundation
The Charles Darwin Foundation was founded in 1959, under the auspices of UNESCO and the World Conservation Union. The Charles Darwin Research Station serves as headquarters for The Foundation, and is used to conduct scientific research and promote environmental education. The CDF supports research projects, local educational outreach and on-the-ground projects to control invasive species and other such threats. The CDF has also been actively involved in supporting the islands during the pandemic beyond the regular scope of their role and duties, including the donation of costly ventilators.
Donate at: bit.ly/cdfsupport
Informing and sharing news on marine life, flora, fauna and conservation in the Galápagos Islands since 2017
© SOS Galápagos, 2021
SOS Galápagos | #sosgalapagos 