Galapagos Conservation Trust
Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) has been working to deliver impactful projects in Galapagos for more than 28 years and is the only UK-registered charity working solely to support the conservation and sustainable development of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. GCT ensures that the projects supported deliver achieve measurable conservation outcomes, improve sustainable livelihoods, and protect the environment and unique species that call the Islands home.
A small grant was made to support work to help enable local people and young people in Galapagos to access the Galapagos National Park (GNP), which is more usually denied to them due to high prices driven by tourism and logistical difficulties accessing remote sites. The park makes up 97% of the land area and local communities live on the remaining 3% and this project will help more young people on Galapagos experience their local nature whilst connecting them with solutions to threats to wildlife. It will also help address the rising threat of plastic pollution in Galapagos.
The grant awarded will support surveys on one of the Archipelago’s most iconic animals, the Galapagos giant tortoise, and their interactions with pollution in human-modified urban areas. Alongside this mission, the charity will continue the inspirational creative activities provided by its Education and Outreach Coordinator in Santa Cruz, which aim to get as many local children out into the GNP as possible.
The charity believes that connecting with nature at a young age is vital, and coupled with regular engagement a strong foundation of conservation awareness leading to long-term impacts can be accomplished. Repeated interactive activities are fundamental for children to feel inspired and confident in their ability to continue protecting Galapagos throughout their lives. 