From marine animals such as sea lions, whales and sharks to land animals including giant tortoises, land iguanas and thousands of species of birds: the Galápagos Islands are a haven for unique and threatened wildlife.
While seeming abundant and plentiful, the animals in the Galápagos all need to be carefully protected. With some species thriving and others on the critically endangered list, the future of all these animals and the stunning Galápagos Islands is in our hands. The Galapagos Conservation Trust, with whom Humboldt work closely, recognise the importance of conserving this natural wonder and are doing everything they can to protect it.
Humboldt specialist Ellie explains what the Galapagos Conservation Trust are doing to protect the archipelago and what we are doing to help.
The Galapagos Conservation Trust is a charity we love and work very closely with. To support them, we donate £25 to the Galapagos Conservation Trust for every person that travels to Ecuador or the Galápagos with us.
The primary work of the GCT is to support pioneering conservation projects and raise awareness of the challenges in Galápagos conservation both in the UK and in Ecuador. They collaborate with Ecuadorian authorities, local communities, NGOs and leading researchers in the Galápagos, the USA and the UK to support their work. This includes science and conservation programmes and community outreach to educate the human population of the archipelago on their environmental responsibilities.
By raising funds and awareness in the UK, the GCT is able to support and deliver projects in the Galápagos, contributing to the preservation of this unique ecosystem. Current projects include working to create a plastic-free Galápagos, looking at endangered shark populations, a giant tortoise monitoring project and the reintroduction of the Floreana mockingbird to Floreana Island itself.
The Galápagos is one of the most pristine and important ecosystems on the planet. An increase in tourism is positive in many ways, educating visitors from all over the world on the importance of the archipelago’s unique wildlife, but it is important to work even harder to protect this special archipelago from the environmental impact of this exchange.
When you book a holiday to Ecuador or the Galápagos Islands through us, you will be offered a complimentary six-month membership of the Galapagos Conservation Trust. When you become a member of Galapagos Conservation Trust, you become a part of the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect these incredible Islands and their unique flora and fauna. Without their members, the GCT could not fund the crucial research and exhausting fieldwork that the Galápagos Islands so desperately need.
Becoming a member could, for example:
- … help cover the costs of a field assistant for one day to carry out controls of invasive pests such as rats.
- … buy a radio transmitter that will be used to track newly fledged mangrove finches in the wild.
- …pay for 30 local school children to learn about giant tortoise hatchlings.
Your membership includes:
- An annual subscription to Galapagos Matters
This biannual magazine will keep you up to date with how your membership is helping to conserve the Galápagos Islands. - Monthly email newsletters
Bringing you the latest Galápagos news and information about GCT projects and events. - Priority booking for GCT events and lectures
GCT hosts a wide range of events throughout the year and around the UK. These events offer some great experiences and are a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow members. - A special Galapagos gift
An exclusive GCT Galapagos tortoise brooch on joining.
Are you interested in becoming involved in helping further the conservation of the Galápagos? Click here to find out how you can become a member of the GCT, extend your membership, upgrade your membership to more each month or to become a Galapagos Guardian.
Are you interested in visiting the Galápagos Islands? Learn more about our charity work here. Click here to explore sample itineraries in Ecuador and contact us today to speak to one of our dedicated travel specialists about your luxury trip.