Sustainability

In 2017, Ecoventura entered into a partnership with the CDF and Galapagos National Park to create the Galapagos Biodiversity and Education for Sustainability Fund (GBESF)to support research and conservation projects related to biodiversity conservation.

Galapagos Traveler Conservation Fund (GTCF) is administered by IGTOA, International Galapagos Tour Operators Association , a 501c3 non-profit organization made up of responsible tour companies dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism and to providing critical financial support for organizations working on the ground to preserve and protect the Galapagos.

Ecoventura sponsors 12 scholarships every year for local high school students to study conservation and ecology-related issues under the direction of Ecology Project International (EPI). Students spent 50 hours in the field directly involved in conservation actions concerning invasive species and tortoise health.  Ecoventura also launched a career shadowing program for  EPI students offering them the opportunity for career exploration in tourism during a Galapagos cruise with Ecoventura with the guides serving as mentors. (View article)

Ecoventura has teamed up with Pack for a Purpose, a charitable organization, that suggests needed supplies visitors can bring to Galapagos. The supplies are donated to the students at the Alejandro Alvear School benefiting children with physical disabilities and adults who are hearing impaired and The New Era Galapagos Foundation that supports art programs, Eco Scouts and English activities. (View article)

The Rainforest Alliance verified program lets consumers know they are busying a service from a business that cares about its impact on the planet and has taken measures to reduce that impact.
Visit the online Sustainable Guide for Responsible Travelers www.sustainabletrip.org

Ecoventura was the first company to earn and maintain the voluntary ecological certification since 2000, developed by Conservacion y Desarrollo and The Rainforest Alliance.
(See Profiles in sustainable development partnerships)

In 2006, Ecoventura established the GMBF in partnership with WWF that targets environmental education and marine conservation by strengthening the local communities ability to manage natural resources.

The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) is a non-profit research institution with offices in Washington, DC and at Stanford University, whose mission is to promote responsible tourism policies and practices globally so that local communities may thrive and steward their cultural resources and biodiversity.

Ecoventura was the first company in Galapagos to offset carbon emissions from the company’s four yachts and sales offices from 2006 to 2011. Carbon emissions were also reduced by 10% through the use of high performance filters and installation of solar panels and wind generators on the ERIC, converting her to the first hybrid yacht in Galapagos.