Protecting the Galapagos Islands – a new project

The Galapagos Islands – a new project

Protecting the Galapagos Islands – as well as exploring them – is a cause close to our hearts at Andean Trails.

This week one of the charities we support, the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT), tells us all about a new online project which aims to get more people engaged with their cause.

Discovering Galapagos

Discovering Galapagos is a bilingual and interactive website that aims to work in real time and put resident Galapagos experts in touch with people interested in protecting the Galapagos archipelago.

Jen Jones, projects manager at Galapagos Conservation Trust, said: “The Galapagos Islands have inspired people for centuries and today remain the focus of much scientific attention, yet they are facing many of the same challenges that are affecting the world on a larger scale.

“Rapid urban development, overpopulation, tourism pressure, invasive species, illegal fishing activity; all of these are issues on a global-scale and all are present in Galapagos. The archipelago consequently provides a fascinating case study for these challenges, as well as for the study of biology, ecology, geology and many other subjects.”

Partnership

The Discovering Galapagos website is a partnership between the GCT and the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), and will feature two websites – one in English and one in Spanish – with a bilingual blog uniting them.

The free-to-use websites will showcase conservation projects that are happening in real time, allowing anyone with an interest in Galapagos to access up-to-date information about this fascinating archipelago.

Schools, teachers and student users will also be able to share classwork, take part in Q&A sessions with experts in Galapagos and connect with people across the world.

Andean Trails’ support

At Andean Trails, we’ve helped by supporting The Galapagos Conservation Trust for many years.

Everyone that travels to the Galapagos Islands with us chooses a complimentary one-year membership to the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) or we make a donation of £25 (USD 40 approx).

Vicky Creyton, membership manager at GCT, said: “We would like to thank Andean Trails for all the support over the years.

“The free membership they offer, or the donation on a booker’s behalf, is a great way for people to get involved with the vital work we do and support the conservation of the Galapagos Islands.”

More ways to get involved

There are more events lined up to make Discovering Galapagos a success.

Jen Jones continued: “The Discovering Galapagos website will go live in September but you can sign up to it now. Also, on November 4, ourselves and the RGS will host a day of events in the RGS building in London.

“Exhibits will include historical memorabilia from the voyage of the Beagle and there will be talks given by from experts in their field about subject such as the affect of rising sea levels on Galapagos biodiversity.”

Contact us for more.