Galapagos Funding Q&A
To meet the already massive and constantly growing task of preserving the Galapagos, many IGTOA Members encourage their travelers to join us in the lasting protection of the islands. They do this by asking for funding donations from travelers when they pay for their trip.
By donating $50 when you pay for your trip, you will:
- Support conservation and scientific research.
- Receive a year's membership in the Galapagos Conservancy.
Find out more:
- Why does Galapagos need your help?
- Aren't park fees enough?
- What will your support do?
- How will you benefit too?
- How can you be part of the solution?
Why does Galapagos need your help?
The Galapagos Islands are at a critical time in their evolution. Powerful forces - introduced species of plants, animals, insects, and viruses; over-population; and tourism itself - are threatening to destroy this priceless world heritage. The islands have a chance of surviving only if the travel industry, and travelers themselves, unite to form broad and lasting support. You'll learn much more in the videos provided by your IGTOA tour company when you sign up for your trip.
Aren't park fees enough?Only a small percentage of the Galapagos Park entry fee makes its way to the local community or the Galapagos National Park. None of it goes to the Charles Darwin Research Station, an organization that is vital to Galapagos' survival. A supplemental source of funds is urgently needed. Your additional funding fills critical gaps and gives tourism an important, direct role in conservation.
What will your support do?Sixty percent of our funding goes directly to the Charles Darwin Foundation for science, conservation, and education. Their work, carried out through the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galapagos National Park, is vital to the preservation of the islands. Visit their web site:
The remainder goes toward IGTOA's mission of creating a model of responsible and sustainable tourism. We define this as:
- Creating benefits and educational opportunities for local people.
- Strengthening responsible tourism management.
- Building strong financial support for conservation among the travel industry and travelers.
- Promoting high professional standards for the tourist industry.
We allocate funds to projects sponsored or recommended by our partner organizations, such as WildAid, Charles Darwin Foundation, Rainforest Alliance, and, Galapagos Chamber of Tourism (CAPTURGAL), AGIPA (Galapagos Guides Association), and other Galapagos community-based organizations, such as schools and foundations. We also alert travelers, the public, and government agencies to potential threats.
For more information on IGTOA funding, see Projects & Funding
How will you benefit too?You'll travel knowing that you support the lasting protection of Galapagos. You'll be part of a new model of sustainable tourism.
You'll receive a year's Friend of Galapagos membership after you return. You'll get newsletters, updates, and opportunities to participate in special events. For a list of Friends of Galapagos organizations in various countries, go to:
www.darwinfoundation.org/links/join.html
Your contribution gives you free shipping from Longitude Books, which has a large selection of natural history and travel books.
How can you be part of the solution?Travel with an IGTOA member who takes part in our Traveler Funding Program. They will send information when you make your reservation with them. Or you can make a voluntary contribution directly to IGTOA.
For more information, contact IGTOA at exd@igtoa.org.