IGTOA Launches Fundraising Program to Help Galapagos Guides

Galapagos guides are among the best in the world. In better times, they give their all to take of their guests and to act as excellent stewards and ambassadors for the Galapagos Islands. Today they need our help. 

The vast majority of people living in the Galapagos Islands directly or indirectly rely upon tourism for their livelihoods. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, hundreds of naturalist guides have lost their jobs with no means to support themselves and their families. 73% of guides report having no income or other source of financial support, 70% report having dependent children at home, and 38% say they are taking care of a family member with a disease or disability.

That's why IGTOA, in conjunction with the Galapagos Guides Association (AGIPA), has launched a fundraising initiative to provide food and medical supplies to those guides and their families that need them most. You can learn more and donate to the fundraiser here.

Our goal is to raise at least $25,000 in the coming weeks. IGTOA will match all donations up to $10,000. 100% of the funds raised will be used to provide food and medical care for guides and their families. AGIPA has created a process to determine which guides have the greatest and most immediate needs and will distribute the funds accordingly. 

Please consider making a donation and sharing the fundraiser with anyone who cares about the Galapagos Islands and its people. Feel free to reach out with questions by emailing me at exd@igtoa.org.