Tour Operator Partners with WWF in Galapagos

(May 1, 2008 - DTN) -- More tour operators are putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to protecting dive destinations.  Ecoventura announced a new partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to reduce the detrimental effects of growing tourism in the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands.

The new collaboration, called The Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund (GMBF), will target environmental education and marine conservation by strengthening the local communities’ ability to manage natural resources. GMBF funds support the refit, maintenance and deployment of the Tiburon Martillo, a permanent floating surveillance and patrolling station within the Galapagos Marine Reserve. It’s from here that park patrol boats will target, among other things, illegal industrial shark finning and long-line fishing.

Funds are also allocated to refurbish and maintain a speed boat that patrols the Bolivar channel between the western Islands of Fernandina and Isabela. The GMBF has also allocated funds to benefit families of local fishermen by supporting a microenterprise for the fisherman’s wives to manage. This will provide an alternate means of income and also set an example to create other tourism related businesses and reduce the need to fish in waters already impacted by over-harvesting.

A scholarship component for local children of fishermen from San Cristobal Island grants scholarships for two years to study Tourism, Environmental Science or Natural Resource Management at the University of San Francisco campus in the Galapagos.

To fund the GMBF, Ecoventura has pledged to raise close to $250,000 over the next three years. Passengers on its seven-day Galapagos cruises are also encouraged to donate to the fund during their trip. During each Ecoventura cruise, a local representative from WWF meets with passengers and gives a brief educational talk followed by questions and answers. Welsh said that while serving the interests of the environment, the partnership also empowers local residents through employment, education and related opportunities.

In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports more than 3,000 passengers annually aboard a fleet of four expedition vessels that have been purposefully retrofitted to highest possible environmental standards.

In recognition of these pacesetting efforts, in 2005 the Rainforest Alliance presented Ecoventura President Santiago Dunn with its prestigious Individual Sustainable Standard-Setter award for making a significant contribution to environmental conservation and sustainability. In 2006, Santiago was awarded the first annual Sustainable Travel Award from the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA).

In 2006, Ecoventura also became the first Carbon Neutral operation in the Galapagos (and Ecuador). Carbon emissions from the company’s four yachts (and offices including business travel) are reduced, and then offset by contributions to a portfolio of projects through the US-based company NativeEnergy. To receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2008 catalog as well as information on tours to the Galapagos Islands, call 800-644-7972 or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries, visit www.ecoventura.com.

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