Punta Estrada, Santa Cruz accommodation, Galapagos Islands

Puerto Ayora is the only place in Ecuador having a garbage disposal system similar to those found in developed cities around the world. Until recent years, waste produced by the community was taken to a sanitary landfill with no treatment whatsoever. This refuse was contaminating the land and water of Puerto Ayora, capital of Santa Cruz island. In 1998, we created Fundación Galápagos - Ecuador, in order to devote efforts toward organizing educational and environmental projects.

Through joint efforts with other colleague operators, the Fabricio Valverde Environmental Park was established. It is here that 40% of the waste materials generated in Santa Cruz are processed. They are now aiming at 70%. This effort also increases the lifespan of sanitary landfill. With the leadership of the Municipality of Santa Cruz and the participation of the Galapagos National Park, a system for classified and segregated disposal of domestic garbage has been implemented. Between 2000 and 2006, actions promoted by us through Fundación Galápagos - Ecuador have collected and recycled 558 tons of refuse.

Our mission is to develop projects that allow the Islands to remain as a World Natural Heritage Site for future generations. That is the reason why Fundación Galápagos-Ecuador launches coastal cleaning trips with the support of the Galápagos National Park. With the funds raised, and the support of other tourist operators and organizations such as Fundación Coca Cola, local fishermen are hired to travel around the various islands with volunteers on board, who collect debris and waste that harm the unique fauna.

For artisan fishermen, this work has become an income generating option topping off their traditional activity, which is increasingly diminishing due to the restricted fishing seasons and the harmful, threatening presence of illegal fishing.

Through our Galapagos Islands accommodation we strive to strengthen our commitment to work with the communities and contribute to their well being. Fundación Galápagos-Ecuador was established in 1988 as a nonprofit organization with the mission to promote education and environmental conservation at the Galápagos Archipelago. We proudly support Fundación Galápagos Ecuador.

We contribute 25% of the income tax generated by the company for infrastructure works in the Galapagos – such as the expansion of the local hospital being promoted by the Municipality. Educational cruise programs are organized for students and parents that live in Galapagos but have not been able to discover its natural wonders. Trips to various islands offer them an opportunity to appreciate the unique fauna and flora which the Archipelago holds.

SMART VOYAGER & World Travel Awards
World Travel Awards bestowed upon our Galapagos Islands accommodation the first prize as the Best Resort in Ecuador in 2005. The organization has again nominated our Galapagos Islands accommodation for 2007 awards. This tourist facility was also able to obtain the most demanding of international certifications—the Smart Voyager award – issued by Rainforest Alliance to those promoting sustainable tourism, entailing rigorous environmental, social and safety standards during operations. Smart Voyager was declared by UNESCO as an example to be applied to places chosen as World Natural Heritage Sites.

We donated 15 computers to the Caupolicán Marín Elementary School in Santa Cruz, Galapagos, so that students can gain access to the technological demands of 21st Century education, providing this learning tool that had been lacking at that educational center. Our commitment is to continue supporting initiatives that together with the efforts and participation of students and parents, lead to promote quality education at Galapagos schools.