Ecuador

International Galapagos Tour Operators Association Assists Nonprofit in Cargo Inspection / Quarantine Work To Secure Healthy Biodiversity on Archipelago

The International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) is providing funds to a leading nonprofit organization which assists quarantine protocols and inspections of cargo at ports of departure for the endangered archipelago.

This work is conducted primarily at Ecuador's marine port city of Guayaquil. Introducing diseases and non-native plants, animals and insects is one of the greatest threats to the islands’ biodiversity.

Galapagos Conservation Scholarship Program

Ecoventura has announced a 2012 scholarship program for local students from the islands of Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz to study conservation and ecology-related issues. The company has pledged up to $4,800 to cover the cost of 12 scholarships for one course/module for 2012. Guests aboard Ecoventura's fleet will be invited to donate to the scholarship fund that is dedicated to training young people to become leaders in society and contribute to the sustainable development of the Galapagos islands, a World Heritage Site.

“Developing critical-thinking skills and a conservation ethic along with knowledge of the problems that threaten the sustainability of the islands are among the main objectives of the training program” - Santiago Dunn, President, Ecoventura

Ecuador's Avitourism Strategy

Ecuador's national avitourism strategy was published in 2006 by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism, copyright Mindo Cloudforest Foundation (MCF) and CORPEI. The national strategy outlines eco-scenic birding trails in different habitats around the country, and we all look forward to their continuing implementation with local partner organizations, local governments and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment and Tourism. This strategy shows how rural communities can become active habitat defenders while tangibly benefiting from biodiversity. MCF and all of the various actors involved need support from other NGOs, individuals and tour companies to see that this strategy is carried out to its true potential.