Vision and Mission

Who we are

Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) was founded in 1995, and is the only UK charity working solely for the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. The incredible diversity of wildlife found in Galapagos is what makes this volcanic Archipelago so very special, and our work aims to promote the conservation of endangered species found on Darwin’s Enchanted Isles.

Galapagos Conservation Trust is a UK registered charity (No.1043470) and a company limited by guarantee (No. 3004112).

temp_eye_iconOur Vision

Our Vision is of the unique nature and beauty of the Galapagos Archipelago conserved, sustained and protected in perpetuity.

green_icon_flagOur Mission

The Trust supports, develops and promotes projects that achieve measurable conservation, sustainable living, and protection of the environment of Galapagos.

green_icon_hailer.Our Promise

We never underestimate how important our supporters are, without them we simply would not be able to help protect Galapagos. As such we promise to ensure a relationship with our donors that is legal, open, honest and respectful.

  • We are committed to the standards set out in the Fundraising Codes of Practice which are designed to protect your interests as a donor.

  • We conduct our fundraising with transparency, we never blur the truth, and we spend the money we raise through fundraising on the projects we set out to.

  • We respect your rights and privacy in accordance with Data Protection Laws including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016/679; the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and all relevant EU and UK data protection legislation. Where the law requires us to we will seek your permission to fundraise and we never sell your data to a third party.

  • We have a complaints procedure, we will listen and respond to any feedback respectfully and if required put you in touch with the Fundraising Regulator.

If you would like to find out more about our commitments you can visit the Fundraising Promise as set out by the Fundraising Regulator. You can also get in touch with someone from our Supporter Care team on 0207 399 7440 or by emailing gct@gct.org

green_icon_detectiveScience and Conservation

We aim to support scientific research and the compilation and interpretation of scientific evidence for the future protection and preservation of Galapagos ecosystems and their unique biodiversity.

green_icon_peopleHow We Will Do It

GCT fundraises to support pioneering conservation projects in the Islands, and raise awareness of Galapagos conservation both in the UK and in Ecuador to ensure the unique flora and fauna on the Islands are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

The majority of GCT projects focus on science-based expeditions, as well as tracking and monitoring flora and fauna across the archipelago. Scientific data can be used to inform important legislation, proving the importance of consistent, high-quality research.

Projects focussing on the conservation and the preservation of Galapagos ecosystems are paramount to GCT. The outcomes of the projects are essential in the progress of population numbers of endemic species as well as biodiversity levels in both land and marine areas across the Archipelago. The key areas we focus on are;

Conserving endemic species

Controlling invasive species

Restoring ecosystems

Monitoring human impact with indicator species

Strengthening marine protected areas

green_icon_conservationEducation and Sustainability

To help deliver education, training and awareness to inspire conservation values and sustainable living (both behaviour and resource use) in local and visiting Galapagos communities.

green_icon_peopleHow We Will Do It

GCT strives to encourage the development of the local economy and community through education. We run an interactive, bilingual, educational website which is a state-of-the-art online learning hub, with lesson plans for KS2 and KS3 schools in the UK and Ecuador which encourage interactive learning. discoveringgalapagos.org.uk is a tool to inspire the next generation of conservationists in the Islands.

Sustainability is a key element to GCT as the projects we undertake are designed to have long-lasting positive impacts on both the wildlife, plant life and the local population. As an international charity, sustainability is also a key factor in our long-term goals; the more sustainable our projects, the more we can maximise our positive accomplishments. The main points focus areas are;

Wildlife tourism is a booming industry with huge potential for development and investment. GCT have created meaningful partnerships with both Ecuadorian and English Galapagos cruise and tour providers in order to promote sustainable eco-tourism within the Islands.

Educating people on conservation and sustainability

Promoting ecotourism and other sustainable sources of income

Promoting responsible tourism and a rich visitor experience

Promoting sustainable living in Galapagos

Celebrating cultural, scientific and historical ties between the people of Galapagos and the UK