Science and technology
We fund vital research and support innovative new approaches to conservation, providing the evidence and technical expertise needed to secure lasting protection for the Islands.
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Who we are
Galapagos Conservation Trust is the only UK-registered charity focused solely on the conservation and responsible stewardship of the Galapagos Archipelago. We believe that Galapagos can be a beacon of hope for the world as we tackle the interlinked crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
Founded in 1995, we are adept at bringing together conservationists, communities, governments and businesses in a common endeavour to secure lasting protection for the Islands. We turn cutting-edge science into high-impact solutions, from the grassroots right up to the global stage. Our vision is simple: thriving islands and healthy oceans, with people at the heart of every story. A place that gives hope.
Galapagos Conservation Trust is a UK registered charity (No.1043470) and a company limited by guarantee (No. 3004112).
Our 2050 vision
Galapagos is a showcase for resilient biodiversity and island communities thriving in harmony.
- Restored islands where biodiversity is bouncing back
- A clean ocean with effective protection is full of life
- Communities rooted in nature and regenerative economies
Our mission
We support, develop and promote programmes that achieve measurable conservation, sustainable living and protection of the environment in Galapagos.
Our solutions
Working with communities
We work with community leaders, Galapagos-born scientists and other local changemakers to help their ideas flourish and grow, and we help to secure sustainable funding for community-led projects.
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Education and capacity strengthening
Education and training provide the foundations for the long-term protection of Galapagos. Our work connects young people with nature and helps to create the next generation of conservation leaders.
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Policy and engagement
We advocate for the conservation and sustainable development of Galapagos at every level, from grassroots community campaigns on the Islands to influencing treaty negotiations at the United Nations.
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Island Restoration
Wildlife impacted by invasive species, disease and pollution is recovering thanks to locally-led conservation action and robust management.
By 2028 we will:
- Ensure habitat on Floreana is restored and free of invasive species so that missing wildlife can return.
- Help threatened landbirds to recover through invasive species control, habitat restoration and disease monitoring.
- Identify and test ways to reduce threats to giant tortoises, starting with plastic pollution.
- Help restore marine iguana numbers by ensuring actions are targetted at the most vulnerable sites.
Ocean Protection
The ocean around Galapagos has increased protection against damaging fishing practices, with science informing the management and creation of protected areas.
By 2028 we will:
- Significantly reduce the threat to marine life from damaging fishing practices (especially drifting fish aggregating devices used by tuna fleets).
- Increase the effectiveness of management and protection for key threatened, migratory and commercial marine species within protected areas.
- Provide the evidence to expand protection beyond the existing marine reserves, including on the High Seas.
Community Resilience
Community leaders and young people across all four populated islands are engaged in initiatives that strengthen an inclusive conservation-based economy.
By 2028 we will:
- Show how a new model of tourism can benefit communities, restore nature and strengthen collaboration.
- Expand environmental education across all four inhabited islands, inspiring young people to connect with and protect nature.
- Support at least 30 Latin American early career ocean professionals to gain skills, connections and opportunities through our PhD programme and early career network.
Pollution Solutions
Galapagos is free of single-use plastic, delivering biodiversity and community benefits, and regional cooperation significantly reduces incoming plastic pollution.
By 2028 we will:
- Support the Galapagos National Park Directorate to remove more than 10 tonnes of plastic from coastlines annually.
- Foster community-led solutions to remove single-use plastics from the local food supply.
- Address plastic pollution from fishing fleets through policy engagement and pilot projects.
- Lead regional networks to accelerate practical solutions across the Pacific.
Our values
Our Fundraising Promise
We never underestimate how important our supporters are; without your incredible support, we simply would not be able to protect Galapagos. All of our staff and any external organisations that work for us adhere to the strictest of fundraising guidelines, ensuring our fundraising practices are legal, open, honest and respectful of your wishes and privacy.
We are registered with the Fundraising Regulator and are committed to the standards set out in the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice, which are designed to protect your interests as a donor.
In return for your support, we promise to:
- Uphold the highest standards in fundraising – we’ll never sell your data to other companies or charities; we will respect your privacy and we won’t use intrusive or aggressive fundraising techniques that put you under undue pressure to donate.
- Be transparent – we conduct our fundraising with transparency, and we spend the money we raise through fundraising on the projects we set out to. We will keep our regular donors up to date with news about GCT projects and appeals.
- Spend your donations well – we’ll be open about how we raise money and how it is spent.
- Communicate with you how you want – we’ll make it easy for you to choose how you hear from us. If you ask us not to contact you, we won’t, unless it’s a legal requirement. You can change how we communicate with you at any time by contacting us.
- Value your time – for everyone who gives us their time to fundraise, volunteer or campaign, we promise to value your skills and your views so that you can help in a way that suits you.
- Listen to and resolve any complaints – we have a complaints procedure (available on request in writing) where we listen and respond to any feedback respectfully, and we monitor and report on complaints to trustees.
- Respect your rights and privacy – in accordance with data protection laws including the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR); the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR); the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) and all other relevant UK data protection legislation.
We encourage any supporters with questions or enquiries about our fundraising to contact us on 0207 399 7440 or by emailing [email protected]. If you would like to find out more about our commitments, you can visit the Fundraising Promise as set out by the Fundraising Regulator.
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