Introducing our 2023-2025 strategy

Galapagos is one of the most pristine and protected archipelagos in the world, famed for its unique biodiversity and high levels of endemism. Over 80% of landbirds, 97% of reptiles and land mammals, 30% of the plant life and 20% of the marine species are found nowhere else on Earth. An incredible 97% of the Islands are designated as a protected National Park. Yet even here, nearly 200 species are considered in danger of extinction, threatened by invasive species, plastic pollution, overfishing, climate change and urbanisation.

Every three years, we review our organisational strategy to ensure that we remain focussed on delivering our vision, which is to see the unique nature and beauty of the Galapagos Archipelago conserved and protected in perpetuity. The way that we do this is by supporting, developing and promoting projects that use science to develop solutions to protect the unique environment of Galapagos and support sustainable living and development. Our 2023-25 strategy is focussed on two key pillars: Islands and Oceans.

Island Restoration

Our work on Islands will focus on the removal of invasive species and the reduction of human impacts, particularly in the highlands, enabling species to recover and thrive alongside local communities. We will build on the 10+ years of giant tortoise research we have funded to implement solutions to reduce key threats, focussing on plastic and chemical pollution as well as road traffic initially. We will work with local communities, including farmers, to rewild the highlands, creating green job opportunities in the process and engaging young islanders in the wonders of the natural world, with the aim of inspiring our next generation of wildlife ambassadors. Our work supporting the restoration of Floreana island will enter a key phase, with the eradication of invasive rats and feral cats in 2023 to be followed by the reintroduction of 12 locally extinct species, including iconic landbirds such as the little vermilion flycatcher and the Floreana mockingbird.

Ocean Protection

Our work on Oceans will focus on building climate resilience, by safeguarding our marine reserves and their biodiversity which play a major role in capturing blue carbon. We will support the Ecuadorian Government to reach 30% protection of their national waters by 2030 and reduce the negative impacts of plastic pollution and unsustainable fishing by working with coastal communities to develop green job opportunities. Our Plastic Pollution Free Galapagos programme will shift to the solutions phase, building on our knowledge of key plastic sources and impacts to reduce negative impacts on the ecosystem and communities. By 2030, we aim to reduce plastic pollution by 30% on Galapagos coastlines by amplifying the circular economy in the Islands. And we will work to protect marine migratory species by building regional ocean partnerships and conservation policies whilst also engaging coastal communities in conservation.

Delivering the strategy

In order to effectively deliver our strategy, we will continue to collaborate with a range of partners including Ecuadorian authorities, NGOs, local communities and scientists to support, develop and deliver projects that fill gaps in scientific and socioeconomic knowledge. We will build our communications across the Islands, increasing our policy and advocacy work to address key issues, and continue to raise global awareness and support for Galapagos by enhancing our digital presence.