As 2023 draws to a close, we took time to reflect on Ecoventura’s ecological endeavours over the year.
Sustainability has always been a cornerstone of what we do, and since our inception we have focused on reducing our environmental footprint. Today we support a host of organisations that work tirelessly to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands, and have undertaken various initiatives of our own to limit our impact on the environment.
After all, when you are fortunate enough to operate in the world’s most pristine natural environment, the least you can do is protect it for generations to come.
In addition, our CEO Santiago Dunn recently sat down with the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) to discuss our approach to sustainability and expand on the support that we have provided the CDF over the years. The video, produced by the CDF, will be released in the days before Christmas.
As Santiago explains, “Our involvement in the Galapagos’ conservation has been both inspiring and rewarding. I have been fortunate to lead the company’s conservation initiatives while having the chance to work closely with local organizations to better understand the challenges that Galapagos faces.”
On that note, read on for a round up of some of our key sustainability efforts from 2023.
E is for ECOS
Ecoventura is a proud supporter of non-profit organization Education for Sustainable Communities (ECOS) which aims to build a more sustainable community for the Galapagos Islands. ECOS runs eco-clubs, training programs and internships, promoting community engagement and supporting the Galapagos National Park and preserving the islands for the generations to come.
C is for the CDF
Founded in 1959, the Charles Darwin Foundation plays a pivotal role in leading conservation efforts in the Galapagos. Ecoventura has been working with the CDF for some years and in 2017 we joined forces to officially establish the Galapagos Biodiversity and Education for Sustainability Fund (GBESF). This has enabled us to strengthen our commitment to preserving the biodiversity of the Galapagos. We provide financial support to key projects that sit within a wider sustainability framework.
The fund has raised $470,000 since its inception and supports education and scholarship projects, scientific research projects and conservation initiatives, including monitoring and surveillance implemented by the Galapagos National Park.
O is for Ocean
The ocean covers over 70% of the planet, providing half of the world’s oxygen, supporting biodiversity and regulating climate and weather. It contributes billions towards trade and tourism and at Ecoventura we are all too aware of the need to respect and protect it. This year we supported the United Nations World Oceans Day – the theme of which was Tides are Changing. Never has it been more important for us to put the ocean first.
V is for Vessels
Our bespoke expedition yachts carry no more than 20 guests at a time and are designed to make a minimal splash environmentally. They are 30% more efficient than our original fleet, featuring pioneering wave-piercing keels and an underwater bulb design. Constructed from steel and lightweight composite materials, their sleek design reduces both fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
What’s more, we plan on electrifying our fleet of inflatable zodiac launches used to transport guests to the hidden pockets of the archipelago, to further reduce emissions and noise pollution. Our Relais & Chateaux yachts are fitted with water treatment systems and ecological dual-flush toilets, whilst only biodegradable and marine-life and coral-friendly products are provided for use on board.
E is for Earth Day
Earth Day has been running for over 50 years. This year’s theme was Invest in our Planet, and aimed to galvanize support from individuals and businesses to institutions and governments worldwide. Ecoventura is a firm supporter of Earth Day, and this year’s slogan – “everyone accounted for, everyone accountable” – seems particularly fitting, emphasizing the power that collective action can have to help safeguard our planet and ensure no one is left behind in a just transition to a more sustainable future.
N is for Nature Positive Travel
The value of nature cannot be overstated – nature is key to fighting climate change and biodiversity loss but we must act now. Consider the concept of Nature Positive Travel, the idea that travel and tourism have the power to halt or even reverse the damage being caused to nature. Imagine being able to improve an ecosystem to the point where it is in a better state than it was before. At Ecoventura we believe that we have an opportunity to contribute positively to both the fragile ecosystem within which we operate, and to the local community that we support, and all of our passengers can help us achieve this goal.
T is for Think Local
We wholeheartedly support local fishermen, farmers, and producers and strive to deliver top quality, sustainably, and organically sourced food where possible. Over 50% of the produce we serve on board originates from the Galapagos Islands, including fish and shellfish, meats, bread and numerous fruits and vegetables. We have recently introduced beers that have been brewed in the Galapagos to our menu, as well as locally-grown, roasted and blended coffee, and cheese made from Galapagos cows. This enables us to support local artisan producers, help the local economy, and reduce our “farm to fork” mileage. Our chefs curate seasonal menus to ensure that we make full use of all the delicious produce that is available over the course of the year.
U is for Understanding the Challenges
As Santiago explains: “Since our beginning, Ecoventura has pioneered new practices and solutions to significantly minimize our ecological footprint”. Over many years, we have tried hard to understand how best to protect the Galapagos’ unique environment and have honed our voyages to a point where we can showcase the awesome beauty of the Galapagos Islands in as responsible way as possible. With our ongoing support for the CDF, ECOS and other conservation initiatives, we are also supporting wider efforts to protect the Galapagos for years to come.
R is for Reduce/Reuse/Recycle
The three Rs are often considered a less glamorous aspect of conservation, but reducing consumption and recycling waste wherever possible is vital in lessening our footprint on the planet and reducing the use of raw materials, particularly plastic. Together with Avianca Airlines, we have made it our mission to see that no rubbish produced on our yachts is sent to landfills in the Galapagos. To that end, we have installed two cutting-edge recycling machines on the island of San Cristobal to process plastic, paper, cardboard and glass. The end products are then sent to mainland Ecuador where they are recycled and repurposed.
A is for Action
In the words of Dale Carnegie: “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage”. Here at Ecoventura, we are constantly motivated to do better and continuously strive to put the eco in Ecoventura. We know that, as one of a lucky few organizations that operate in the pristine and stunning environment that is the Galapagos Islands, it is our responsibility to do so whilst playing our part in the ongoing protection and conservation of these beautiful islands.
As Santiago confirms in his talk with the CDF: “Our objective to protect and conserve the Galapagos Islands has been a truly fulfilling journey, and I am dedicated to continuing our efforts with the Charles Darwin Foundation to help safeguard this extraordinary treasure for years to come.”
Our responsibility to protect the islands means never stopping, never standing still; we can and we will protect and preserve the precious Galapagos for generations to come.
