IGTOA Traveler Funding Program
“The travel industry and travelers themselves need to be primary supporters of conservation and sustainable development in Galapagos. I hope that you will support IGTOA's efforts and help usher in a new era of travel in the Galapagos Islands.”
Dr. Graham Watkins
Executive Director
Charles Darwin Foundation
To meet the already massive and constantly growing task of preserving the Galapagos, many IGTOA Members encourage their travelers to join us in the lasting protection of the islands. They do this by asking for funding donations from travelers when they pay for their trip.
Those who have already joined this effort, and whose travelers are already making a difference, are:
- Adventure Life
- Andean Treks
- Go South Adventures
- Kontiki Tours & Travel
- Myths & Mountains
- Row International
- Wildland Adventures
- Zegrahm Expeditions
- Why we need your help
- Aren’t park fees enough?
- What your support will do
- How you benefit too
- How you can contribute
Why we need your help
The Galapagos Islands are at a critical time in their evolution. Powerful forces — introduced species of plants, animals, insects, and viruses; over-population; and tourism itself — are threatening to destroy this priceless world heritage. (See Challenges Facing Galapagos) The islands have a chance of surviving only if the travel industry, and travelers themselves, unite to form broad and lasting support.
Why Park Fees aren’t enough
Only a small percentage of the Galapagos Park entry fee makes its way to the local community or the Galapagos National Park. None of it goes to the Charles Darwin Research Station, an organization that is vital to Galapagos’ survival. A supplemental source of funds is urgently needed. Your additional funding fills critical gaps and gives tourism an important, direct role in conservation.
What your support will do
Sixty percent of our funding goes directly to the Charles Darwin Foundation for science, conservation, and education. Their work, carried out through the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galapagos National Park, is vital to the preservation of the islands. Visit their web site:
www.darwinfoundation.org
The remainder goes toward IGTOA’s mission of creating a model of responsible and sustainable tourism. We define this as:
- Creating benefits and educational opportunities for local people.
- Strengthening responsible tourism management.
- Building strong financial support for conservation among the travel industry and travelers.
- Promoting high professional standards for the tourist industry.
We allocate funds to projects sponsored or recommended by our partner organizations, such as WildAid, Charles Darwin Foundation, Rainforest Alliance, and, Galapagos Chamber of Tourism (CAPTURGAL), AGIPA (Galapagos Guides Association), and other Galapagos community-based organizations, such as schools and foundations. We also alert travelers, the public, and government agencies to potential threats.
For more information on IGTOA funding, see Projects & Funding
How you benefit too
You’ll travel knowing that you support the lasting protection of Galapagos. You’ll be part of a new model of sustainable tourism.
You’ll receive a year’s Friend of Galapagos membership after you return. You’ll get newsletters, updates , and opportunities to participate in special events. For a list of Friends of Galapagos organizations in various countries, go to:
www.darwinfoundation.org/links/join.html
Your contribution gives you free shipping from Longitude Books, which has a large selection of natural history and travel books.
www.longitudebooks.com
How you can contribute
Travel with an IGTOA member who takes part in our Traveler Funding Program. They will send information when you make your reservation with them. Or you can make a voluntary contribution directly to IGTOA.
For more information, contact IGTOA at exd@igtoa.org.