Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) is the only UK registered charity to focus solely on the conservation of the Galapagos Islands, one of the most unique and ecologically important, but vulnerable, areas in the world.
Galapagos Conservation Trust’s vision is of a Galapagos that is safeguarded into the future. By raising funds, they can protect the unique species of the Islands, respond to key threats and restore their natural habitats providing sustainable solutions to issues such as plastic pollution.
We proudly support GCT with funding, to carry out vital research needed to continue this incredible work.
Where are the Galapagos Islands?
Located in the Pacific Ocean, 900 km west of mainland Ecuador, the volcanic Galapagos Islands consist of thirteen main islands and over 120 rocky islets. Surrounded by 198,000km2 of marine reserve, both land and sea are home to an incredible array of species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. GCT has been instrumental in addressing the plastic pollution problem on the islands.
80 tonnes of plastic has been removed from Galapagos beaches in the last five years. With over 5 years of research, the GCT team has been able to present their findings to a global audience and been at the forefront of finding ways to stop the pollution as well as promoting ways to help the current problem such as upcycling the plastic pollution, changing behaviours around single-use plastics and establishing priority beach clean-up work to get to the plastic before it breaks down into microplastics, as well as a host of other things.
How we work together
Since 2019, our support has helped grow the Gills Club - a science club for girls aged 9-12 - from one club on San Cristóbal to two, now on Santa Cruz as well. The girls participate in fun science activities through experiential teaching where they learn about scientific methods, identifying species such as sharks and rays, and carry out lab work. Most of the activities take place on the beaches where they will also learn how to swim, snorkel, and kayak.
Meet The Team
Sofía Green
Raised on the islands by her English father and Ecuadorian mother, Sofía has a deep interest and passion for the ocean. After completing her undergraduate degree in biology, she moved to the Galapagos Islands from mainland Ecuador and has been working with the Galapagos Whale Shark Project since 2017. Alongside her work with the project, she has been involved in other marine conservation projects.
Diana Pazmiño
Born and raised on the island of Isabela, Diana was introduced to the underwater world at a young age by her father, who often took her snorkelling in their local bay, Concha de Perla. These experiences became a cornerstone of her identity and sparked a deep fascination with the marine world. As Diana grew, so did her passion for the ocean, eventually leading her to a career in conservation.
Lucía Norris
Born in Quito, Ecuador, Lucía spent much of her youth in San Cristobal. She has been involved in sustainable development and conservation since 2009, working for Quito City Council, Fundación Futuro Latinoamericano, WWF and Fundación Jocotoco. Representing GCT in Ecuador, one of her goals is to connect community wisdom and science with public policy.
The Islands comprise just 5.3% of the Earth's land area but they are home to 20% of the world's biodiversity, with high levels of species - over 80% of land birds and 97% of reptiles and land mammals - not found anywhere else on Earth.
75% of all recorded extinctions on Earth have occurred on islands. Even though 97% of the land in Galapagos is protected by the National Park, 188 of the Islands' species are now considered in danger of extinction. This is because they are threatened by invasive species, overfishing, urbanisation, and plastic pollution.
Native Animals of Galapagos
Blue-Footed Booby
They have bright blue feet and can dive down to 30 metres into the ocean to hunt prey.
Fur Seal
They are mammals and they are pescatarians, eating fish, small squid and octopi.
Galapagos Penguin
They are the third smallest penguin in the world and can swim almost 20 times faster than a human.
Giant Tortoise
They can weigh over 300kg and live up to 175 years. They are herbivores meaning they only eat grasses, flowers and cactus fruits.