CNH Tours is a member of the International Galapagos Tour Operators' Association.  IGTOA promotes sustainable tourism and excellence in guiding.  Member companies like ours contribute $20 for each guest booking with us to IGTOA's Conservation Grants fund.   Each year, IGTOA invites organizations in Galapagos to apply for funding.  CNH Tours participates in the review of grant applications and in the decision-making.  This year, our colleague, Kelsey Bradley, was involved in that process.

Below is a summary of the IGTOA news item it published on its website this week.  

 

IGTOA Announces Nearly $110,000 in Galápagos Conservation Grants for 2025

In 2025, IGTOA will award $109,200 in grants through its Galápagos Traveler Conservation Fund (GTCF) to organizations advancing conservation, education, and community initiatives in the Galápagos. Funded by IGTOA members and their clients, the GTCF supports efforts to preserve the islands for future generations.

ECOS – Youth Environmental Education, $35,000
ECOS provides immersive environmental education for Galápagos youth. This year’s grant will fund an educational program for all 31 students and 7 teachers on Floreana Island, supporting the island's major restoration effort. It will include new resources, teacher training, and field trips. In Santa Cruz, the funding will also support leadership and citizen science programs focusing on climate monitoring and endangered species, promoting youth engagement and awareness.

AGIPA – Santa Cruz Community Library, $30,000
The only public library in the Galápagos, run by AGIPA, offers critical educational resources and internet access. IGTOA’s grant will support continued operations, programming, and maintenance, benefiting thousands of residents through literacy, conservation, and vocational workshops.

Naveducando – “Oceanic Classroom” for Youth, $20,000
Many Galápagos children have limited access to the surrounding marine reserve. Naveducando’s sailing program offers students hands-on experiences with coastal ecosystems. This year’s funding will allow 150 seventh-grade students from San Cristóbal Canton to participate in this transformative program.

Charles Darwin Foundation – Green Sea Turtle Research, $15,000
The Galápagos hosts key nesting sites for endangered East Pacific green turtles. IGTOA’s support helps the CDF continue its long-term monitoring, especially during climate events like La Niña. The data collected will guide conservation strategies to protect turtle populations affected by rising temperatures and changing weather patterns.

FIRMAG – Radio and Community Programs, $9,200
FIRMAG's #GalapagosMiResponsabilidad radio program raises awareness of environmental and social issues. The grant will fund operating costs and youth workshops in radio production and journalism, promoting community engagement and environmental stewardship.

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