GLF awards $3M for education and sustainable fishing in Galápagos
, September 12, 2025
The Galápagos Life Fund (GLF) awarded a total of 8 grants amounting to $3 million to finance environmental education and sustainable fishing projects, thereby strengthening marine conservation efforts in the archipelago.
The grants will benefit the four inhabited islands, supporting local initiatives that reinforce the connection between communities and the conservation of marine protected areas. Among the selected projects are:
- Strengthening the fishing sector through the provision of equipment to improve the transportation and preservation of marine products.
- Environmental education programs that promote knowledge and a sense of stewardship of the Galápagos Marine Reserve and the Hermandad Marine Reserve among children, youth, and teachers.
- Innovative initiatives to encourage responsible fishing practices and the incorporation of technologies that enhance community-based monitoring.
These grants represent a concrete opportunity for citizens, cooperatives, and organizations to access funds dedicated to carrying out marine conservation projects with a direct impact on their communities.
“The financing of these projects demonstrates the Fund’s commitment to coordinated work with communities, enabling them to be the protagonists and actively contribute to the conservation of our marine protected areas,” said Mónica Calvopiña, Executive Director of the GLF.
Meanwhile, Alexis Moncayo, president of the Horizontes de Isabela Artisanal Fishing Cooperative, recipient of one of the medium grants, stated: “Thanks to the support received, the technical assistance from the GLF, and our efforts as organized fishers, we now have the opportunity to strengthen our collection center and improve the marketing of sustainable artisanal fishing, which is the pride of Isabela and a source of life for our families.”
With this allocation, the GLF reaffirms its mission to ensure permanent financial resources for the conservation of Galápagos’ marine biodiversity while also strengthening community participation in managing their own future. In May of this year, 10 grants of up to $100,000 had already been awarded for environmental education initiatives that are currently underway. With these new grants, the total amount allocated by the GLF to community projects in 2025 rises to $3.8 million, a significant investment for the archipelago.
Additionally, during the last Board meeting, held on Tuesday, September 16, two new directors were incorporated: Ángel Valencia, representing the fishing sector, and Rakan Zahawi, Executive Director of the Charles Darwin Foundation, representing the NGO sector. Both were selected through transparent internal processes within their respective sectors, thereby strengthening the participation and governance processes of the GLF.
