Local Fishery and Agricultural Products to Support a New Model for Child Nutrition in Galápagos

GLF, June 17, 2026

The Galápagos Life Fund (GLF) will support the implementation of the project “A Child Nutrition System Based on Sustainable Fisheries: A Scalable Model for San Cristóbal, Galápagos,” led by the San Francisco de Quito University (USFQ). The initiative introduces an innovative approach to improving child nutrition by incorporating fresh, nutritious products sourced from sustainable artisanal fisheries and local agriculture.

Over the next 24 months, students at Alejandro Alvear School in San Cristóbal will receive healthy snacks prepared with fish sourced from the Galápagos Marine Reserve and agricultural products grown on the island. Developed by specialists in nutrition, gastronomy, and public health, these meals are designed to promote healthy eating habits from an early age while improving the nutritional quality of children’s diets.

One of the project’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring together key local stakeholders. The initiative fosters collaboration among artisanal fishers, local farmers, educators, and health professionals, strengthening responsible supply chains that create economic opportunities for Galápagos families. In doing so, it recognizes the essential role of those whose livelihoods depend on natural resources and reinforces the connection between conservation and community well-being.

Beyond providing nutritious food for children, the project demonstrates how marine conservation can generate tangible benefits for local communities. By supporting sustainable small-scale fisheries and strengthening the link between human health and ecosystem health, the initiative contributes to a model in which the protection of the Galápagos Marine Reserve also enhances food security, strengthens local resilience, and supports the well-being of future generations across the archipelago.