Galápagos Life Fund Launches First Call for Proposals

By GLF, Dec Tue, 2024

The Galápagos Life Fund (GLF) launched its first call for proposals during its 13^th Board Meeting. This is the first call for proposal since the GLF establishment in 2023. The GLF was set up with the purpose of empowering and providing assistance to local conservation initiatives to protect the natural heritage of the Galapagos Islands.

Since its inception, the organization has focused on building the administrative and operational frameworks essential for fulfilling its mission. These foundational efforts have paved the way for today’s launch of an open and transparent funding process.

In her remarks, Susana Cárdenas, Co-Chair of the Galapagos Life Fund and representative of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, highlighted the relevance of this first call:  “Today is a special day, we met our goal of operationalizing the fund in 2024 and thus begin a long-awaited process aimed at providing financial support to the community of Galapagos, as well as, to the conservation of the marine protected areas of the archipelago and on the sustainable management of its marine resources.”

The Call for Proposals invites local associations, non-government organizations, academia, private companies, and other institutions to submit Concept Notes addressing two priority areas:

– Sustainable Fishing Initiatives: Supporting practices that ensure the long-term health of fisheries and marine biodiversity.

– Community Education and Outreach: Promoting environmental awareness and capacity-building within local communities.

The application period runs from December 16, 2024, to January 20, 2025. The GLF offers flexible granting options—small, medium, and large-scale funding—to encourage broad participation. Special attention will be given to community-based organizations focused on marine conservation.

The GLF Board also approved today its first direct grant to the Galapagos National Park,  the Ecuadorian Navy and the Subsecretary of Fishing Resources.   These three institutions will jointly implement an inter-institutional project to strengthen the control and surveillance of the Galapagos Marine Reserve and Hermandad Marine Reserve.

Mónica Calvopiña, Executive Director of the GLF, emphasized the Fund’s commitment to ensuring that grants contribute to the conservation priorities of the GLF. “Without a doubt, this project is key to put in place a collaborative effort of the government institutions to guarantee compliance with regulations and the protection of pristine ecosystems in the Galapagos marine reserves.”

For further details on eligibility criteria and submission guidelines, visit the official Galápagos Life Fund website or contact convocatorias@glf.org.ec.

About the Galápagos Life Fund (GLF):
The Galápagos Life Fund (GLF) is a nonprofit corporation established in May 2023 to protect the natural capital of the Galápagos Islands and their marine ecosystems. The GLF supports environmental and sustainable development initiatives by providing grants and funding for projects, guided by an 11-member Board that includes representatives from government and civil society organizations. Its work focuses on five priority areas. For more information, visit the official website at www.galapagoslifefund.org.ec

The Fund manages proceeds from Ecuador’s $1.6 billion sovereign debt restructuring, receiving $18 million annually over 18.5 years. Of this, $12 million is allocated for grants via open calls for proposals, while $6 million is invested in an endowment aimed at building a $240 million fund to secure the long-term preservation of the archipelago.

The GLF works collaboratively with local and international partners to protect biodiversity, address climate change challenges, and promote sustainable practices across the Galápagos Islands.