Galápagos Life Fund Community Talks

By GLF, Sep Mon, 2024

This year, the Galápagos Life Fund (GLF) has taken an important step toward fostering active participation within the Galápagos community. Through a series of talks held in Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, and Isabela Islands, we have successfully connected with residents and local institutions, creating an open and collaborative space for dialogue.

These talks were organized to inform residents about the GLF, its structure, and its funding. During these meetings, a fluid dialogue emerged, providing the community the opportunity to express concerns, contribute ideas, and offer suggestions.

One of the greatest achievements of these talks was the active participation of a wide variety of stakeholders, including public and private officials, fishers, students, biologists, naturalist guides, tourism workers, social and environmental groups, and sports clubs. This facilitated a rich and diverse exchange of opinions, reinforcing our commitment to collaborating with all sectors of Galápagos society.

Our approach is rooted in transparency, as we believe the community should be fully informed about how funds are managed and how they can access them. Mónica Calvopiña, GLF’s Executive Director, stated:
“Open dialogue with the community is key to ensuring our conservation efforts respond to local needs. These talks connect us more personally with all community stakeholders, allowing us to directly clarify doubts, listen to concerns, and adjust our initiatives to truly benefit those who live and work in Galápagos.”

As we approach the last quarter of 2024, we are preparing for the most important phase of this project: allocating funding for projects that promote the conservation of marine reserves. We are committed to ensuring these funds are distributed fairly and efficiently, benefiting both the ecosystems and the people who rely on them.

The GLF is proud to create these spaces for dialogue and collaboration, and we look forward to continued participation from the community. Stay informed through our social media and website, where we will be sharing details about the next steps and funding opportunities.

Don’t miss our video summary of the community talks: