Building opportunities for ocean connection in Galápagos Marine Protected Areas

Project Summary:

This project seeks to reconnect the Galápagos community with its coastal and marine ecosystems by providing hands-on learning experiences and promoting environmental awareness across the four inhabited islands. Activities include educational camps, community science projects, traveling marine libraries, creative workshops, and natural history collections. The approach emphasizes the inclusion of children, youth, and historically marginalized groups, fostering understanding of the importance of Marine Protected Areas (the Galápagos Marine Reserve and the Hermandad Marine Reserve).

Expected results:

• Organization of three educational camps with at least 60 participants.
• Implementation of three community science micro-projects focused on microplastics, mangrove biodiversity, and seabirds.
• Launch of seven traveling marine libraries and reading engagement activities across all four islands.
• Creation of educational and visual content that highlights local knowledge and is freely accessible.
• Participation of over 200 people in educational, artistic, and scientific activities.

Grantee:

• Charles Darwin Foundation

Beneficiary:

Children, adolescents, and youth of the Galapagos community (prioritizing vulnerable and historically excluded groups), people from different sectors and activities associated with the Galapagos Marine Protected Areas