More than $785,000 in funding launches wave of community-driven marine projects as islanders take the lead in protecting their home.

A new wave of conservation projects is taking root across the Galapagos Islands, powered by over $785,000 in community grants and a growing sense of environmental responsibility among residents. Backed by the Galapagos Life Fund (GLF), the initiative marks the first phase of a broader $3.5 million commitment to sustainable development and marine protection in the archipelago by the end of 2025.

Nineteen projects have been selected from a pool of 114 applicants, with ten small-scale, community-led initiatives receiving initial funding this week. These projects, focused primarily on environmental education and sustainable fishing, will be rolled out over the coming year on the islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, and Isabela.

Each proposal went through a rigorous technical and administrative review. Selection criteria emphasized innovation, long-term feasibility, gender equity, community involvement, and measurable environmental impact. Projects also had to reflect principles of the circular economy and demonstrate replicable potential in other island communities.

Beyond technical benchmarks, the core goal is to strengthen the leadership role of Galapagos residents in the stewardship of their environment. Local knowledge, organizers say, is not just welcome—it’s essential.

Empowering those who live the mission

“It’s inspiring to see these funds going directly to people who are rooted in the community and committed to protecting this ecosystem,” said Mónica Calvopiña, the fund’s executive director. She emphasized that local ownership and leadership are vital to the long-term health of the islands’ delicate marine environments. “These grants aren’t just financial support—they’re a signal that the people of the Galapagos are at the heart of conservation.”

Jeiser Vernaza, one of the grant recipients, echoed that sentiment. A Galapagos native, he described the funding as validation of years of community-based efforts to merge science with local knowledge. “This kind of support brings meaning to everything we’ve been doing,” he said. “Environmental education, research, and community engagement all matter when it comes to protecting our coastal ecosystems. Today more than ever, I believe in the power of local ideas.”

While the first round focused on smaller-scale grants, additional funding will soon be allocated to mid- and large-sized initiatives that are still under review. GLF says it plans to announce a second call for proposals later this year to expand participation across the islands.

Celebrating two years of impact

The grant announcements coincided with the fund’s second anniversary and the 15th meeting of its Board of Directors, held on May 7th and 8th on Santa Cruz Island. During the commemorative events, GLF leadership reaffirmed its mission to serve as a bridge between global conservation priorities and local action on the ground.

Created to mobilize resources and community leadership, the Galapagos Life Fund operates with a mandate to promote long-term sustainability in one of the world’s most unique and fragile ecosystems. With a total of 13 islands spread across nearly 8,000 square kilometers in the Pacific, the Galapagos are home to hundreds of endemic species and form part of one of the largest marine reserves on the planet.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the Galapagos archipelago continues to be a global symbol of evolutionary science and natural wonder. British naturalist Charles Darwin’s observations here in the 19th century laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection.

Today, the islands face mounting environmental pressures—from illegal fishing and invasive species to climate change. But efforts like the one led by GLF suggest a growing shift in conservation strategy, one that puts local expertise and grassroots engagement at its core.

“This is just the beginning,” said Calvopiña. “The response from the community shows that there is both the passion and the capacity to lead meaningful change. We’re committed to making sure these voices continue to shape the future of the Galapagos.”