With the focus on safeguarding the wellbeing of the Galapagos Islands for future generations, Silversea Cruises has launched a dedicated fund that will preserve the natural wonders of the archipelago. By supporting a diverse selection of projects each year, the fund will strengthen the balance between humans and nature in the Galapagos, as part of a long-term conservation strategy. In addition to benefiting regional conservation efforts and enhancing their connection with the destination, the fund’s donors will enjoy future savings, as the cruise line will match guests’ contributions in the form of a Future Cruise Credit to underpin its commitment to the cause.
Established in partnership with Galapagos Conservancy, the only US-based organization focused exclusively on protecting the Galapagos’ unique ecosystems and biological integrity, the fund will educate and support the archipelago’s local communities by financing projects related to youth empowerment; education and training; and science, technology and conservation. The fund welcomes both formal and grassroots project proposals from the Galapagos’ four inhabited islands: San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Floreana.
“The Silversea Fund for the Galapagos is a natural extension of our belief that sustainable tourism can open eyes and foster respect for our planet, particularly for such unique and diverse destinations as the Galapagos,” says Fernando Delgado, vice president and general manager of Silversea Cruises Ecuador, in a statement. “We will use education as a means to sustain the long-term conservation of the environment, leveraging on our strong relationships with the region’s local people. We are honored to have Galapagos Conservancy as our administrative partner for this initiative, and we know our guests will be excited to help protect the island’s natural treasures by supporting the fund.”
“We are dedicated to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands, a common goal that we share with Silversea Cruises,” says Johannah Barry, founder and president of Galapagos Conservancy, in a statement. “We are delighted to support the Silversea Fund for the Galapagos and our partnership will make a significant impact on the conservation efforts throughout the region, from a grassroots level upwards. The Silversea Fund will help to protect the natural environment, as well as the fauna that inhabits the archipelago, for generations to come.”
The fund will build on the cruise line’s existing efforts to make a positive impact on the natural and economic environment of the Galapagos Islands, including its contribution to the Floreana Island Ecological Restoration Project. Guests traveling aboard Silver Galapagos, and those traveling aboard Silver Origin from July 2020, can donate to the Silversea Fund for the Galapagos during their voyage. For donations of between $500 and $1,000 per suite, donors will receive a Future Cruise Credit in a matching amount that may be applied towards any future voyage.
For insight on Silversea’s Galapagos cruises, click here and here. To donate to the Silversea Fund and for more details about the Future Cruise Credit, https://galapagos.bsd.net/page/contribute/silversea. For more on Silversea’s cruises to the Galapagos Islands, https://www.silversea.com/destinations/galapagos-islands-cruise.html.
