LEARN. EXPLORE. MULTIPLY
OUR IMPACT
The ECOS Foundation is committed to transform student participation into conservation and community action. Our 1:3 model guarantees that every investment results in data collection and the empowerment of local youth.
Conservation Field Research Impact
Our programs embed students directly into research, providing essential academic skills and contributing to globally significant conservation initiatives.
Giant Tortoises
ECOS collaborates with the Galapagos National Park on this initiative as part of our environmental education programs.
Our students participate in the marking and biometric data collection of giant tortoises to understand the status of their populations. This hands-on fieldwork is essential for students, helping them develop specialized analytical skills valued in university and STEM careers.
We support the monitoring of the two species present on Santa Cruz Island: Chelonoidis porteri and Chelonoidis donfaustoi.
Beach Microplastics Monitoring
Our strategy to combat plastic pollution is executed through experiential learning based on a collaborative citizen science project with Galapagos Conservation Trust.
Since 2019, Galapagos local youth have been carrying out annual microplastic surveys at Tortuga Bay, a critical nesting site for the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). Our students experience first-hand the monitoring fieldwork methods by collecting and characterizing microplastics on the beach. This impactful activity leads them to explore the potential threats to marine life and understand how spatiotemporal scientific data is key to marine conservation efforts.
Invasive Species Control
As part of our collaboration, we support the Galápagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Regulation and Control Agency (ABG) with our students in managing invasive species that endanger the islands’ biodiversity, crops, and public health.
Our focused program on the African Giant Snail (Lissachatina fulica) directly mitigates this threat to the unique Galápagos ecosystem, integrating students into essential fieldwork that supports the technical control efforts led by the ABG.
This control is critical for the protection of endemic flora and fauna, as an adult African Giant Snail can produce up to 3,000 eggs annually.
Community Empowerment Impact
Our unique 1:3 Impact Model ensures your academic journey creates lasting change. For every international visitor we host, we directly fund the environmental education and leadership training of three local youth, building a permanent foundation for the Common Good across the Galapagos community.
Return on Academic Investment
(Visitor Data: 2024–2025)
Our academic programs are rigorously structured to guarantee visiting students achieve measurable growth in key areas, proving the verifiable value of the field experience.
Since 2011, ECOS has hosted and successfully educated 108 visitor groups, amplifying global expertise in conservation.
Local Program Reach
(Community Data: 2023–2025)
We empower local residents, especially youth, to become active guardians of the islands through specialized training and long-term engagement programs.
Marine Turtle Nest Protection (Tortuga Bay)
Club Molas (Youth Program)
Sea Turtle Training Camps (Bachas)
Marine Guardians (Students & Educators)
Ecology Camps (PPE Students)
These programs represent thousands of hours of local participation annually, fostering a powerful culture of stewardship and leadership.
TAKE ACTION
The Future of Galapagos Needs YOU
TAKE ACTION
Empower the next generation of Galápagos guardians! Your support fuels our Youth Leadership Program, building the character and responsibility needed to protect nature for the Common Good.