Press Releases and Updates

WWF supports use of new technology in the Galápagos Islands

With the support of the WWF, the Galápagos National Park and the Galápagos Government Council, the MS TÛRANOR Planet Solar, a boat that runs entirely on solar energy, recently visited the Galápagos Islands. The goal of the visit was to promote solar power, efficient energy and ecological mobility by providing information and increasing awareness of the importance of renewable energy.

A new management vision for the Galápagos’ fisheries

In January 2009, the management authorities of the Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR) unanimously approved a fishery management plan, locally referred to as the “Fishing Chapter”. This plan was created – over a three-year period -- by the Galápagos National Park, the National Institute of Galápagos and the National Fisheries Institute. Representatives of the local artisanal fishing sector – who received scientific advice from WWF, the Charles Darwin Foundation, Fundación Futuro Latinoamericano and FUNDAR – also contributed to the creation of this plan. 

First Fuel-Handling Facility In Galapagos Islands Earns Environmental Certification

The first fuel-handling facility in the Galápagos Islands—a region of great biodiversity and evolutionary importance—was given official environmental certification today, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) announced.  The facility underwent extreme renovations in order to meet certification standards, which are part of a 10-year plan developed by WWF and Toyota, in conjunction with the Ecuadorian Government, to transform high pollution energy systems currently in use in the Galápagos to more sustainable and renewable energy sources. It is one of only a few facilities in Latin America to hold this certification.

Dan Rather Joins WWF in the Galápagos Islands

President Correa Appoints Former WWF Director to Governor of the Galapagos Islands

Quito, Ecuador—Ecuador’s President Correa today appointed Eliecer Cruz, former director of the Galápagos, World Wildlife Fund, to governor of the Galápagos Islands. Born and raised in the Galápagos Islands, Cruz protected the unique life of the islands in his work with WWF since 2003 and for eight years prior as director of the Galápagos National Park.

New Study Presents First-Ever Classification of World's Coastal Waters

WASHINGTON  — A new study published today in the journal BioScience presents a first-ever natural classification system of the world’s coastal waters that will help improve priority setting and conservation planning for marine habitats. The report, titled "Marine Ecoregions of the World: a bioregionalization of coast and shelf areas" was written by lead authors Mark Spalding, senior marine scientist at The Nature Conservancy and Helen Fox, marine biologist at World Wildlife Fund, along with coauthors from 10 partner organizations.

New Fund Established for Galapagos Visitors to Help Preserve the Galapagos Islands

GALAPAGOS- Beginning January 21, visitors to the Galapagos Islands aboard Ecoventura's yachts can help protect its extraordinary plant, animal, and marine life through voluntary donations to the new Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund established in partnership with World Wildlife Fund. WWF will manage the fund which will support conservation projects related to marine conservation and education, and if needed, to respond to ecological emergencies such as oil spills.

Galapagos Marine Patrols Gain Speed on Seafaring Outlaws

WASHINGTON - A former U.S. Coast Guard cutter, overhauled and refitted by World Wildlife Fund, began patrolling the waters of the Galapagos today as the first National Park Service vessel fast enough to outrun and catch poachers at sea.