Going Green in The Galapagos

Rich Steck & Judi Janofsky
Ecoventura Executive President Santiago Dunn is a bright spot in today’s global tourism arena. He’s been working quietly from his office in Ecuador on earth matters since 1990 to green up his family-owned company that takes nature lovers into the fragile eco system of the Galapagos Islands on small, cutting-edge-green vessels.

Dunn believes it’s possible to raise awareness levels around the world by allowing privileged travelers to see places like The Galapagos and in so doing learn how important it is to protect the environment.

That’s why he believes UNESCO’s adding The Galapagos to its World Heritage sites’ risk list was a good thing and a positive awareness-raising step in citing alien species and pollution from tourists and immigrants as key issues.

An Ecoventura boat gets close but careful to the Islands’ ecosystem.

To that end, he’s modifying the engines on his fleet of four expedition yachts to create hybrid boats that will run by diesel and solar/wind energy. This ground-breaking technology will charge all electric lights, appliances and bridge equipment, plus reduce fuel consumption by 10-20 percent. This conservation is in addition to the energy savings already realized though reducing his yachts’ engine RPMs.

“This very new technology has only been used to date on small private boats and not yet on commercial vessels,” he says, noting that $100,000 was budgeted for a one year test/trial on one of his yachts before refitting his entire fleet. The target goal is to have full implementation by 2011.

This project and other work he’s done offer a case study in best environmental practices. His mission for Ecoventura, which annually transports nearly 4,000 passengers, is to inspire others, including his passengers, to be part of the solution for the issues facing The Galapagos and its visitors.

“We want to give our passengers the assurance that Ecoventura has taken every measure to ensure that they enjoy a safe, thrilling adventure without harming the unique wildlife or the fragile environment. We all live in this world and breath the same air; the least we can do is try to preserve it for our children and the generations to come,” says Dunn.

Ecoventura visitors keeping their distance from an Island native - or is it the other way around?

In support of his ecological views, since 1999 Dunn has led Ecoventura to become a pacesetter in establishing standards for responsible and sustainable environmental practices.

In 2000 his company became one of the first recipients of SmartVoyager, a voluntary environmental certification developed by New York-based Rainforest Alliance and Corporacion y Desarollo in Ecuador. The program gives a “green seal of approval” to tour boats that comply with requirements to tread lightly on the area’s fragile eco-system.

In 2006 Ecoventura, in partnership with NativeEnergy, became the first Carbon Neutral operation in Galapagos (and Ecuador). A year later Ecoventura partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to create the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund which targets environmental education and marine conservation by strengthening the local communities’ ability to manage natural resources.

His continuing efforts were recognized by EplerWood International, a consulting company that advises regions around the world on sustainability issues, naming Ecoventura one of the most environmentally conscious travel companies in Ecuador.

“By partnering with NativeEnergy to offset carbon emissions, he is investing in the future of our planet by bringing corporate travel industry dollars directly to the development of new wind turbines on native lands and other renewable energy sources,” says Megan Epler Wood. “What is really significant,” she adds, “is that Dunn is not waiting for his passengers to ‘opt-in’ to an offset program; he is paying the full amount for offsets upfront to ensure his company is carbon neutral.”

For more information about Ecoventura’s Galapagos Islands tours, visit www.ecoventura.com

October 24, 2008   Posted in: Galapagos Islands