Tortuamigos: A Fun and Educational Way to Protect Galápagos
School breaks offer a unique opportunity for children and adolescents to explore, learn, and connect with nature—key elements in fostering respect and environmental responsibility in future generations. Recognizing this, Galápagos Conservancy developed “Tortuamigos– Move and Connect!”, an innovative program that combines education and play. Providing more than just a way to spend their free time, the program equips participants with practical knowledge about conserving one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems: the Galápagos Islands.
Methodology and Approach
Experiential learning is at the heart of Tortuamigos, ensuring that participants gain knowledge while actively engaging in conservation efforts. Every activity is designed to inspire action and strengthen each child’s bond with nature. Led by experienced educators and international volunteers, the program offers an enriching experience that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for the natural world.
“Designed for children and young people in Galápagos, this program benefits around 100 participating kids, strengthening their connection to nature and drawing inspiration from one of the archipelago’s most iconic species: the giant tortoise,” explains Jenny Macías, our education advisor.
During regular outdoor field trips, participants explore their surroundings, learn about the vital role of tortoises in the ecosystem, and develop essential conservation practices. The program is conducted in collaboration with the education sector, the Bellavista and Tomás de Berlanga Parish Governments, and the Galápagos National Park Directorate (GNPD), ensuring a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach.
Benefits for Families and the Community
Tortuamigos is more than just a vacation program—it’s an opportunity for children to engage meaningfully with nature. Parents also take pride in seeing their children develop a strong environmental awareness. The program fosters ecological responsibility and strengthens community connections, involving families and educators in the shared mission of protecting Galápagos’ natural heritage.
Beyond fostering a deeper connection with nature, Tortuamigos empowers young people to become future conservation leaders. Through a variety of hands-on activities, participants develop observation skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, preparing them to address environmental challenges both locally and globally.
Impact and Future Perspectives
We envision Tortuamigos as a catalyst for cultural change, creating a lasting impact beyond the vacation period. So far, our environmental education program has sparked a growing interest in conservation and increased community participation in local initiatives. The program has established itself as a model for environmental education, integrating interactive workshops and play-based learning to engage and inspire young minds.
Going forward, we want to expand the program and refine our teaching techniques to create a more powerful educational experience. We’ll use monitoring and evaluation tools to measure the lasting impact and fine-tune our strategies to maximize learning and conservation outcomes.
At Galápagos Conservancy, we believe that education is a powerful tool for protecting ecosystems. Through Tortuamigos, we are helping to shape the next generation of conservation leaders, ensuring they grow up with the knowledge, sensitivity, and motivation needed to safeguard the archipelago’s natural wonders for generations to come.
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