Where we work
The Galapagos Islands are home to one of the most unique and ecologically significant marine ecosystems on the planet. Spanning an area of 198,000 square kilometers, the Galápagos Marine Reserve is one of the largest and most biologically diverse marine protected areas in the world.
Located at the confluence of several major ocean currents, it supports a rich mix of tropical and temperate species found nowhere else on Earth. Home to critically endangered species like sharks, sea lions, marine iguanas, and vibrant coral reefs, the reserve is vital for preserving endemic wildlife and maintaining ecological balance.
Despite extensive marine protection efforts made by the Galapagos National Park Service, the islands remain one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to the impacts of the marine plastics crisis. With 40% of plastic contamination coming from ocean currents, this iconic archipelago is under threat from global plastic mismanagement.