Celebrity Cruises is deeply committed to nurturing a sustainable future for the Galapagos Islands, one of the Earth’s most precious ecosystems. In an impactful collaboration with the Galapagos National Park, they have successfully planted over 30,000 trees on Santa Cruz Island, within Los Gemelos, significantly contributing to the conservation of this unique archipelago. This region, famed for its unparalleled biodiversity, harbors flora and fauna found nowhere else on the globe. Driven by a vision to inspire both guests and partners to actively engage in regional conservation, this public-private partnership (PPP), initiated in 2014, has flourished over the past three years. It has garnered remarkable support from 14,300 guests, crew members, and the wider community, surpassing initial goals by an impressive 150 percent. These reforestation endeavors underscore Celebrity’s profound dedication to the Galapagos and resonate with the shared passion for conservation among its discerning travelers.
Among the diverse array of saplings taking root in this vital project are Scalesias, the intriguing Celebrity Cat Claw, Galapagos Miconia, and Thin-leafed Darwin’s shrub. This strategic reforestation initiative is crucial for preserving the delicate natural ecosystem of the Galapagos. It actively revitalizes areas that have unfortunately suffered from human impact and the introduction of non-native species. Scalesia trees remain at the forefront of planting efforts, as their lush forests provide essential habitats for numerous endemic bird species, unique to the Galapagos Islands.
Bernardo Carrillo, Managing Director of Celebrity Cruises, emphasizes the long-term vision: “We are driven to ensure that future generations can experience the same awe-inspiring Galapagos as we do today, through our industry-leading dedication to stewardship and robust conservation programs. Our cherished guests and employees deeply value the unique opportunity to participate in significant initiatives like tree planting. This direct interaction with nature in a UNESCO World Heritage Site as pristine as the Galapagos is invaluable. We are wholeheartedly committed to opening up the world responsibly, and this commitment includes actively supporting programs dedicated to environmental conservation.”
The tangible outcomes of Celebrity Cruises’ collaboration with the Galapagos National Park, and similar synergistic projects, are already evident. Ecosystems are demonstrably recovering, and the eradication of invasive species is progressing effectively. Crucially, all conservation activities are meticulously coordinated by the Galapagos National Park, the governing institution providing essential technical and logistical support to ensure the long-term success of these vital environmental initiatives.
Alt text: Reforestation efforts in the Galapagos Islands, highlighting the Celebrity Cat Claw tree sapling, a key species in Celebrity Cruises’ conservation project.
Alt text: Celebrity Cruises partners with Galapagos National Park to plant Celebrity Cat Claw and other native trees, showcasing their commitment to environmental stewardship.
