To safeguard the well-being of the Galápagos Islands for future generations, Silversea Cruises has launched a dedicated fund to preserve the archipelago's natural wonders. By supporting a diverse selection of projects each year, the Silversea Fund will strengthen the balance between humanity and nature in the Galápagos as part of a long-term conservation strategy. In addition to benefiting regional conservation efforts and enhancing their connection to this destination, donors to the fund will enjoy perks on Silversea voyages, as the company will match guest contributions in the form of a Future Cruise Credit to support their commitment to the cause.
In partnership with Galapagos Conservancy, the only U.S.-based organization focused exclusively on protecting the unique ecosystems and biological integrity of the Galapagos, the Silversea Fund for Galapagos will educate and support local communities in the archipelago by funding projects related to youth empowerment; education and training; and science, technology and conservation.
“The Silversea Fund for Galapagos is a natural extension of our belief that sustainable tourism can open eyes and foster respect for our planet, particularly in destinations as unique and diverse as the Galapagos,” said Fernando Delgado, Vice President and General Manager of Silversea in Ecuador. “We will use education as the means to maintain long-term environmental conservation, leveraging our strong relationships with the local population of the region. We are honored to have the Galapagos Conservancy as our partner for this initiative.”.
“We are dedicated to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands, a shared goal with Silversea Cruises,” said Johannah Barry, founder and president of Galapagos Conservancy. “We are thrilled to support the Silversea Fund for Galapagos, and our partnership will have a significant impact on conservation efforts across the region, from the ground up. The Silversea Fund will help protect the natural environment and wildlife of the archipelago for generations to come.”.
The Silversea Fund will build upon the company’s existing efforts to positively impact the natural and economic environment of the Galápagos Islands, including its contribution to the Floreana Island Ecological Restoration Project. Guests traveling aboard Silver Galápagos (and those traveling aboard Silver Origin from July 2020 onward) will be able to make donations to the Silversea Fund for Galápagos during their voyage. For donations between $500 and $1,000 per suite, donors will receive a Future Cruise Credit for the equivalent amount, which can be applied to any future voyage aboard any ship in the Silversea fleet.
Replacing the Silver Galapagos, which currently hosts guests exclusively in the Galapagos Islands, Silversea’s new Silver Origin will be the most elegant ship ever to sail the region when it launches in July 2020. The Silver Origin will be the first ship in the Silversea fleet designed specifically for a particular destination. Built with the environment in mind, the Silver Origin will feature a dynamic positioning system, which will be used when the ship is positioned over delicate seabed ecosystems to prevent anchor damage; it will incorporate in-suite freshwater purification systems that convert seawater into drinking water, drastically reducing plastic use on board; and it will meet the highest energy efficiency standards in the segment.
