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Discussion about entry

Adventure Life - Galapagos Traveler-Funding Program
por Beth Conway | Abr 11, 2008
37 lecturas | 16 Comentarios
This is discussion about Adventure Life - Galapagos Traveler-Funding Program.

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Proud of Adventure Life

por Monika Sundem | Abr 25, 2008
 
As an employee, and a sales agent here who spends countless hours on the phone with prospective travelers, I am proud to represent and even brag about our company's efforts to increase Galapagos conservation aware and promote a financing program that is actually producing effective results. Not many companies view conserving the regions they use for their industry and a viable expense, but Adventure Life sees it as a non-negotiable must. If we desire to have any future in the travel industry, then we must be actively involved in helping to protect and sustain that resource that is so key to our company's very success. It is long-sighted thinking and responsible business practice, and I am proud to say I am an employee here. It makes the "selling" easy, as our company's efforts speak for itself.

Proud of Adventure Life

por Monika Sundem | Abr 25, 2008
 
I an Adventure Coordinator here and spend countless hours on the phone with prospective travelers. I am proud to represent and even brag about our company's efforts to increase Galapagos conservation awareness and promote a financing program that is actually producing effective results. Not many companies view conservation of the regions used in their industry as a viable expense, but Adventure Life sees it as a non-negotiable must. If we desire to have any future in the travel industry, then we must be actively involved in helping to protect and sustain that resource that is so key to our company's very success. It is long-sighted thinking and responsible business practice, and I am proud to say I am an employee here. It makes the "selling" easy, as our company's efforts speak for itself.

Galapagos Dilemna

por Jonathan Brunger | Abr 25, 2008
 
The debate on tourism's effects on the Galagagos is ongoing. Here you have a unique and fragile ecosystem that has inspired science over the past century but has also been exploited by foreign and domestic entities, such as the fishing industry. Tourism allows travelers to visit this area and to witness first hand the diversity and extraordinary story of nature's ability to adapt and change to survive in this isolated and harsh environment. Travelers often leave as advocates for conservation of the archipelago and in turn, encourage the international community's demand to protect the Galapagos. With that said, there is a "dark side to tourism" as more and more people are visiting this fragile archipelago, resulting in an increased impact on the landscape, pollution, and population growth as Ecuadorians from the mainland are attracted to the prospects of making a "quick buck". Having been to the Galapagos and considering that I work for a travel company, I will personally say that tourism is important to the survival of the Galapagos, but tourism should be more regulated and even forced to be more responsible in protecting the environment that provides the industry's livelihood as well as support the local communities in the Galapagos. Organizations like the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) is one such example of an organization that encourages its members to look at the "big picture" instead of just the "bottom line". Travelers should also contribute back to the Galapagos, and the Traveler-Funding program that IGTOA has started is a great tool for promoting financial contributions from the travelers that are learning about the Galapagos and enjoying their holidays with friends and families. It is a voluntary gift that allows the traveler to say "Thank you, Galapagos, for giving me this experience" and helping ensure that the Galapagos is protected and will be there for the next traveler who comes.

The Islands

por Rebeca Parker | Abr 25, 2008
 
I have always been fascinated with the Galapagos Islands. From the moment I heard first mention of Charles Darwin's name and his theory of evolution, I knew that his old stomping grounds would be a place that I would love to explore. This interest was peaked enormously when I took my first anthropology class in college-human evolution-where I realized just how truly special a place like the Galapagos Islands really is. Luckily, I got to see these incredible islands first hand in the fall of 2007. I was traveling around Ecuador, working on organic farms and teaching English, when I received word from my parents that they would be meeting me in Guayaquil and we would be continuing onto the Galapagos. I was elated--I had initially convinced myself that the closest to the Galapagos I would get would be hearing my fellow travelers' stories, but now I was going to experience the islands first hand. The trip to Ecuador was my parents' first encounter with Latin American culture. It made me proud to know that I had helped them overcome a cultural barrier, and from the moment we arrived at the Baltra airport they soaked up every little ounce of Galapageno culture they could. I think it is really important for every human being to be able to experience true, raw, natural beauty like that found in the Galapagos. There is something incredibly humbling about snorkeling with sea lions or seeing a pod of orcas play with your tiny boat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The magnitude of biodiversity seen in the Galapagos islands truly indicates the complexity of life-and the reality that we are just another species filling a biological niche. Preserving these spectacular islands is important not only from a biological sense but also from a historical sense. While it IS incredibly important that people are able to witness this unreal biological heaven, it is equally important to take every means possible to leave them untouched and untainted. I am lucky enough to work for a company who not only promotes this sustainability but who also creates an environmental awareness with all of its travelers who are lucky enough to see the raw beauty of the Galapagos Islands.

IGTOA

por Mary Camp | Abr 25, 2008
 
As a voting member of IGTOA a few years back, I had the unique opportunity to vote on how IGTOA funds would be used for conservation projects in the Galapagos. At that time, the travel funding program did not exist. The total budget that we had available for conservation projects was less than the amount Adventure Life has collected in a single year through the traveler's funding program. It was such a challenge to weigh where our dollars would have the most successful impact. What a frustration to have to say no to many worthwhile project ideas because of a lack of funds! I'm so proud of the money travelers have raised through IGTOA. The Galapagos Islands are a magical world with a complex array of conservation challenges. Every dollar makes a huge difference and it's great to see such an influx of funds dedicated to these much-needed efforts!

IGTOA meeting

por Beth Conway | Abr 29, 2008
 
Yes indeed! Adventure Life's president Brian Morgan and one of our Travel Specialists, Renee Noffke, were just at the annual IGTOA meeting in Ecuador last week where voting for future projects and program funding were just a few of the topics on the agenda. The budget for project funding has certainly changed for the better -- but there are certainly always room for improvement. We only look forward to what the future will bring. ---------- Travel well. Beth Conway Adventure Life www.Adventure-Life.com

Great information! I'm going

por John Odette | Abr 28, 2008
 
Great information! I'm going to start booking my vacations through organisms like Adventure life. I didn't even know things like this existed. Thanks again.

Spreading the good-word

por Beth Conway | Abr 29, 2008
 
Thanks John -- it's truly our pleasure to provide this program for our travelers! I think we're right on track (fingers crossed) to reach $100,000 by the end of 2010. It's very exciting to learn that we've introduced you to some of the happenings in the geotourism-world. Hopefully this forum/challenge with help spread the good-word about other initiatives in the industry as well... ---------- Travel well. Beth Conway Adventure Life www.Adventure-Life.com

Go Adventure Life

por adam york | Abr 28, 2008
 
I praise Adventure Life for its Galapagos Traveler-Funding Program. The Galapagos are fragile, and conservation efforts are very necessary for the survival of the islands and its species. The fact that Adventure Life assures that 100% of traveler's money goes to proven organizations like IGTOA puts this program over the top. I think it should be implemented by all companies, outfitters and organizations that travel to the Galapagos. Well done, Adventure Life!!!

Conservation - a collaborative effort

por Beth Conway | Abr 28, 2008
 
Many thanks for your comments! Yes - the islands are indeed fragile and conservation and education efforts are needed, but furthermore, as a tour operator sending travelers to the Galapagos, it is truly our responsibility take active steps towards conservation in the Galapagos -- especially since tourism is so closely associated with the islands successes and struggles. It is true, tourism has provided the primary reason for conservation of the Galapagos Islands. Travelers are an important source of jobs and foreign exchange. Without visitors, there would be little defense against outright exploitations by extractive industries. But tourism has a downside -- from the earliest visitors, humans have unwittingly brought alien species that compete with native plants and animals. It’s not about feeling guilty, or staying away from the islands. It’s about arming yourself with awareness, and shaping tourism to be a positive force by finding ways to give back more than we take, and making sure we are part of the solution. By supporting the conservation and education efforts of the Charles Darwin Foundation and IGTOA, we are working towards the solution! ---------- Travel well. Beth Conway Adventure Life www.Adventure-Life.com

(No subject)

por Julia Kocubinski | Abr 30, 2008
 

Importance of Fundraising

por Julia Kocubinski | Abr 30, 2008
 
I am the Financial Controller at Adventure Life, and it is my pleasure to be the one to actually collect all the donations from our travelers, send this money to IGTOA, write a thank you and send a voucher to our clients for their next trip with us. All of this takes me maybe a day or two each quarter, but it is so rewarding knowing that I am taking part in this amazing program. As the treasurer of a local Montana non-profit, I know how challenging and important fundraising is for an organization. It can mean the difference between continuing work on the projects you feel so strongly about and closing up shop. I can’t say enough how much this fundraising program has helped IGTOA and the Galapagos Conservancy. Adventure Life has raised about $30,000 in the last year or so – a huge jump from IGTOA fundraising efforts in the past. I am so proud of our travelers for donating to the Galapagos – especially since most of them donate before they have even seen the islands. I am also extremely proud of Adventure Life for not only organizing this program for our travelers, but for playing such a key role in this new and exciting fundraising program. It gives me much satisfaction to work for a company that finds the preservation of this beautiful and unique part of the world so important, so that future generations can see the islands in the same condition that we have are able to. It really makes me realize why I love to work in this industry. There is so much more to travel than a stamp in the passport and a few great photographs, and I am glad that our travelers appreciate this as well. With the great success of this program in the Galapagos, I am only hoping that we may be able to begin similar programs in the other countries that we visit.

Effective Educational Effort!

por Ann Stanek | Mayo 23, 2008
 
I would just like to congratulate Adventure Life for providing an effective plan to both promote worldy adventures to folks but also to educate them on the fragility of these places they travel to, and as tourists, to hold them accountable in a sense for protecting such a diverse and awesome place. Specifically in this case, the Galapagos Islands. It is both very important to have opportunities to experience places as the Galapagos Islands but also just as important to preserve them for others. It is so wonderful to see the postitive alliance between Adventure Life and IGTOA and their team effort to protect such a valuable treasure of ours. It allows their program to run successfully and will no doubt be a great asset for future programs hoping to achieve responsible tourism accross many borders on our planet. Thank you Adventure Life for your awesome work!

Thanks!

por Ann Stanek | Mayo 23, 2008
 
Thanks Adventure Life!

Galapagos

por Susan Bearse | Mayo 27, 2008
 
I have traveled with Adventure Life to Guatemala and Costa Rica. I think this is a wonderful program to raise money for the Galapagos. Are there any plans to do similar programs in the other countries you visit? I would like to see a program in each country eventually!

Projects in additional countries

por Beth Conway | Mayo 27, 2008
 
Thanks for your post, Sue! I hope you are still enjoying fond memories from your travels! We would ALSO love to see this project expanded to all of the destinations we send our travelers; especially since it has been to successful in the Galapagos. Part of the task is "simply" finding organizations (like IGTOA and the GC) that are working effectively in the other destinations. But not to worry - we are not waiting idly by as we work towards this expansion. In addition to our Galapagos fund-raising program, Adventure Life has been also working on in some new sustainability projects. Here are two of our favorites: 1. The Casa de Acogida Mantay was created in 2000 by the association, Qallariy Project for Support in Development. The shelter is designed to support the alarming numbers of teenage mothers in Peru - providing them with a safe environment where they are counseled, educated and given training in local technical centers. We have been involved with Mantay for some time (purchasing their crafts for select travelers and arranging occasional visits). In 2007, we donated $7200 to the shelter. We have also built-in visits to Mantay to some of our Peru itineraries; travelers receive information on the shelter and a small sample of their handicrafts before departure. 2. The Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco (CTTC): In 2007, Adventure Life donated $5000 to CTTC. The CTTC is a non-profit organization established in 1996 to aid in the survival of Incan textile traditions and to provide support to weaving communities in the Cusco region. We have been involved with the CTTC for years; regularly scheduling visits for our travelers to the museum. But in addition to our donation, we have designed visits to the Center's museum and store into our Peru itineraries. Before departure, our Peru travelers receiving information on the Center and why it is so important to preserving the traditional weaving cultures. ---------- Travel well. Beth Conway Adventure Life www.Adventure-Life.com