Waves of Change: Building Ocean Guardians for the Future

The Galápagos Islands are globally recognised for their unparalleled biodiversity. However, local youth and communities often lack access to the experiences that define the islands for visitors. The region’s tourism-based economy has led to rapid population growth, which has not been met with increased opportunities for access to marine and coastal protected areas across the islands. A newly implemented, contextualized curriculum for the Galápagos now provides opportunities for enhanced place-based learning and out-of-the-classroom experiential learning scenarios. The Galápagos Infinito Program aims to bridge the accessibility gap for all 7th graders each year.

Without meaningful engagement and the development of a sense of place and connection to nature, future generations may struggle to understand the urgency of marine conservation and sustainable living. The Galápagos Infinito Program offers structured, curriculum-integrated activities that promote ocean stewardship, cultural identity, and community resilience. The program currently provides a full-day Sailing Oceanic Classroom experience, which includes navigation on a sailboat, coastal ecosystem immersion through exploration stations such as nature walks, intertidal zone studies, and snorkeling. These activities are complemented by self-awareness practices, including breathwork and yoga. The program has organised with the Galapgos National Park to omit the visitor permits for this iniative, cutting costs dramatically. The one-day boat charter cost for hosting the oceanic classroom experience is USD $690. This represents an operational cost value, while the true value of the charter exceeds USD $1,000 per day. The local community are working together to encourage youth empowerment and custodianship of the land.