GoFundMe for Project Galapagos

Hi! My name is Mariella (my friends call me Mari), and this spring I’ll be traveling to the Galápagos Islands, one of the most extraordinary and fragile ecosystems on Earth. While this trip is an amazing learning opportunity for me, I want it to also be about giving back. That’s why I’m fundraising for Project Galapagos, an organization dedicated to education and conservation in the islands.

When I met William Puga (the founder) and heard about their work, I was inspired. Project Galapagos partners with the Galápagos National Park on hands-on conservation efforts that directly protect wildlife and the environment. Volunteers help monitor native wildlife like petrels, sea lions, and iguanas; care for and feed giant tortoises at La Galapaguera, the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre; and take part in beach cleanups. After each cleanup, the team analyzes the trash collected and reports the findings to the Galápagos National Park, Projects Abroad, and other organizations such as Galápagos Conservancy and Team Seas. These efforts not only protect the islands but also contribute valuable data to global conservation initiatives.

The Galápagos are a living laboratory of evolution, home to species found nowhere else on Earth. But these treasures are threatened by climate change, pollution, and overuse. Project Galapagos is making a real difference, and I’m proud to support them.

My fundraising goal is to help expand their impact. Every donation, no matter the size, supports:

Wildlife monitoring (petrels, sea lions, iguanas)

Giant tortoise care and feeding at La Galapaguera

Beach cleanups and data analysis to inform global conservation efforts

Educational programs that empower local communities and youth to protect their environment

Your gift helps protect endangered species, restore habitats, and educate the next generation of conservation leaders.

Here’s how you can help:

$25 can support local education and outreach programs

$50 can help provide resources for wildlife monitoring and cleanup efforts

$100 supports the care and feeding of giant tortoises in the breeding center

If you can’t donate at this time, please consider sharing this page to spread the word. Together, we can help protect one of the most beautiful and important places on Earth.

Thank you for supporting me and Project Galapagos — and for helping turn my journey into something bigger than myself.