RUC 1793227816001 · Quito, Ecuador · Est. 2025

Protecting Galápagos and Ecuador

A private non-profit foundation dedicated to environmental conservation, scientific research, ecological remediation and sustainable development of the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador's natural resources.

"With the greatness of the Seas and the power of the Volcanic rock, we care for humanity's sustenance.
Galápagos — ALWAYS LIGHT"

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🌊 June 8 · World Ocean Day 🌊

Celebrating World Ocean Day

Galápagos Volcanic Seas Foundation · June 8, 2026

How did this day begin?

World Ocean Day was first proposed on June 8, 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development — UNCED), through a Canadian initiative. It was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly via Resolution A/RES/63/111 on December 5, 2008, and has been celebrated every year on June 8 ever since.

Why does it matter?

The oceans cover more than 70% of Earth's surface and generate over 50% of the oxygen we breathe. They harbour extraordinary biodiversity, regulate the global climate and support the livelihoods of more than 3 billion people worldwide. This day raises awareness of the urgent need to protect the sea from plastic pollution, overfishing and the growing impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems.

"At the Galápagos Volcanic Seas Foundation, every day is Ocean Day. From the volcanic depths of Galápagos to Ecuador's seas, our mission is to preserve ocean health for present and future generations. The oceans are our origin, our responsibility and our legacy."

— Dr. Francis Gabriela Carrión Guarderas · President, FGMV

🐠

UN Theme 2025–2026: "Ocean action for a healthy and sustainable future"

40
Years of duration
5+
Active projects
2
Areas of action
6
Board members
Our Foundation

A vital mission for the planet

The Galápagos Volcanic Seas Foundation (FGMV) is a private non-profit organization with its own patrimony and autonomous administration, legally constituted under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Ecuador.

We operate in the areas of Environment, Science and Technology, executing programs with participation from public and private entities, both national and international, to achieve truly sustainable development.

RUC 1793227816001
Representative Dra. Francis Carrión Guarderas
🌊

Scope of Action

To propose and execute programs with social or public purpose requiring non-reimbursable technical cooperation and economic assistance in environment, science and technology.

🔬

Territorial Reach

We operate nationally with the capacity to act internationally, prioritizing the Galápagos Islands and the areas of influence of Ecuador's natural resources.

🤝

Collaborative Model

Exchange and transfer of knowledge, methodologies and technical, economic, scientific and cultural information with national and foreign entities.

Strategic Areas

The pillars of our action

01
🌿 Environmental

Conservation & Biodiversity

Active support for the conservation of the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands, implementing protection and restoration strategies for marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

  • Ecosystem monitoring
  • Endemic species protection
  • Habitat restoration
02
🔭 Scientific

Scientific Research

Programs, projects and research activities, advisory services and institutional strengthening applying relevant legal frameworks with international participation.

  • Volcanic marine research
  • Applied climate science
  • University cooperation
03
♻️ Recycling

Recycling & Circular Economy

Transformation of plastics into construction materials, production of biodegradable containers from algae, sustainable crafts and valorization with advanced technologies.

  • Plastic transformation plant
  • Marine algae bioplastics
  • Galápagos Circular System
04
🌋 Remediation

Ecological Remediation

Actions aimed at achieving more sustainable development, addressing marine pollution, soil degradation and the restoration of affected areas.

  • Beach and seabed cleanup
  • Soil treatment
  • Marine bioremediation
05
📡 Strategic

Alliances & International Cooperation

Coordination at governmental level and with national and international NGOs to generate synergies, technology transfer and non-reimbursable technical cooperation.

  • Alliances with EU, WB, UNDP
  • International fund management
  • Environmental diplomacy
06
📚 Education

Education & Awareness

Training, information and environmental education on sustainability, through proactive outreach channels and community programs of ecological awareness.

  • School and community programs
  • Educational sustainable tourism
  • Awareness campaigns

Transformative projects

01 / RECYCLING

Plastic Transformation into Construction Materials

Implementation of a recycling plant that converts plastics into paving stones and sustainable materials for local infrastructure (ecological paths, urban furniture). Reference: Gjenge Makers, Kenya.

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02 / INNOVATION

Production of Biodegradable Containers with Marine Algae

Development of edible and biodegradable containers using Galápagos algae as an ecological alternative to conventional plastic. Reference: Evoware, Indonesia.

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03 / COMMUNITY

Sustainable Crafts with Recycled Materials

Manufacturing of reusable bags and crafts from recycled fabrics and natural fibers, involving the local community and promoting sustainable tourism.

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04 / TECHNOLOGY

Plastic Waste Valorization with Pyrolysis Technology

Implementation of advanced technology to transform marine plastics into useful materials, absorbents and energy. Reference: Project Polybris, Spain.

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05 / EDUCATION

Community Education and Awareness

Educational programs and awareness campaigns to promote the reduction, reuse and recycling of plastics among residents, tourists and the productive sector.

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06 / CIRCULAR

Galápagos Circular: Reusable Packaging System

Community system of reusable sacks, canvases and modular crates with QR traceability to eliminate single-use polyethylene in construction, logistics and agriculture across the archipelago.

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Main Territory of Action

The Galápagos Islands and Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands represent one of the most unique and fragile ecosystems on the planet, with strict environmental regulations that demand comprehensive, innovative solutions adapted to their geographical and socioeconomic reality.

FGMV operates with national and international reach, addressing the natural resources of all of Ecuador from a perspective of applied science, circular economy and strategic cooperation.

Santa Cruz
San Cristóbal
Isabela
Fernandina
Española
Santa María
Marchena
Genovesa
FGMV GALÁPAGOS 🌿 ENVIRONMENTAL 🔭 SCIENCE ♻️ RECYCLING 🌋 REMEDIATION 📚 EDUCATION 🤝 ALLIANCES

The Foundation operates in the most biodiverse zone on the planet, where the intersection of ocean currents creates a unique natural laboratory. Its mandate covers the entire Ecuadorian territory with special emphasis on the Natural Heritage of Humanity.

Who We Are

Our team

Francis Carrión
President
President

Dr. Francis Gabriela Carrión Guarderas

Master's in Environmental Management and Technology (EUDE Business School, Madrid). Doctor of Law and Attorney with over 27 years of experience in Development Banking. Honorary Member of the Ecuadorian House of Culture for over 25 years. Artisan and Writer committed to culture, justice and sustainable development.

Environmental LawDevelopment BankingEnvironmental ManagementCulture
Andrés Guarderas
Board
Board

Andrés Guarderas

25 years in leadership and strategic management in insurance, tourism, technology, logistics and manufacturing. Specialized in creating and executing corporate strategies, managing complex projects and digital transformation. Recognized for his capacity for innovation, strategic vision and negotiation skills.

Corporate StrategyDigital TransformationInnovationLogistics
Irene Guijarro
Board
Board

Irene Guijarro Carrión

Master's in Marketing (Tec. de Monterrey). Director of Business Tourism at Quito Turismo. CEO of Face to Face Eventos. President of the Ecuador Chapter MPI (2025). USFQ Professor. "Exceptional Women of Excellence" 2024. Best city management professional in Latin America, Fiexpo Group 2024.

MICE TourismMarketingInternational EventsICCA
Edwin Polanco
Asia Dir.
Asia Dir.

Edwin Patricio Polanco Jarrín

Strategic leader with 35+ years in international trade and Asian markets. Founder of NATFREXCO S.A. and NATFREXCO ASIA LTD. Director of the Ecuador Agri-Food Hub Center at the Gwangyang Free Trade Zone, South Korea. B.Sc. Biology, Pepperdine University. Penn State Executive Programs.

International TradeKorea HUBAgri-FoodAsia
Institutional Framework

Founding principles

⚖️

Transparency

Annual accountability at national and territorial level. Accounting balance as of December 31st. Supervised by the Ministry of Environment.

🌱

Sustainability

All projects are designed under criteria of environmental, social and economic sustainability, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda and Ecuador's National Development Plan (NDP).

🌐

Cooperation

Coordinated work with NGOs, international organizations (EU, WB, UNDP), local governments and communities to generate synergies and complementarities.

👥

Community Participation

Active involvement of local communities at all stages of projects. Preference for hiring Ecuadorian technicians and professionals.

Join Us

Together for an eternal Galápagos

The Galápagos Volcanic Seas Foundation invites organizations, researchers, companies and citizens committed to the future of our planet to join this mission of conservation, science and transformative action.

Address
Capitán Geovanny Calles S/N
Bosques Calderón II, Quito
Email
info@galapagos-mv.org
Phone
+593-999 831 554
RUC
1793227816001
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