This ãgreen seal of approvalä gives Galapagos visitors the assurance that Ecoventura has taken every measure to ensure that passengers enjoy a safe, thrilling adventure without harming the unique wildlife or the fragile environment. ãIt has taken us almost two years to comply with the various requirements, but it will be well worth the effortä, adds Santiago Dunn, who has been a main supporter of this voluntary certification from the beginning.

The SmartVoyager certification program was officially launched at an event held at the Embassy of Ecuador in Washington D.C. on May 22, 2000. Responding to eco-minded tourists who want to visit the Galapagos Islands without damaging the world-famous National Park, an Ecuadorian conservation group (CCD) and the Rainforest Alliance announced a new program to give a ãgreen seal of approvalä to tour boats that tread lightly on the areaâs fragile ecosystem.

Working with scientists, conservation experts, tour operators and others, CCD developed standards for the maintenance and operation of tour boats. Companies that wish to participate in the program invite a team of specialists aboard the boats to evaluate the vessels according to the guidelines. Once the tour company brings a boat into compliance with the standards, the craft is certified and allowed to display the SmartVoyager seal of approval. This seal gives visitors the assurance that they are traveling with an operator who cares about the conservation of the islands.

The certification standards cover potential sources of pollution such as wastewater and engine fuels, and set rules for the management of everything from the docks to the small craft that ferry visitors ashore. Procurement and supply management guidelines are designed to minimize the changes of introducing destructive mainland species to the isolated and delicately balanced island ecosystem. The standards also require good living conditions and advanced training for the boat crew and guides. Passengers must be given maximum opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the islands and close encounters with wildlife while leaving no trace of their visit.

Here are some examples of what Ecoventura has done to comply:

A waste disposal management system was implemented on every vessel including garbage recycling bins on each deck to separate organic, paper, glass and plastic waste. Signs are posted in all cabins to remind guests to conserve, reuse and recycle.

Desalination units (water makers) and water purification systems have been installed on all vessels to provide abundant fresh water. We ask passengers to refill their plastic-bottled water that we provide in each cabin. In order to conserve energy, only the towels that are placed on the floor of the cabin are replaced. Bio-degradable soaps and shampoos are provided in passenger cabins.

All outboard motors on the dinghy's or pangas were changed from two stroke to four stroke engines. Four stroke engines are more ecological because they are 70% quieter than two-stroke engines, emit virtually no fumes and use 50% less fuel consumption. This is good news for both passengers and the wildlife.

The paint used on the hull of our boats is TBT- free and the paint on the superstructure of the boats is lead-free. The exterior walkways on the boats are free of varnish and have been replaced with natural teak wood. Please note: the Corinthian and Eric now apply with this requirement. The Flamingo and Letty will comply following their dry dock maintenance set for April and May, 2001.

Exterior lights have been replaced with yellow lights that do not attract insects. The cooling elements used in the refrigeration and air conditioning systems on board are gas free to prevent gases that could escape and add to the green-house effect.

The living quarters of the crew members were significantly improved. Each employee receives life and health insurance including prescription medicine for themselves and up to five family members at no cost to the employee.

Our new brochures and marketing materials were printed on premium environmentally-friendly, recycled, wood free paper.

The Galapagos archipelago is a world-renowned biodiversity hotspot and one of the best places on Each to see evolution in action. However, the area faces many threats, the biggest threat being the introduction of exotic species by people, disrupting the delicate web of life on the islands and devastating the defenseless native species and habitats. Also, even though all the islands and waters around them are a national park, land continues to be cleared for farming and tourism-related development, and the waters are being over fished.

Historically, the region has been an area of conflict, and as the recent protests by lobster fishermen clearly indicate, there are still local resource management disputes that need to be resolved. However, according to Mauricio Ferro, executive director of CCD and co-director of SmartVoyager. ãThe SmartVoyager program is an important step to help foster communication between the various parties as well as a good example of an industry successfully working in cooperation with local people.ä

The mission of the Rainforest Alliance is to protect endangered ecosystems and the people and wildlife that live in them by transforming land use practices, business practices, and consumer behavior.

Please visit www.rainforest-alliance.com for additional information or to become a member.