Scalesias, Cat’s Claws, and Galapagos Miconia, Oh My! Celebrity Cruises Plants More Than 30,000 New Trees in Partnership with Galapagos National Park

Celebrity Cruises is growing a greener tomorrow for one of the most spectacular places on the planet, teaming up with Galapagos National Park to plant more than 30,000 trees on Santa Cruz Island, in Los Gemelos, and helping to conserve this pristine archipelago that’s home to flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. With the goal of inspiring guests and collaborators to dive-in to conservation efforts within the region, the public private partnership (PPP) signed in 2014 was made possible over the last three years with the support of 14,300 guests, crew and community at large, far exceeding goals by 150 percent. The efforts reinforce Celebrity’s commitment to the region and the shared passion of guests who sail onboard.

Among the seeds sown out of the collaborative project are Scalesias, Cat’s Claw, Galapagos Miconia, and Thin-leafed Darwin’s shrub. Reforestation preserves the natural ecosystem in Galapagos and regenerates areas that have been affected by humans and by introduced species. The most planted tree remains the Scalesia trees, as their forests are home to many species of endemic bird, found only in the Galapagos.

“We want to help ensure future generations have the same incredible Galapagos experience with our industry-leading stewardship and conservation efforts” said Bernardo Carrillo, Managing Director, Celebrity Cruises. “Our valued guests and employees cherish the unique opportunity to be involved with important programs such as tree planting, which gives them direct contact with nature in this pristine UNESCO World Heritage Site. We are dedicated to opening up the world and that includes our commitment to supporting programs dedicated to environmental conservation.”

As a result of the efforts with the Galapagos National Park and collaborative projects like that between the park and Celebrity, ecosystems are being restored and invasive species eliminated. All activities are coordinated by the Galapagos National Park, an institution that provides all its technical and logistical support.