Affiliated Institutions

Universidad San Francisco de Quito is seeking partners to collaborate with GAIAS. USFQ will provide the land and physical facilities, and will manage the institute under the guidance of an advisory board in which the founding universities will participate. The main activities of USFQ - GAIAS are:

1. Teaching and research at an international level.

2. Promoting sustainable development of the islands by enhancing the educational level of the local population and establishing volunteer services.

3. Supporting and providing sustainable economic alternatives to fishermen and other local stakeholders.

4. Participating in the conservation efforts of the Galapagos. USFQ-GAIAS is a member of an alliance created for the conservation of the Galapagos. This alliance consists of several of the most important international organizations working for the conservation of the Galapagos’ Marine Reserves.


In addition to USFQ, the following institutions offer scholarships to local students in order to enhance their educational level: World Wildlife Fund (WWF), National Association of Galapagos Tourism Operators (ASOGAL) and the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA).