1. SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Metropolitan Touring’s Commitment
In the last weeks we have been part of some important sustainable initiatives, which confirm the
permanent commitment of Metropolitan Touring to generate progress, positive contributions, and
refocus on the current reality of the Galápagos Islands. Due to the very high worldwide awareness of
the Galapagos, the Islands are at high risk of generating negative attention and publicity, and any
event attracts readers in that direction. But there is much positive news, realities in fact that we wish
to share with all of you. Enjoy reading about them.
1. EARTH HOUR 60-2010. The World initiative to turn out the lights also reached the Galápagos
Islands, with Metropolitan’s Finch Bay Eco Hotel informing about it to its guests and staff, and
resulted in the most romantic dinner you can ever imagine. Beyond energy saving, this campaign
has enticed all of us to reflect on the environmental footprint that we are leaving behind, and how
to reduce it every day. It is a gift that we are leaving for the next generations.
2. CAMPAIGN FOR THE COLLECTION OF USED BATTERIES IN SANTA CRUZ. The negative
impact that the toxicity of used batteries, once they come in contact with the environment (air,
water, soil) is undisputed. The volcanic Galápagos Islands, with porous soil, retain any element
that is decomposing, and these are the substrata that will end up in the soil or in the water.
Collecting used batteries to be removed from the islands and transported to the mainland for an
adequate recycling, is a way to guarantee the environmental integrity of the insular ecosystems
and the local community. The campaign is led by the Municipality of Santa Cruz, with the local
support in publicizing and logistics, of the Galápagos-Ecuador Foundation and the Coca Cola of
Ecuador Foundation.

2. 3. RECOGNITION OF THE MV SANTA CRUZ BY THE MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA CRUZ.
Metropolitan’s 90-guest vessel MV SANTA CRUZ, was awarded a recognition by the Municipal
Government of Santa Cruz, and presented with a plaque by the representative of the City Council,
Mr. Carlos Franco, as the best example of collection, classification and disposal of solid waste in
this category of vessels,. These recognitions motivate all members of the travel industry to
continue contributing to the initiatives of the Municipality; while at the same time are good
examples for the residents of the islands. Fundación Galapagos-Ecuador has maintained, since its
beginnings, a direct support to the recycling project on Santa Cruz Island, and a recognition like
this allows us to see that our efforts on board our vessels is coherent with our environmental
policy, and to understand the need to adhere to this type of projects and initiatives.
Congratulations to all the crew on board the SANTA CRUZ for their compromise.