Silversea Cruises has become the first tour operator to obtain environmental management certification in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, showcasing its strong commitment to sustainability and conservation.
As a luxury and expedition cruise line, Silversea diverts all waste generated on its Silver Origin ship away from landfills in the Galapagos. They meticulously sort and classify the waste, with non-organic materials being transported to the mainland for recycling or proper disposal in compliance with regulations. The cruise line ensures traceability of the waste movement and disposal through a documentation process.
To achieve this, Silversea collaborates with a local waste management company, which collects the waste from Silver Origin every week in San Cristobal. Materials such as cardboard, cartons, plastic, and crushed glass are flown to the mainland for recycling, while the remaining waste is transported by marine transportation to Guayaquil on the Ecuadorian mainland. In Guayaquil, the waste is collected and recycled or processed in accordance with environmental legislation and best sustainability practices. The waste management company even utilizes refuse oil to fuel its incinerator, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. The entire process ensures that all waste generated by Silversea in the Galapagos is responsibly handled and properly disposed of.
Gabriela Naranjo, Vice President and General Manager of Silversea Cruises Ecuador, expressed pride in being the first tour operator to receive this environmental management certification. She highlighted Silversea's partnership with an airline to transport recyclable waste from the archipelago to the mainland, and their ongoing commitment to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos for future generations.
These efforts are part of Silversea's comprehensive Environmental Management Plan, which has been approved by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment. The plan aims to minimize any ecological impact on the Galapagos Islands and aligns with Silversea's broader commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and innovation as part of its SEA the Future initiative.
Silversea also launched the Silversea Fund for the Galapagos in 2019, dedicated to preserving the ecological integrity of the islands for future generations. The fund supports various education and conservation projects annually, fostering a balanced relationship between humans and nature in the archipelago. Donors to the fund receive Future Cruise Credit from Silversea, as the cruise line matches their contributions.
In addition to waste management and conservation efforts, Silversea focuses on sourcing locally produced ingredients for its culinary offerings on the Silver Origin. The cruise line prioritizes purchasing locally grown produce in the Galapagos, working closely with independent farmers and suppliers in Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. They have increased their local ingredient sourcing fivefold in recent years, supporting the local economy, nurturing long-term solutions, and reducing the importation of products from the mainland to minimize the risk of introducing invasive species to the islands.