www.rwittmer.com

The Project: Rolf Wittmer Turismo Galapagos (RWTG) is a family-owned company and sustainable tourism pioneer in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The company started operations in 1969, with only one boat designed and built by Mr. Wittmer himself. Currently RWTG operates two boats that are Rainforest Alliance SmartVoyager-certified. RWTG is in the process of acquiring a third boat which will follow the same tourism best practices.

The Deal: In October 2005, Verde Ventures provided $250,000 of critical financing needed for the construction of a new boat, TIP TOP IV, which will be SmartVoyager-certified and will operate in the Galapagos Islands.

The Benefit to Conservation: RWTG will continue to be a model for the Galapagos tourism industry, by increasing its environmental best practices in the Galapagos Islands and the Galapagos Marine Reserve, part of the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena biodiversity hotspot. In addition, this investment will benefit the local community by providing an employment alternative to fishing, which is a major threat in the area.

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