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Hurtigruten Foundation looks to fund sustainability projects

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Henrik Lund encouraged destinations to apply for funding before the May 1 deadline
Hurtigruten Foundation is inviting communities and organizations where Hurtigruten Group ships operate to apply for project funding.

Protection of endangered birds in the Galápagos, whale research studies on the Pacific Coast and in Antarctica and an education project in Argentina are just some of the climate and conservation projects that have received funding over the last 12 months.

Petrel conservation in the Galápagos

Most recently, the Foundation has supported the Ecuadorian Fundación de Conservación Jocotoco, which has established a conservation reserve to secure the survival of the critically endangered petrel bird in the Galápagos.

May  1 deadline

Speaking from the islands, Henrik Lund, managing director of Hurtigruten Foundation, said he would like to see many local conservation, climate and community projects apply before the May 1 deadline.

'To be able to observe these unique animals in their natural habitat really reminds you of how precious and fragile the Galápagos is and how much we need to protect and strengthen its nature as much as possible,' he said. 'Through the generosity of our guests, we have so far supported the Fundación Jocotoco and the Galápagos Conservancy here. Both are vital to protect critically endangered species and save the island’s exceptional biodiversity.'

Lund continued: 'We would like to support even more projects in the unique destinations we visit, and I would really like to encourage anyone that has a worthwhile project to apply for funding today.'

Aim to create a lasting, positive impact

The Foundation aims to create a lasting, positive impact by empowering travelers to engage with communities long after they return home from a cruise. Projects can be anything from a community restoration project to a campaign to stop plastic pollution or a large-scale initiative fighting global problems.

The funding application and instructions are here.