The CAF and MCDF Strategy in the Galapagos Islands

At CAF, we understand that the path to sustainable and inclusive development for Latin America and the Caribbean requires joint effort. Our experience has taught us that resource mobilization and strategic collaboration are essential for addressing the complex challenges of our region. One of the most emblematic examples of this synergy is the intervention in the Galapagos Islands, a unique ecosystem facing significant sustainability and social welfare pressures. 

Since 2019, CAF has closely supported the sustainable development of the Galapagos, forging alliances with the Government of Ecuador and other key players to implement structured solutions to its critical challenges. This commitment was solidified with an initial diagnostic in 2021 and furthered in 2023 through the adoption of the Roadmap, a consensus-based plan across public, private, and civil society sectors that will guide future interventions. 

Today, CAF and the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF) are leading a USD 3.5 million technical cooperation project prioritizing biosecurity, sanitary infrastructure, and food security in the Galapagos. These islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are home to over 30,000 people and have an economy heavily reliant on tourism. However, logistical limitations and the high cost of supplying goods and services make food security an urgent challenge. For this reason, CAF and MCDF have focused their efforts on supporting the creation of a secure and efficient supply system, mitigating supply risks, and conserving environmental resources. 

As we move toward implementing this project in 2025, with an estimated investment of USD 50 million, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting development that respects the environment and prioritizes community well-being. 

Challenges and Partnerships for Change 

The challenges in the Galapagos include biodiversity conservation, food security, and maritime operational safety, which reached an emergency level in 2023. To address these challenges, CAF has worked closely with entities such as the Galapagos Special Regime Council (CREG), the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency (ABG), and Ecuador’s Ministry of Transportation and Public Works. The adoption of a public supply policy and the structuring of a public-private partnership in 2024, mark critical steps toward a scalable and replicable intervention model that can also serve other vulnerable island regions, such as the Caribbean. 

The MCDF has been essential not only in providing funding but also in contributing expertise and knowledge to develop a comprehensive vision that meets infrastructure needs and strengthens the islands' resilience to climate threats. 

Replicability and a Greener Future for Latin America and the Caribbean 

The Galapagos case demonstrates that partnerships can be a driving force for lasting transformation. This project not only meets specific supply needs but also lays the groundwork for a sustainability model that can be replicated in other insular contexts in Latin America and the Caribbean. In this regard, CAF seeks to expand its network of strategic alliances, both with multilateral agencies and with local partners who provide in-depth contextual knowledge. 

An Invitation to Join the Change 

Every project that CAF promotes brings us closer to a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive Latin America and the Caribbean, and it is thanks to the strategic collaboration between our different internal areas and our external partners that we can transform this vision into reality. This joint effort, which brings together capacities, experiences and resources from multiple sources, makes it possible to create effective and sustainable solutions to the complex challenges of the region.  

We invite you to learn more about this initiative and the impact of our strategic alliances in the Galapagos by watching the video. Join CAF on this transformative path, and together, let’s drive the change that Latin America and the Caribbean need!