Guardians of the Galápagos: Local Teen Mobilizes Peers to Protect Their Islands

During my career as a Galápagos Islands expert, I’ve sent well over 1,000 travelers to this wildly fascinating wildlife paradise. My travelers and I share a deep love for this place—and how could we not? We’ll never forget the blue-footed boobies who don’t even bother to waddle away, or the baby sea lions who twirled and played with us underwater, nudging us into their game as we swam with fins and masks, grinning like kids.

And we’ll always remember the wildlife guides who brought these encounters to life. All of them Ecuadorians—many born and raised in the Galápagos—they’re some of the kindest, most passionate people I’ve ever met. They carry with them a fierce love of nature, and now, a new generation is carrying that torch forward.

One of these extraordinary people is a young leader named Sebastián Pilla, who is making serious waves in conservation. Born in the islands and deeply connected to both their culture and ecosystems, Sebastián is empowering local youth to take active roles in preserving the wild, wondrous place they call home.

Leading Through Culture & Connection

Sebastián’s leadership began not in a lab or classroom, but in community spaces. As a cultural facilitator and member of the Centro de Danza Galápagos, he recognized that preserving the environment goes hand-in-hand with preserving cultural identity. Through the arts and youth leadership, he began creating a movement rooted in pride, awareness, and responsibility.

Conservation in Action

In 2023, Sebastián launched an inspired program called “Experiential Processes for Adolescents and Youth in the Galápagos Community,” funded by the Galápagos Conservancy. It brought over 60 teens together for an unforgettable learning experience—one that combined science, storytelling, and stewardship.

Through immersive workshops aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), plus photography expeditions and hands-on conservation projects, these teens gained not only a deeper understanding of the ecosystem—but a powerful connection to it.

Participants worked with scientists and park rangers to monitor emblematic species, restore native habitats, and explore agroecological farming methods. They didn’t just learn about conservation—they became conservationists.

A Voice for the Future

Today, Sebastián serves as the President of the Youth Advisory Council of Santa Cruz, where he advocates for youth involvement in environmental decision-making across the islands. His work shows us what’s possible when education is rooted in experience, when young people are trusted to lead, and when conservation is as much about community as it is about wildlife.

Inspired? So are we! Sebastián Pilla’s story reminds us that protecting the Galápagos isn’t just about rules or research—it’s about passion, love for place, and the kind of connection that sparks a lifetime of care. His work is a call to action for all of us, especially those lucky enough to visit these enchanted islands.

Are you ready to fall in love with these amazing animals and the remarkable people who live among them?

Our Galápagos destination page is a great place to start planning your trip. You can also browse our curated selection of Galápagos expedition ships here. Or just give us a call at (206) 618-1107—we’d be honored to help you design an unforgettable journey to the lava-formed, wildlife-rich islands that have captivated us all.