PRESS RELEASE
Canodros S.A. for the environment
CANODROS S.A. OWNER OF THE “M/V GALAPAGOS EXPLORER II” RECEIVED CERTIFICATION FOR THE NORM ISO 14001-2004 FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

• Canodros S.A. owner of the "M / V Galapagos Explorer II," which operates cruises in the Galapagos Islands, has received the International Certification ISO 14001: 2004 of Environmental Management. The award is in recognition of the incorporation into its tourism operation of strict international standards and codes relating to improvement, control and preservation of the environment.
• This certification demonstrates the contribution of this tour operator, and its flagship vessel, to the conservation of the Galapagos archipelago and its natural heritage.
• This recognition is added to the International Safety Management Certification (ISM by its acronym in English) which Canodros S.A. has.

The Bureau Veritas certificatory awarded ISO14001-2004 certification to Canodros S.A. and its vessel "M/V Galapagos Explorer II" as cruise, excursions services and tour operator, after a process that demonstrated its continuous improvement to reduce the environmental impact of its operation.

Canodros S.A. was one of the leading tour operators which received "SMART Voyager" certification in 2000 for compliance with standards for wildlife conservation, water protection and welfare of workers and local communities.

The ISO14001-2004 certification encouraged Canodros S.A. to establish new environmental goals, to formulate control principles on procedures and methods used for the proper handling of sewage, gas and waste. Consequently they have created new control processes and monitoring programs to comply with regulations and environmental laws.

The goal of Canodros S.A. with the "M / V Galapagos Explorer II" is to improve and continuously minimize the environmental impact of all activities of its operation. We are doing so by launching this certification process that complements international practices already being applied on board the vessel.

With regards to discharges Control into the sea, "M / V Galapagos Explorer II" has installed an oily water separator with an electronic device that ensures that the oil content of the effluent does not exceed 15 part per million in each download. To fulfill its Waste Management Plan, the vessel is equipped with glass and waste crushers, and an incinerator that are part of the Management Plan for the collection and classification of waste and solid residues. This also involves tourist participation.

In addition, the "M / V Galapagos Explorer II" has an onboard contingency plan in case of oil pollution, which includes rigorous steps to be followed by the ship's captain and officers, and has been approved by the Maritime Authority.

To reduce the consumption of plastics and their environmental impact on board, we have a water Treatment System, which includes two desalination plants and ozone generator equipment. Water samples are regularly tested in laboratories on the continent, to control their quality. In addition, vessel has two plants for sewage Treatment, passing through a system of disinfection by ozone (Plant Ozonator), reducing its environmental impact before being discharged into the sea.

The "M/V Galapagos Explorer II" implemented a routine measurement and control of exhaust gases, so that their emanations when they come into contact with the atmosphere do not cause a negative environmental impact. Periodically there is a process of analysis of lubricants and water processed in the operation of the vessel. Finally, the Security and Rescue policy was ratified, with the accomplishment of equipment in accord with the requirements of international regulations and codes.

Canodros S.A. and the education of young people in the archipelago
The certification is an additional step in Canodros S.A.’s efforts to contribute to the sustainability of tourism in the Galapagos Islands, especially the education of young people.

With this in mind, Canodros S.A. maintains projects supporting the education of students of Technical Ignacio Hernandez School, from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in San Cristobal Island. This year a training plan for students in the latest courses in Hotel and Tourism has been developed. Our goal is to be a source of talent and skilled manpower to work on board the “M / V Galapagos Explorer II". Along with this program, the operator has developed an Internship Plan in which 12 students from this school are selected each year to practice aboard the ship what they have learned in school. In addition, Canodros, S.A. has donated to the school equipment necessary for students of Gastronomy.

With regard to environmental education, Canodros S.A. sponsored a campaign of recycling among students of schools, with the aim of encouraging young people to maintain appropriate environmental practices. The tour operator Canodros S.A. considers this a crucial part of the archipelago's environmental care.

Furthermore, in its efforts to maintain a quality infrastructure of public services, Canodros, S.A. has contributed to the municipality of San Cristobal in the regeneration of the pier of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The company has also donated two air conditioners for the island’s  airport control tower.

Additional projects include requests from the Hospice ‘The Golden Years’, in San Cristobal, as well as the Municipal Patronage and INNFA projects for children of the archipelago.