The Galapagos Islands have long been a favorite place travelers.
That said, how eco is one of the world's most famous biodiversity
hotspots?
DANGER
After a special meeting
in June and July 2007 UNESCO officials declared the site to
be 'in danger.' Experts said the 19 islands and surrounding
ocean were under threat from immigration, invasive species and
increased tourism.
In April 2007 Ecuador declared the Galapagos Islands are at
risk and warned that visitor permits and flights to the islands
could be suspended. A growing population, illegal fishing of
sharks and sea
cucumbers have taken their toll. The United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
cites the 'uncontrolled' expansion of the tourism industry as
one of the main threats facing the archipelago. The problem
is that tourism has led to uncontrolled migration from mainland
Ecuador.
PARK PROTECTION
More than 100,000 people travel to the Galapagos Islands each
year. The national park consists of almost 2 million acres,
most of which is off limits to visitors.
The 1859 publication of Charles Darwin's The
Origin of Species made the Galapagos famous. A century later
in 1959, Ecuador declared 97 percent of the Galapagos islands
a national park.
In 1979 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO)
designated the Galapagos Islands as a World Heritage Site, the
first place on the planet to receive the designation.
The archipelago is also recognized as a RAMSAR site.
The park is protected under the 1998 Special Law which empowered
authorities to enforce restrictions on fishing, tourism and
other activities in the park. The law also created the multi-stakeholder
Participative Management Board which includes representatives
from the tourism industry, the Charles Darwin Foundation Research
Sation, local guides, Galapagos fishermen, environmental groups
and the government.
FISHING
Industrial fishing threatens the marine ecosystem. Sea cucumbers
and lobsters have been harvested to dangerous levels. Ships
from other countries routinely enter the marine reserve illegally
in search of rich catches, including sharks, which are harvested
solely for their fins.
In recent years, fishermen have rioted and sacked the national
park offices.
ISLAND HOPPING
Isabela is the largest island of the entire archipelago and
the only one straddled by the equatorial line. Of a total population
of 20,000 only some 2,200 people live on this enchanted island,
which contains over 60% of the flora and fauna of the entire
islands. Amongst Isabela's attractions: five active volcanoes,
the most extensive wetlands on the archipelago, a white sandy
beach and a relaxed fishing community.
MIGRATION
Uncontrolled migration from mainland Ecuador has hindered most
conservation efforts. According to an article in the Economist
(2008), every $3,000 more the islands earn -- every three extra
visitors 00 sucks in another migrant. Not very eco-friendly.
TRAVELER TIPS
Most travelers fly to the islands, 600 miles west of the mainland.
The government grants permits to a number of yachts that ferry
visitors to more than 50 official sites. No more than about
16 people are allowed in one group and every group must be accompanied
by a trained Ecuadorian naturalist.
Yachts vary in size. Some transport 90 passengers and provide
luxury comforts. Others are smaller and carry less a dozen passengers.
Rules are strict. Travelers must follow well-marked trails.
Visitors cannot feed the animals and are not supposed to approach
them. Nevertheless, many of the creatures are curious and make
contact themselves.
CORRECTIVE MEASURES
Visas will no longer be issued to residents and those who are
not legally on the island - estimated by UNESCO to be around
20 percent of the 30,000 inhabitants - will be sent home.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Savvy travelers are asked to seek out travel options that have
the support of local communities.
Tropic Journeys in Nature
has focused its work with tours to Isabela Island. In contrast
to the typical cruise, these are experiences with less environmental
impact and no congestion at visitor sites.
ORGANIZATIONS
Galapagos Conservancy,
formerly known as Charles Darwin Foundation, advocates for the
lasting protection of the Galapagos Islands through programs
of constituency building, education, and fundraising in North
America. GC raises more than $2 million annually to fund the
conservation work of the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) and
the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS), and supports local
actors in Galapagos that work in partnership with the CDF and
the GNPS. Galapagos Conservancy manages $4.5 million in endowed
funds to support conservation in Galapagos. |
