Conflict Between Conservation And Tourism

Finding a balance while travelling in the Galapagos is an art; one that challenges, inspires and reveals many aspects of life in the archipelago. From the outside, the tensions between conservation and tourism are palatable. One side bestowing the virtues of protecting the fragile ecology of the islands while the other is intent on sharing the multitudes of options for an “ideal” vacation with whomever will lend an ear.
When talking with people who live and work in the islands, the lines blur between the two and different shades of helpful and damaging come into view. There is a struggle between preserving the islands and the way things work in Ecuador; things taken for granted elsewhere become hurdles and solutions to problems need to take
While significant, UNESCO didn’t recommend that the “in-danger” label be striped, and many other organizations working in tandem with the government warned that the move was premature.
Presently, this presents a problem on both sides of the aisle. The government wants to protect both the interests of the islands and its investment in tourism there. Conservation groups including the Charles Darwin Foundation are at odds with recent measures to increase tourism through relaxed building codes. The people who own and run establishments and the tourists who depend on them get caught in the middle.
It’s one thing to say that you are actively protect the animals and environment in the Galapagos, and quite another to actually know how to implement measures to do so. It’s here that the crossroads between those visiting and those who live there meet, combining efforts to make the islands a one of a kind destination while preserving them for future
Arturo Izurieta Valery took over the helm of the CDF after leaving the Galapagos National Park. He is passionate about the conservation of the islands and his previous work left a mark that few have rivalled in regards to putting the well-being of the Galapagos first.
Today his work focuses on the research, management and scientific aspects of the foundation. His commitment and experience is taking the CDF forward, and supporting its work puts resources in the hands of those who can help.
Children of Galapagos
The founder and staff of Children of Galapagos are making great strides to get the children of the islands much needed medical help while working with educational programs to ensure their future. Treecy Meier, a former teacher from the states, was approached by a group of parents while on extended stay in the islands. As a result, she spearheaded an initiative that has grown from just under twenty to almost a hundred children receiving treatment in Guayaquil on a regular basis.
As part of their work, COG has teamed up with the Galapagos Travel Center in Quito to offer “donor tours.” When booking a trip to the Galapagos or elsewhere in Ecuador, clients can add a donation to the foundation that helps with critical needs of the children of the islands.
The Galapagos Safari