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Languages available:
English About the Galapagos Islands The
Galapagos Islands is the largest, most complex and most diverse archipelago still
in pristine condition in the world today, with an estimated 9,000 species, many
of which are found nowhere else in the world.As the inspiration to Darwin’s theory of evolution, the Islands contribute hugely to science, and mankind’s understanding of evolution, geology, ecology, and conservation. The Galapagos Islands are the second largest marine reserve in the world and are home to some of the most important marine and terrestrial biodiversity on the planet. The Islands were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 and again in 2001 (Galapagos Marine Reserve). San Cristobal, the easternmost island of the Galapagos Archipelago, has 7000 inhabitants and approximately 60,000 visitors annually. However, the Galapagos Islands, often recognized as a model for the delicate balance between ecotourism and environmental preservation, are fast gaining a reputation for social conflict, unchecked resource extraction, and near natural disasters. The Islands are in grave danger of irreparable damage from three primary threats: 1. Over fishing of legal and illicit species from local, national, and international fishermen. 2. The introduction of invasive species that threaten the unique resident species and the habitats they depend on. 3. Consumptive and polluting pressures on local resources, including the Galapagos Marine Reserve, from the resident human population and tourist visitors.  In Febuary 2004, fishermen occupied the offices of the Galapagos National
Park (GNP) and Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) for 11 days in order to
secure a long list of demands that, if carried out, would threaten the islands’
unique marine environment and those who depend on it.Each of these threats is a direct result of the human impact on the islands. Any and all solutions to counteract these threats inevitably require the participation and cooperation of a skilled, aware, and motivated local community. Unfortunately the social development opportunities in Galapagos, including the local school system and civil sector, are not capable of educating the local population on issues of environmental sustainability and this has greatly exacerbated the conservation problem. |
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