1. The state of Galapagos’ biodiversity. The Galapagos Islands were unknown until just a few centuries ago. Their near complete isolation from the rest of the world allowed for the evolution of some of the most unique forms of life on the planet, highly adapted to their harsh surroundings. But many of these same species are highly vulnerable when confronted by the rest of the world.

Despite careful, enlightened attention from the international community of scientists, lawmakers, visitors, and residents who are aware of these islands’ unique place in the world, conservation measures to date are not sufficient to ensure lasting protection from the ever-increasing threats. For the foreseeable future, actions must be coordinated around a long-term vision for the future of the islands that focuses on limiting population growth, creating an island-based culture, and conserving both the terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

The management and preservation of this unique archipelago requires an increased understanding of the inter-connectivity among the economic, political, social, cultural, and ecological issues of the region. Scientific research and management in the Galapagos must reflect a comprehensive understanding of not only the natural ecosystems of Galapagos but the inhabitants as well.

2. Economic and political outlook in Ecuador and Galapagos. Recent years have been a time of political and economic volatility in Ecuador and Galapagos, with decisions related to the economy and the environment highly influenced by short-term political expediency. The Special Law for the Galapagos is a landmark piece of legislation which provides a legal framework that can and will foster conservation and sustainable development activities. The Law has far-reaching and unprecedented language which protects biodiversity and fosters a culture of conservation, where highly engaged and educated residents will protect and advocate for Galapagos conservation. The legislation recognizes not only the biological framework necessary to protect Galapagos, but also the intellectual and sociological aspects to protected area management. However, the Law is not being fully implemented. At the same time, the Law contains certain potential obstacles (residency requirements for CDF employees, subsidies and incentives that promote migration to the island, etc.) which complicate the work of sustainable conservation practices on Galapagos.

3. Impact of a growing human population. The marine and terrestrial biodiversity in Galapagos is affected by an expanding human presence. Over the last 20 years, development of the tourism industry and a boom in fishing have resulted in the growth of the local population from about 10,000 in 1990 to more than 28,000 residents in 2005. New inhabitants bring social and cultural beliefs and behaviors from the continent and are less concerned with environmental issues important to many of the earlier colonists.

Tourism has also played a major role in the increase in population in recent years. The number of visitors has increased from about 41,000 in 1990 to more than 100,000 in 2005. While some tour operators support important conservation initiatives and adhere to strict environmental standards, the tourism industry, as a whole, has not been successfully or permanently linked with conservation of the islands’ resources or local economic stability and equity.

4. Need for legal, social, and cultural change. Public education efforts and targeted policy research are needed to better inform key Ecuadorian decision makers involved in the formulation and implementation of laws affecting Galapagos conservation. Furthermore, increased local involvement in decision-making is critical, as a large part of the social conflict over biodiversity issues stems from the top-down management model that has been in place. Galapagos is also feeling the effects of a growing and transient population. Only a small percentage of residents now in Galapagos have lived in the islands for more than five years. This lack of a strong resident culture hampers the ability of the local population to express shared values and expectations.

5. Terrestrial conservation issues. The greatest threat to the terrestrial ecosystems of Galapagos is the ever-increasing number of exotic species. Increased human presence has hastened the introduction of plant and animal species that threaten the native and endemic flora and fauna. While important progress has been made, current needs include:

  • Strengthening the Quarantine and Inspection System
  • Educating local residents and visitors about the threat of invasive species
  • Eradicating dangerous introduced species
  • Restoring degraded ecosystems

Project Isabela, the largest ecosystem restoration project carried out anywhere in a protected area, is currently entering its eighth and final year. The project has been highly successful and promises to serve as a showcase for what can be achieved in terms of ecosystem restoration throughout Galapagos and in other island systems elsewhere in the world.

6. Marine conservation issues. Shark hunting, conflicts between and among various sectors of Galapagos society with competing economic interests, and lack of response by government institutions are all key problems of the Galapagos marine environment. Historically, there have always been sectors of the local economy supported by the marine environment (fishing, tourism), but the rapid and uncontrolled increase in these economic drivers over the last twenty years has seriously threatened the integrity of the marine system. Therefore, increased monitoring and regulation of the marine industry around Galapagos will be a long-term, if not permanent, concern in terms of environmental conservation. The Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) was established in 1998 under the Special Law for Galapagos and covers 50,000 square miles of the marine habitat surrounding the islands. While commercial fishing was legally excluded from the GMR, the reserve faces a number of significant challenges, including:

  • Effective enforcement of the reserve and its different use zones
  • Enforcement of bans on shark hunting and illegal extraction of exotic species
  • Establishment and enforcement of extraction limits of exotic species and reduction of the size of the local fishing fleet
  • Strengthening of participatory management mechanisms

7. Managing conflict. The past decade has been a time of growing conflict in Galapagos over resource use. While the tourism and conservation sectors have pushed for curtailing of fishing for exotic species, the fishing sector has called for a loosening of limits and regulations allowing activities such as long-lining and sport fishing in the marine reserve. Conflict has been exacerbated by the influence of national politics in decisions in Galapagos, the influx of residents from the mainland, and relatively weak local institutions. Involving local stakeholders in decisions related to the use of Galapagos’ resources is critical to any long-term resolution of these disparate views. The participatory management system established under the Special Law for Galapagos appears to be making some progress. (#6)

8. Local actors. One of the essential steps to sustainable conservation in Galapagos is strengthening key local public and private organizations. These include: the Galapagos National Institute/INGALA (the government agency responsible for planning and development in Galapagos), the Inter-Institutional Authority/AIM (the ultimate decision making authority for matters related to the Galapagos Marine Reserve), the Participatory Management Board/JMP (a forum through which the fishing, tourism, and conservation sectors seek to arrive at consensus regarding management of the Galapagos Marine Reserve), FUNDAR Galapagos (a Galapagos NGO which carries out a range of education and conservation initiatives), the Association of Galapagos Tourism Businesses (ASOGAL), and several fishing cooperatives.