The Unorganized Growth of Tourism Threatens the Future of Galapagos and Leaves Limited Benefits for the Local Population
November 15, 2005
Quito, Ecuador
Translated from a press release from CEDENMA

The growth of the tourism industry in Galapagos has risen rapidly in recent years. Experts predict that more than 125,000 tourists will visit Galapagos in 2005. The dynamic performance of the industry would be good news under normal circumstances. However, given the conditions under which this activity is being conducted in Galapagos, it is a cause for concern.

The business model for this industry is based on large investments, either from Ecuadorian or foreign sources. These investments result in limited benefits for the local population, because of current employment and provisioning policies. At the same time, the growth of the industry has been an incentive for rapid migration to Galapagos.

The weakness of institutions in Galapagos makes it impossible to ensure that the growth in tourism remains within the limits of a habitat as delicate as Galapagos.

This reality has resulted in the understandable efforts of the local population to play a part in this “economic boom” and to search for strategies that increase local benefits from tourism. However, until structural changes are made to the current model, which concentrates activities among relatively few operators in the sector, the new strategies only contribute to a worsening of the situation in Galapagos. Such is the case with efforts to establish direct flights from the continent to places of exceptional biological importance, such as Isabela Island, and the probable visit of cruise ships with more than 500 passengers to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. These measures will significantly increase the risks of introduction and dispersion of invasive species (including avian flu) and would most likely benefit a limited number of members of the local community because of the existing concentration of wealth and the high level of investment required to serve high-end tourism.

CEDENMA encourages all Ecuadorians (especially Galapagueños), businesses that practice responsible tourism, those responsible for regional planning, organizations responsible for the Plan for Combating Invasive Species (SESA, SICGAL, INGALA, GNPS), and all those concerned about the future of Galapagos, to begin a dialogue on these issues. This dialogue should analyze the current and future business models for sustainable tourism in the archipelago, and recognize that showing respect for human populations and the biodiversity of Galapagos will be fundamental aspects of any successful model that promotes social equity and conservation.

CEDENMA is an organization comprised of representatives of various non-governmental environmental organizations in Ecuador and other organizations that work to improve the quality of life for Ecuadorians, advocate for the sustainable development of the country, and protect the environment and natural resources.  

For more information, contact: Manolo Morales, President of CEDENMA. Tel: 227-0451 or 225-1466, ext. 110. E-mail: presidenciacedenma@ecolex-ec.org. Web: www.cedenma.org.

Contact: comments@galapagos.org