e-Newsletter Sign-UpTraveling to Galapagos: Reducing Your Ecological Footprint
The mission of Galapagos Conservancy is to protect the unique biodiversity and ecosystems of Galapagos. For that reason, we are sometimes asked how we can also support travel and tourism in these amazing, yet fragile, islands. The answer is simple: people will always live in and visit the Galapagos Islands, but we believe that we can encourage them to leave few footprints and instill in them the desire to protect Galapagos for future generations — long after they have returned home. In fact, visitors to Galapagos often become some of its most dedicated advocates.
When choosing to travel to Galapagos, instead of rushing to be “the last person to see it before it’s gone,” you can help to ensure its long-term existence. If we are careful today to protect this natural treasure, the rare plants and animals — as well as the local people and visitors — will coexist and thrive well into the future. That is the essence of our goals for sustainable tourism in Galapagos.
As exotic locations become more accessible across the globe, they experience increased human-caused pressures and challenges. For more than thirty years, Galapagos Conservancy has worked with governmental and international agencies to ensure that the use of natural resources is compatible with protecting wildness — all while preparing Galapagos citizens to be forward-thinking about conserving the Islands they call home. Sustainable tourism must strike a balance between enjoying nature and ensuring that our activities do no harm to the environment or other people, societies, and cultures.
As a visitor to Galapagos, you can have the experience of a lifetime and also so much more — for example, by selecting the right tour, following Park rules, and exploring the local community. At every step, Galapagos Conservancy is right there with you. Our support has helped find solutions to restore rare species, predict emerging conservation issues, and move the local industries and society toward a sustainable future so there will be a Galapagos to visit for generations to come.
We hope this section of our website will guide you along as you consider a trip to one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems.
“It is wonderful to think of tortoise populations and other unique species being restored to historical numbers — a Galapagos we will never see, but something exciting to support!”
Carol T. & Jay C., GC donors for more than twenty years
Latest News
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GC Mourns the Loss of Friend and Colleague Felipe Cruz
08.12.18 August 12, 2018 We are saddened to report that Felipe Cruz, who worked passionately... More >
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67 Tortoises Hatched from the New Floreana Breeding Program This Year
07.25.18 A total of 67 tortoises hatched this year from the first nesting season of... More >
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Sierra Negra Volcano Erupts on Isabela Island, Galapagos
06.27.18 June 27, 2018 On June 26, 2018, scientists from the Geophysical Institute of... More >
Latest Blog Posts
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Return to Santiago: More than a decade after the eradication of the introduced goats, pigs and donkeys
By Wacho Tapia, Director of the Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative Santiago... More >
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Checking Up on the Young Tortoises on Santa Fe Island
By guest author and GC Adjunct Scientist Dr. James Gibbs of the State University... More >
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Promoting Healthy Pets and Responsible Pet Ownership in Galapagos
By guest author Elsa Kohlbus, Program Director of Animal Balance. On an island... More >
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