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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Diesel Spill in Galapagos Under Control; No Wildlife Harmed
01.14.20 January 14, 2020 Galapagos made international headlines in December when a... More >
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Forty-Year Captive Breeding Program for Española Tortoises Concludes
01.10.20 January 10, 2020 Ecuador’s Environmental Ministry has decided to end... More >
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Breaking: Intensive Search on Fernandina Island Confirms the Presence of Tortoises
12.09.19 December 9, 2019 The discovery of a giant tortoise on Fernandina Island... More >
Latest Blog Posts
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Unraveling the Mysteries of the Darwin Volcano Tortoises, Part II
By Diego Andino Robalino, Biologist and Naturalist Guide with the Galapagos... More >
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Unraveling the Mysteries of the Darwin Volcano Tortoises, Part I
By Wacho Tapia, Director of the Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative. Leer... More >
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Night adventures in the Enchanted Isles: In Search of Galapagos Short-Eared Owls on Floreana Island
By Paula A. Casta o, Island Restoration Specialist and Wildlife Veterinarian... More >
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