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What does “Sustainable Tourism” mean in Galapagos?
The Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism require that tour providers strive to make their businesses as environmentally friendly as possible. Galapagos tour providers must take steps to:
- Conserve water and energy
- Recycle and treat waste material
- Source locally-produced products
- Hire local employees, pay them a fair wage, and offer them additional training
Some companies go beyond simply complying with regulations and are proactive in their efforts to preserve Galapagos by supporting community and conservation projects. Galapagos Conservancy encourages visitors to Galapagos to travel with accredited, licensed tour providers with a strong commitment to Galapagos conservation. Our Travel Partners have corporate philosophies or are members of organizations that ensure adherence to strict environmental standards and social responsibility in their operations.
In 1979, the Galapagos Islands became the world’s first UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site — an honor bestowed upon our planet’s most magnificent places. Following a few simple rules is all it takes to experience the magnificence of the Islands in a sustainable way. From respecting the wildlife to purchasing souvenirs wisely, your choices will make a difference. Please review the Galapagos National Park rules before you travel to the Islands.
From when to travel, what to bring, how to get there and more, we are happy to help you plan your trip — and we have provided some guidelines for all of these questions and more.
Read more about creating a sustainable society in Galapagos.
Latest News
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UNESCO Increases the Area of the Galapagos Biosphere Reserve
06.24.19 June 24, 2019 The Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment announced today that the... More >
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Thirty Captive-Reared Tortoises Repatriated on San Cristóbal
05.03.19 May 3, 2019 This week, Galapagos National Park rangers repatriated 30... More >
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Breaking: 53 Non-Native Marine Species Identified in Galapagos
03.28.19 March 28, 2019 A new study published in Aquatic Invasions reported that 53... More >
Latest Blog Posts
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Catching Invasive Flies in the Galapagos Islands
By Andrea Cahuana, Research Assistant on the Philornis downsi Project at the... More >
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The Vermilion Flycatcher on Santa Cruz Island: Is there still hope?
By guest author Eileen Heyer, BSc MSc As an enthusiastic biologist who’s... More >
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Monitoring Terrestrial Invertebrates in a Scalesia Forest in Galapagos
By Jacqueline Rodr guez, Entomologist with the Charles Darwin Foundation I... More >
