e-Newsletter Sign-UpWhat 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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Galapagos Conservancy Awarded Top Rating for Efficiency, Accountability, and Transparency
04.06.21 April 6, 2021 This month, the largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities,... More >
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BREAKING: 185 Baby Galapagos Tortoises Seized from Illegal Traffickers
03.29.21 March 28, 2021 On the afternoon of Sunday, March 28, Galapagos National Park... More >
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Final Phase of the Santa Fe Tortoise Repopulation Process Complete
03.02.21 March 2, 2021 On Friday, February 26, 191 juvenile tortoises of the Chelonoidis... More >
Latest Blog Posts
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Rediscovering the Giant Tortoises and Magical Landscapes of Alcedo Volcano
By Wacho Tapia, Director of the Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative Alcedo... More >
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Documenting Galapagos Giant Tortoises: Walking Among Modern Dinosaurs
By Lucas Bustamante, co-founder at Tropical Herping and Giant Tortoise Restoration... More >
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‘Galapagos Giant Tortoises:’ Synthesis of a Half Century of Study and Conservation
By Linda Cayot, retired GC Science Advisor In July 2012 a mere two weeks... More >
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