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Your gift for Galapagos will be matched 100% until 11:59pm on December 31, going twice as far to help us preserve, protect, and restore the unique ecosystems and wildlife of Galapagos in 2020.
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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Giant Tortoise Census on Darwin Volcano Indicates Ecosystem Recovery
11.25.19 November 25, 2019 A healthy population of growing giant tortoises, large numbers... More >
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Twenty Baby Tortoises Hatch at the Santa Cruz Breeding Center
11.20.19 November 20, 2019 Twenty baby tortoises of the Espa ola Island (Chelonoidis... More >
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Park Repatriates 109 Young Tortoises to Pinzón and Santiago
11.07.19 November 6, 2019 Rangers from the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD)... More >
Latest Blog Posts
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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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The Invasive Paper Wasp Nuisance in Galapagos
By Mariana Bulgarella & Phil Lester of Victoria University of Wellington,... More >
