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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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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 >
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New Hammerhead Shark Breeding Area Discovered in Galapagos
03.08.19 March 8, 2019 A new breeding area for scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna... More >
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155 Captive-Reared Tortoises Released on Santa Fe Island
02.28.19 February 28, 2019 A group of 155 juvenile Espa ola tortoises (Chelonoidis... More >
Latest Blog Posts
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The Measure of a Penguin
By Caroline Cappello, Godfrey Merlen, Dee Boersma When discussing our research... More >
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Marine Invasive Species: A Galapagos Conservation Challenge
By Wilson I iguez (Research Assistant) and Rosita Calderon (Laboratory Assistant)... More >
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A Tortoise Bone from the California Gold Rush
A Tortoise Bone from the California Gold Rush, and its Link to Long-Term Tortoise... More >
