Living Blue Planet Report page 32
Galapagos: infrastructure and tourism
In a little over three decades, the Galapagos has been
transformed from “worthless Clinker Islands” into one of the
world’s most famous ecotourism destinations. Over 1.5 million
visitors have experienced the unique natural wonders of
Galapagos. Tourism accounts for half the local economy, and
brings in US$418 million a year to the economy of Ecuador.
Improvements in local transportation, communication,
infrastructure, health, and socio-economic well-being are directly
attributed to the tourism industry (Epler, 2007).
Tourist revenue is also essential for conserving the islands’
fragile ecosystems. However, the rapid increase in visitors
from 40,000 in 1990 to more than 145,000 in 2006 and a
restructuring of the tourism sector in favour of larger cruise ships
have placed increasing pressure on the archipelago (Epler, 2007).
Rapid development and ever-increasing infrastructure needs,
along with higher demand for imported goods and fossil fuels, the
introduction of invasive species, immigration and waste threaten
the land and waters of the Galapagos.
WWF is working with the public sector and local tourism
businesses to design and implement a new ecotourism model that
both supports conservation and improves people’s livelihoods.
© James W. Thorsell / WWF