The famous Galapagos Islands with its iconic giant tortoises, crested black iguanas, huge ocean manta rays and an absolute menagerie of other exotic creatures, are truly one of the most beautiful places on earth for any traveller to visit.Published on : Tuesday, February 13, 2018
The famous Galapagos Islands with its iconic giant tortoises, crested black iguanas, huge ocean manta rays and an absolute menagerie of other exotic creatures, are truly one of the most beautiful places on earth for any traveller to visit.
Who wouldn’t want to go to a white sand beach and soak up some sun alongside a lounging iguana, or surf in waters with those lumbering tortoises swimming beside you and a rainbow of tropical fish below?
However, in order to protect this exotic flora, fauna and ecosystems of this Pacific archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, Ecuador would have to turn away around millions of would-be tourists each year.
Keeping a tight lid on tourism is perhaps the only way by which Ecuador can preserve this volcanic string of 19 large islands, dozens of islets and rocky outcroppings. The authorities must resist the temptation of welcoming hordes of tourists. Tourism Minister Enrique Ponce de Leon said, “The Galapagos are the crown jewel, and as such, we have to protect them. We must be drastic in caring for the environment.”
With a network of small hotels and ferries running between the islands, the Galapagos – about 1,000 kilometres off the coast — is an eco-tourism destination that is among the most select spots in the entire Pacific. Flights from Quito or Guayaquil cost about $400 round-trip, and a one-week stay range from $2,000-$7,000 per person.
The flow of tourists has increased to 245,000 per year and according to the authorities, that’s pretty much over the limit. Preyed on in the past by pirates and whaling ships, the Galapagos these days confront illegal fishing, the effects of climate change and the arrival of intrusive species such as dogs, cats and rats brought over from the mainland. The national park was created in 1959 to protect 97 per cent of the islands’ land surface, and in 1978, UNESCO classified the archipelago as a World Heritage Site. A marine reserve spanning 138,000 square kilometres was also established.
For years, the authorities at Galapagos have been limiting construction and promoting the use of renewable energy sources and electric cars. Plastic bags are banned. On the island of Baltra, which is the main port of entry, the airport runs exclusively on solar and wind power.
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