Galapagos Islands News

In 1978, the Galapagos Islands, a province of Ecuador, were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the City of Quito, Ecuador’s capital. Since then, Ecuador has received two more World Heritage Site inscriptions: Sangay National Park and the Historic Center of Santa Ana de los Rios de Cuenca have been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.  In 2007, however, the Galapagos Islands were added to UNESCO’s “List of World Heritage in Danger” where it remains today.

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) was established in 1945 as an agency of the United Nations. Based in Paris, the agency strives to promote peace and cooperation through culture, science, and education. Projects include a range of topics such as human rights, independent media, cultural diversity, and natural heritage, among others. A World Heritage Site is a place exhibiting physical or cultural significance, as pertaining to natural sites such as rivers or forests, or manmade sites such as monuments.  Currently there are 689 cultural sites, 176 natural sites, and 25 mixed properties.

The Galapagos Islands were chosen by UNESCO as a natural World Heritage Site owing mostly to its pristine ecosystem and unique biodiversity. A meeting point of three ocean currents, the Galapagos Islands possess a unique range of marine life, and its volcanic formation and activity give the islands a striking variety of landscapes. The isolation of the islands led to an unusual array of species observed by Charles Darwin in 1835, ultimately forming the base of his renowned Theory of Evolution. Wildlife today on the islands, from the Blue-footed Boobies and giant tortoises to the numerous sea lions and iguanas, continues to dazzle locals and tourists alike.

With increasing tourism and immigration to the islands, invasive species have been introduced and the heightened activity on the islands threatened the natural habitats.  In 2007 UNESCO determined these factors to be perilous to the wildlife and placed the Galapagos Islands on the list of Heritage Sites in Danger. Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa has taken measures to restrict immigration to the islands, tightening travel regulations and requiring “visas” for Ecuadorians visiting the islands. Furthermore, in an attempt to control tourist activity, travelers entering the Galapagos must purchase a Transit Control Card for a fee of $10. This card contains a chip, a barcode, and an identifying photograph registering information about the traveler and permitting the Galapagos National Park to track the number of guests on the island at any given time. The Galapagos National Park also charges an entrance fee ranging from $6 for Ecuadorian citizens to $100 for most foreigners. However, this fee could increase significantly in accordance with efforts to reduce tourist activity and maintain the islands’ pristine biodiversity.

A source of pride for Ecuadorians, the Galapagos Islands’ unusual ecosystem represents a natural purity that must not be destroyed. The islands should take it as a warning to be put on the list of sites in danger. It has become a great mission of the Galapagos National Park to preserve the unique biodiversity that merits the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.