Now available online is one of the most important papers ever released by the CDF. This document summarizes studies of Galapagos from the last 15 years on biodiversity, conflict, tourism, economics and migration. It hopes to create a new paradigm of understanding about what is happening in Galapagos and underscore the declaration of President Correa and UNESCO's decision to add Galapagos on its List of World Heritage in Danger.
Executive summary – key points
- During the last 15 years Galapagos has experienced drastic economic, social, cultural and ecological changes.
- The principal cause of these changes has been growth driven by tourism which has grown economically at 14% per year. This growth is demonstrated by the increase in available beds from 1,928 in 1991 to 3,473 beds in 2006, and in the numbers of visitors to Galapagos from 40,000 in 1990 to over 140,000 in 2006.
- Democratic instability on a national level and a complex institutional framework has weakened central government leadership in Galapagos.
- This weakening, linked with a local leadership focused on local benefits, has enabled the growth of the tourism without a long-term strategy.
- The markets and dominant operators of tourism are evolving toward massive replaceable markets with emphasis on multinational investors and operators.
- At present, tourism represents a total value of $418M, of which an estimated $60M enters the local economy and so is the principal source of income for the islands.
- Tourism, central government contributions, bilateral and multilateral support and individual donations are the largest sources of financing in the Galapagos economy.
- Fishing now represents less than 4% of the total income in Galapagos. This activity was more important at the peak growth period of the sea cucumber fishery.
- The financial flows from tourism promote local small enterprise development which in turn contributes to increasing immigration to the islands.
- Demands for public services and jobs are part of a vicious cycle of growth; a better standard of living on the islands makes the location more attractive to immigrants.
- Historical subsidies and incentives that Galapagos receives also contribute to uncontrolled growth.
- The growth of tourism and the population stimulate the arrival of more flights and more cargo boats, decreasing the isolation of the archipelago and thereby increasing the arrival of invasive species – the greatest threat to the native biodiversity.
Download the complete report (PDF).