I write to you looking out on peaceful Academy Bay. As I walked back from lunch today I passed several marine iguanas returning from feeding. It reminds me how extraordinary Galapagos is — the last tropical archipelago that retains most of its native and endemic species, and more importantly, a natural marvel of our planet.
The unspoiled nature of Galapagos and its historical impact on western thought is the foundation of its value to the world — and the basis for ever increasing international interest in Galapagos. Over the last three hundred years, many have come to Galapagos to take advantage of the archipelago — to harvest tortoises, whales, fur seals, lobster and sea cucumbers. These businesses have grown and then failed as the resource was depleted or other sources were found.
Tourism seems to be following this pattern. It has grown economically at an average of 14% per year for the last 15 years and does not appear to be slowing. Such a new “boom and bust” could easily cause irreversible damage, especially due to invasive species — the most serious threat associated with tourism. However this could be prevented if tourism growth is slowed and if businesses in Galapagos remain strongly and absolutely committed to conservation and local sustainable development.
Tourism businesses must lead this challenge. They are critical to achieving the vision of conservation and sustainable development in Galapagos. They share a bottom line interest in conserving the resource on which their businesses depend and this is a strong incentive for working holistically, both together and with other stakeholders. Building sustainability cannot be done piecemeal based on individual interests; it must be done systematically, comprehensively and cooperatively.
Galapagos is replete with expert plans and laws to create a sustainable society. Unfortunately the full implementation of these plans has not yet been accomplished. Implementation needs innovative problem solving to transform conflicts into win-win situations, the establishment and achievement of measurable goals and the communication of results to all parties. Most importantly, implementation requires leadership that builds trust and mutual respect by facilitating open and positive dialogue between all parties.
Visitors to Galapagos hear amazing success stories of the past 50 years such as the return of the Espanola tortoises from the brink of extinction, large scale goat eradications and the successful introduction of lady bugs to control the cottony cushion scale invasion. They also leave wondering how long it will last. Many of them have serious doubts. However if they see tourism business leaders take charge to develop a truly responsible and sustainable tourism industry as the basis for a sustainable society, these customers will support it wholeheartedly. Moreover they will demand that tourism businesses elsewhere do the same.
Thus through the development of sustainable business practices here Galapagos will continue to be an international conservation model and success story. It will also prove that it is possible to protect and preserve the wonderful planet that is our home while providing livelihoods for people.