Ecotourism in the Galapagos

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  • Ecotourism in the Galapagos Islands
    • About
      • The 50 volcanic Galapagos islands are 1000km off the west coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean.
      • They belong to Ecuador and around 90% of these islands are designed as national parks or nature reserves.
      • Protection began in the 1930s as the islands hold some of the most fragile and precious ecosysytems in the world.
      • In 1979 the area became the first UNESCO world heritage site and is a biosphere reserve and whale sanctuary.
    • Tourism in the Galapagos
      • The interesting and unique wildlife attract many tourists.
      • Tourists have to visit under strict controls.
      • Tourists arrive mainly by small ships that tour the island and allow limited numbers onshore at specific places.
      • The Galapagos conservation trust receives £25 from every visitor out of the cost of their holiday to pay for conservation work.
      • The tour boats are owned by local people, not big companies. They take 10 to 16 people and a guide.
    • Benefits to the environent
      • The Galapagos have a very fragile environment with many limitations for agriculture, So ecotourism offers opportunities for the inhabitants without compromising the future inhabitants.
      • As most of the Islands are national parks or nature reserves, the precious environment is preserved for future generations in a sustainable way.
        • Ecotourism promotes the protection of nature and wildlife.
    • Benefits to the Economy
      • Local businesses have started to provide the needs of tourists.
      • Many tourists stay in guest houses often run by local family businesses bringing money in to the local economy.
      • Companies have grown to provide trips around and between islands, further increasing opportunities for economic development.
    • Ecotourism
      • Ecotourism is tourism that aims to protect the environment and keep an area sustainable.
      • Conservation is protecting and managing the environment.
      • Stewardship is taking responsibility for conserving the environment.
      • Sustainable development is improving the quality of life without affecting the needs of people in the future.
      • Ecotourism aims to be sustainable by using resources as much as they renew, tourism improves the lives of locals.
  • Visitors are given accurate information and are prevented from causing damage.

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