Exploring the Enchanting Wildlife of the Galapagos Islands
Sea lions, giant turtles, colourful fish, and lush birds are some of the many animals found in the Galapagos Islands of the Pacific Ocean. The Ecuadorian Archipelago consists of thirteen main islands, and several islets, and is a thousand kilometres from the coast of South America. Due to strict conservation measures, this place was removed from the list of endangered world heritage sites by UNESCO and is ideal for tourists who love to discover wildlife.
A Landmark of Evolution: Galapagos and Darwin
Galapagos will always be connected to the naturalist Charles Darwin as the place of inspiration for Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. The islands’ balance between much-needed tourism and preservation is a hotly debated topic.
Protecting the Ocean: Ecuador’s New Sanctuary
To protect the ocean and biodiversity, Ecuador opened a new sanctuary to protect the world’s largest shark colony. This Sanctuary extends over 38,000 square kilometres around the islands of Darwin and Wolfe and will result in a total ban on fishing activities and extraction to protect the local ecosystem.
Preserving Endangered Species: The Hammerhead Shark Sanctuary
This was created to protect the hammerhead shark, a species in danger of extinction. The National Geographic Organization supports this sanctuary, and along with other organizations and institutions, wants to see the development of a management plan that will integrate conservation and tourism.
Managing Tourism: Increasing Visitor Fees
The last measure to protect the environment and allow tourism in the city was to increase the fee. The Ecuadorian government is doubling tourist taxes for the Galápagos Islands due to a rapid rise in visitors. There were record visitor volumes in 2023, with some 270,000 arrivals. There were concerns over waste management and pressures on infrastructure.
Experiencing the Galapagos
These enchanting islands attract visitors worldwide. Tourists can snorkel and observe the wonders of the marine flora and fauna up close without feeling threatened, as large terrestrial predators could not come and settle in the archipelago.
Getting Around: The archipelago’s main airport is on the island of Baltra. To go onto other islands, you will have to catch a boat. The best way to explore the main islands is via a cruise.
Conservation Measures: There are some restrictions for those visiting the island. No leaf or stone can be removed, and a naturalist guide always accompanies guests. Ecuador’s government and other institutions are creating ways to protect the Galapagos, considered by scientists to be a “living laboratory” of biology.
Exploring the wildlife of the Galapagos is an amazing experience, and with careful conservation efforts, these unique islands will continue to captivate and inspire visitors from around the globe.
