Galapogos Issues of Population, Tourism and Conservation

Ecuador Struggles to Meet Tourism and Conservation Needs in Galapagos (Ethical Traveler): "For many of Ecuador's citizens, the Galapagos archipelago - which has long struggled with balancing its human population and conservation - is viewed as an alluring prospect with high wages, good schools, and no crime. The growing demands of tourism make the laborers' emigration seem like a win-win situation."

However, the Ecuadorian government doesn't think so. The author recounts some of the problems and issues, governmental response and "a new tourism model which may include such measures as raising the entrance fee for foreigners from $100 to $300."

Photo of visitors boarding a panga following an visit to an island to view the wildlife thanks to ClipArt.com. For images of some of the archipelago's famous wildlife, see Galapagos Wildlife Photo Gallery.