Ecotourism Key to the Restoration of the Galapagos Islands
What makes Galapagos Island cruises such a breathtaking experience is that the islands host an ecosystem
that has remained astoundingly intact compared to many other tropical tourist destinations. Nevertheless, significant
environmental degradation has occurred in the Galapagos Islands over the last two centuries.
Despite its fragile conditions, the Galapagos Islands continue to be an incredibly popular vacation hot spot, with
tourist numbers skyrocketing in the past few centuries. Tourists feel the time and money are well worth the one-of-a-kind
experience of Galapagos Island cruises. In fact, the number of tourists has increased from 11,765 in 1979 to as many
as 66,000 by recent estimates.
Because the Galapagos Islands are such an incredibly popular tourist destination, and because the numbers have
increased so much over the last two centuries, sustainable tourism methods have become a critical component of traveling
to the Galapagos. Such efforts help people learn how to responsibly enjoy the great beauty of the Galapagos Islands, and
to conduct tourism in a way that helps the Galapagos Islands, not harms them.
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Taking Action Through EcoTours
That is why Southern Explorations has banded together with other tourist groups to form the International
Ecotourism Society. Eco-tourism is a timely and important response to the endangerment of our environment's most precious lands, including the Galapagos Islands.
Southern Explorations takes several tangible steps to protect and steward the beautiful Galapagos Islands for tourists' enjoyment.
Done correctly, ecotourism can actually help boost the conditions of endangered areas like the Galapagos Islands, by employing native
guides, contributing to the economy of the area, and heightening awareness about how to properly tour this alluring archipelago.
When booking Galapagos Island cruises, be sure to look into your travel company's tourism policies, so you can be assured you
are touring with the most eco-friendly, educated tour company possible.
Education is the key to ecotourism, so to better understand the current strain on the beautiful and fragile Galapagos
Islands, we explore the islands' history to learn about its natural challenges and introduced predators.
Many factors have contributed to the endangered nature of the Galapagos Islands. Historically, the main assault against the
world-famous wildlife on the Galapagos Islands was hunting, while the introduction of non-native animals threatened
the archipelago's natural ecosystems.
But today, the lovely islands need our help more than ever, to replenish the dwindling population of
some of the area's most iconic species and thus restore the authentic Galapagos tour experience.
The Galapagos tortoise, some species of finches, and the Galapagos land iguana, all popularized by famous naturalist
Charles Darwin, have had their numbers slashed over the past few centuries, so that sighting one of these Galapagos-synonymous
creatures is now more of a rare pleasure than a commonplace experience.
Luckily, protection efforts are underway to restore and preserve the Galapagos Island in a permanent way.
In 1959, the Charles Darwin Research Station began an intensive protection, captive-rearing, and reintroduction program.
This project has successfully returned many tortoises to their original islands.
Emergency rescue efforts with other nearly decimated populations, again by the aid of the Charles Darwin Research
Foundation, have been relatively successful. Some of the wild dogs, goats, pigs and cats have been eradicated or at least their numbers are under control.
Now it's your chance to do your part. Book one of many Galapagos Island cruises with Southern Explorations, where your tour experience will only enhance the area, not endanger it.
Because Southern Exploration employs native guides, takes you to locally run restaurants and hotels, and exposes you to all the most authentic sights of
the Galapagos, the tourists on a Southern Exploration trip play an important part in boosting the economy; in return they get the most authentic tour of
the Galapagos Islands possible!
Also, Southern Explorations does extensive research in the areas to which it travels, and is in ongoing conversations with the officials
of the Galapagos Islands. By booking Galapagos Island cruises with Southern Exploration, you can be assured that your trip will be eco-friendly and
educated, and you will be doing your part to preserve the beauty of the Galapagos by adhering to the guide's knowledgeable instructions.
This way you will still take a tour of the most amazing wildlife, plants, and scenery the area has to offer, while ensuring that future
travelers will be able to do the same!
Environmental awareness and respect are key to restoring the gorgeous Galapagos Island to their original state of abundant wildlife and
gently trod pathways. Book a tour with Southern Explorations to responsibly travel this awesome archipelago, and to become part of the
all-important ecotourism movement.
What makes Galapagos Island cruises such a breathtaking experience is that the islands host an ecosystem
that has remained astoundingly intact compared to many other tropical tourist destinations. Nevertheless, significant
environmental degradation has occurred in the Galapagos Islands over the last two centuries.
