Biodiversity as a Tool to Break the Dependence: The Case For Galapagos Tourism
Harvard University April 21, 2014
Galapagos Tourism Today at a Glance
• With 95% of its original biodiversity intact, Galapagos is still the best preserved tropical archipelago in the world • 204,000 tourists in 2013 • 97% of the 3,000 square mile land mass is National Park and, in general, only accessible by vessels • Galapagos Tourism is valued at $416MM (Taylor, 2006) • $63MM remains in the Islands
Brief History of Galapagos Tourism Development
• Developed between 1950-1960 as a sustainable economic model for island residents • “Floating hotel” model of tourism was deemed the most practical and ecologically sensitive mode of tourism (also most expensive) • 1980 – 12,000 tourists • 2013 – 204,000 tourists
Unintended Consequences: Social Impact
• Model focused on visitor sites, not engagement of local residents • Rise in resident population • 1980 – 5,000 • 2013 – 30,000 • Increase in conflicts (social, economic, educational) • 53% of population live in poverty or extreme poverty (UBNI) (3rd lowest level of poverty in the nation)
Unintended Consequences: Alternative Models & Changing Visitor Profiles
• Rapid growth in land tourism (73% or 53,000) of national tourists seek short, land-based tourism • Rapid growth in “grey market” (unregulated hotels, tours) • Changing visitor profiles • Less interested in conservation and more in tourism amenities
Predictive Model of Changes in Markets
Plog, 2001
Future of Galapagos Tourism: Sustainable Communities
CHALLENGE
PROGRESS
Invasive species
GBA, FEIG, CDF, GNP
Illegal fisheries
SVMS, GNP, Other NGOs
Control of immigration and residency
Special Law for Galapagos
Improved education
Education reform, SENESCYT
Greater efficiency in governance and regional planning
CGG, Grupo Nucleo
UNESCO Mission Report, 2007
Future of Galapagos Tourism: Getting Back on Track
•Charter for Galapagos Ecotourism (2010 – CDF, WWF, GNP)* •Maximize participation and equitable distribution of benefits to local populations •Environmental conservation •Shared responsibility (operators, tourists, local community) •Implementation of the model – Experimental Ecotourism Projects* •Two new sites (Floreana, Isabela) Next steps •Use data from tourism surveys (T0, GNP, CGG) •Monitor the implementation of Strategic Tourism Plans for each canton •Strengthen institutions that coordinate tourism
*Has not been approved by the CGG
Future of Galapagos Tourism: Other Relevant Models Restricted High-End Tourism • Deliberate choice to limit growth, but no official limit on number of tourists • 116,000 tourists (2012) • $200-$250 per day, per person government-required minimum • No independent travelers • Small groups are encouraged • Second-largest revenue generator (after hydropower)