Galapagos Environment Threats
- Written by: Sergio Smith
- Published on: Jan, 31 2012
Worldwide recognized, the Galapagos Islands are paradise itself. It was the inspiration for Charles Darwin´s theory of evolution in 1835 for its unique species and marine reserve. Endemic species have lived throughout time and, as Darwin stated, some species have even adapted to one specific island and its environment. That is the case of the Galapagos Finch which varies its beak, size and color in each island. Although the Enchanted Islands are a place to preserve, they are suffering the harmful effects of fast-growing population, excessive tourism, extreme weather events, and invasive species. For instance, endemic species of one island have been introduced to other islands. In this way, the harmony of the ecosystem is affected. Threats Species such as plants and animals which are brought to the islands by humans, and introduced to the environment, are referred to as introduced species. In the Galápagos, this is a serious problem. Some non-native species are rats, goats, dogs and cats. They disturb the ecosystem in different ways. In the case of goats, they destroy the population of tortoise. Overpopulation is another threat to native species. Even though humans have lived on the islands for about two centuries, the population has grown so much that the natural balance has been lost. Over the last 20 years, the Galapagos Islands population has grown a 6.2 percent annually. Over 40,000 people live in the main islands (Isabela, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Floreana) despite the restrictions made by the National Park. Additionally to settlers, Galapagos gains more tourists every year which has also brought negative effects to the environment. Galapagos cruises, yachts and airplanes have overindulged the islands. Even another threat is the extreme weather events such as “El Niño” which raises the wáter temperatura and increases rainfall risking the marine life. Preserving Galapagos Despite all the threats to the environment in Galapagos, measures are being taken to preserve this natural wonder. To solve the issue of alien species, The Inter-institutional Committee for the Management and Control of Introduced Species (CIMEI) has taken the lead. The government is restricting immigration to the Islands by creating new laws and regulations. Even Ecuadorians need a visa to visit Galapagos. The Galapagos National Park is keeping track of the tourists which visit the Islands. Besides paying the $100 fee, they must purchase a Transit Control Card with a chip, a barcode and a photograph of the tourist. Several national and international organizations are working really hard to preserve the beauty, tranquility and purity of the Galapagos Islands. For more information about yachting Galapagos, Galapagos yacht charter and luxury Galapagos charters please visit GalapagosLuxuryCharters.com.