Task

CONSERVATION

The Galapagos National Park

The Galapagos Marine Reserve

Education

THE GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK

1967: The Park was established when Ecuador set aside 1,714,000 acres in the Galapagos Islands as National Park
1972: The first park superintendent came
Management Plan

Allows the Galapagos to show a high level of quality standards when it is looking to get involved in international contracts or when it is looking to expand.
ISO regularly assesses the islands so that the quality of conservation is constantly checked, maintained, and being improved.

The National Park has been divided into five sections as a method of conservation.

Introduced species are not allowed in this zone and one can only gain access to this zone if his intent is for research.

Some species have been introduced in this zone but they are very few in number. Mainly this zone acts as a "buffer" between the Primitive Scientific Zone and the zones that have more visitors.

This area includes many areas that are interesting to visitors; however, this zone is not able to support many visitors. Only trails that are unobtrusive are allowed. Small camps and research facilities that do not intervene with the wilderness are also allowed.

This zone also includes many areas that are interesting to visitors and it can hold a large number of people. However, if too many people come, the zone is closed until the resources and habitat are regenerated. The only scientific research that is allowed in this zone is the research that monitors tourist impact.

This area borders the settled areas outside of the park and has been highly altered. It is often times used to gather water, firewood, and sand. Although this zone is not considered to be of the highest quality, it is still managed carefully.

Guides are required to accompany each visitor to the Islands so that the guides can educate the tourists and ensure that they follow the rules.
They are known as the "eyes and ears" of the Galapagos National Park Service and of the Charles Darwin Research Station because they can see and hear the changes as they are occurring.
Class III type guide

Experts in the field who hold seminars on the Islands based of their area of expertise. They do not necessarily have to hold a license

Does not have to hold a Galapagos Guide License but has a lot of experience in leading trips

No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should not be removed or disturbed.
Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.
Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands, for the same reason.
Do not touch or handle the animal.
Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous to you, and in the long run would destroy the animals' social structure and breeding habits.
Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
Stay within the areas designated as visiting sites.
Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
Do not deface the rocks.
Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
Do not visit the islands unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
Restrict your visits to officially approved areas.
Show your conservationist attitude.

THE GALAPAGOS MARINE RESERVE

Lacked local and National recognition
Focused more on protection and provision of the fishery services and not on conservation
An institution was not responsible for its administration and management

1998: The Special Law was created by the "Core Group" ("Grupo Nucleo"), a multi-sector management board so that participation is guaranteed by all involved parties

The group consisted of direct stakeholders in the Marine Reserve- tourists, fisheries, and conservationists
It stipulated the creation of a new management plan for the Galapagos Marine Reserve and allowed for a year to develop it.

Goal: "To protect and conserve the marine and coastal ecosystems of the Archipelago and their biological diversity for the benefit of humanity, local populations, science and education."
It formed a new category of "Marine Reserve" within the national system of protected areas. This established a legislative framework for the management of the Reserve and created opportunities for other marine reserves along the coastline of Ecuador to be created.
It designated the Galapagos National Park as its administrator.
Its area was increased from 15 to 40 miles. This allowed for the "bajos" (shallow waters over sea mounts that supply biodiversity) to be protected and the habitat of long ranging animals to be protected.
A "Participatory Management Group" was created to act at the operational level which also represented all local stakeholders
Industrial fishing was outlawed within the boundaries of the Marine Reserve and only locally based artisanal fishing was allowed.
Coastal clean- up program: Local fishing boats are used to travel along the coastlines of the Islands to collect trash.

EDUCATION

Education is also another method people are using to help to preserve the islands.
Wardens and Naturalist Guides go through rigorous training courses and exams before receiving their titles. These are the only people who tour companies employ on their cruises.
Also, scholarships have been offered to Ecuadorian undergraduate and postgraduate students to promote interest in the field, to educate, and to get practical experience in the field.

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