Enforcement

Current Situation:      In the Galapagos, the current enforcement body for preventing invasive species is SICGAL, which stands for the System of Inspection and Quarantine for the Galapagos.(SICGAL, 2004)  SICGAL was formed in 2000, its goal being to diminish contamination of the islands.  Currently, SICGAL cannot perform up to its proposition because of lack of funds. (Galapagos Conservation Trust, 2004)

            Enforcement bodies exist through the various Galapagos authorities, Galapagos National Park and INGALA, try to uphold regulation laws, including topics fishing and immigration, for the local population.   However, like SICGAL, these bodies cannot enforce as well as they want because of lack of resources. (Galapagos Conservation Trust, 2004)

Plan: We want to add the enforcers from our plans of tourism and energy to these enforcement bodies.  They will not go into greater debt because we plan to have ORGALA put funds into this area.  The funds will help for appropriate education and training of all employees as well as management and technologies for current needs of SICGAL, INGALA, and the GNP.  With the knowledge and enforcement position, enforcers will have the incentive to carry out their duties. (Motu, 2004)

Highlights:  We strongly suggest the enforcement regulations include a standard for sterilization of boats, especially for imports and exports.  This will help minimize contamination and invasive species.

            Although ORGALA will give funds to the enforcement bodies and ensure that the funds are reaching their specific targets, the change resulting enforcement will depend highly on the people.  We want to encourage this change from education.

 Sources:

Galapagos Conservation Trust (2004/ NOV,28)). “Issues in the Galapagos” URL http://www.gct.org/issues.html (visited 11/22/2004)

Motu Economic and Public Policy Research (2004). Migration and Environment in the Galapagos