Isolated from the mainland for more than 4 million years, the Galapagos Islands are a world unto themselves with rare plants and animals founds nowhere else in the world. As the effects of climate change take hold, however, isolation can no longer protect these islands from the impact of mankind.

Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos are in a state of constant change. Every two to seven years, the El Niño phenomenon warms surrounding ocean waters, prevents nutrient-rich cooler water from rising, and ultimately chokes the marine food chain off at the bottom, affecting the entire ecosystem. Coral reefs are lost. Animal populations crash. Entire breeding patterns are thrown off.

Imagine the compounded effects of unchecked tourism and immigration or the accidental introduction of invasive species to this fragile, breathtaking ecosystem.

CI was one of the first organizations to contribute to the Galapagos Trust Fund – developed to direct tourism financing to support the implementation of ecologically sound tourism in the Galapagos. It encourages a well-managed model based on our principles of involving key stakeholders – from local laborers, to tour operators, to the tourists themselves – keeping conservation at the heart of tourism, and ensuring benefits to local people. We continue to promote this initiative in our work and help generate additional and continued funding sources.

IN DEPTH: Explore more ecotourism destinations.