Galapagos Assignment Flashcards
How did Darwin’s visit to the Galapagos transform the islands?
Turned island into a scientific landmark and tourist destination
Main economic activity?
Tourism
How has the tourism industry changed in recent years?
Tourism has moved more to the local sector (more people stay on the islands)
How can tourism affect the sustainability of the biophysical environment?
Oil spills, land use changes, etc.
What factors account for the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos?
Isolation
What factors put endemic and native species at risk?
Low numbers of individuals, specific distribution ranges, etc.
How does the global perspective of the Galapagos differ from the native perspective of the Galapagos?
Global: Unique destination where you can study evolution
Native: Frontier where nature must be humanized
What important transformation occurred in 1959?
Charles Darwin Station was founded
Ecuadorian government create Galapagos National Park
How do tour companies portray the Galapagos? What information is often omitted?
Ecotourist Wonderland full of interesting animals and plants
The presence of local people
What resource does the article describe as a “one of the most limiting resources in the Galapagos”?
Freshwater
What is the significance of the Special Law of the Galapagos?
Regulates many activities (migration, fisheries, and tourism)
How have local people adapted to the changing social and ecological environments? What challenges are associated with these changes?
Taking part in the local tourist industry, with hotels, scuba diving practices, and tour boats
Face challenges by other wealthier tour companies who get most of the permits
What growing tourist group is identified in the article as constituting an important source of income for the local population?
International students and volunteers
According to the article, what is needed for the system to be more sustainable?
Viewpoint must change from dominating nature to preserving nature
