The article I read is about the devastation being inflicted upon the Galapagos Islands as a result of overpopulation and a ballooning tourism industry. Problems include habitat loss, alien species, pollution, and poaching. Scientists now say that if these problems are not addressed quickly and efficiently, the damage done to the Galapagos Islands will be irreversible.
The Galapagos Islands house an ecosystem unique to any other in the world. Their impressive quantities of endemic flora and fauna that have evolved over thousands of years are rare and irreplaceable. The Galapagos Islands also take credit for inspiring one of the most highly regarded scientific theories to date, the theory of evolution. Taking all this into consideration, it is shocking and appalling to read about the carelessness with which this one of a kind environment is being treated not only by tourists but natives and immigrants as well.
Although rules and regulations exist to protect the flora and fauna of the islands, they are expensive to properly enforce, which has led to the destruction of much of the ecosystem and the extinction of many different unique species. At this point, what needs to occur is a dramatic change in Ecuador’s tourism industry, before it is to late to reverse the damage being done. Tax incentives and strict fines should be implemented to encourage proper treatment of the environment and further support the economy. If Ecuador can increase the quality of their tourism, as opposed to the quantity, they can still rely on it as one of their main sources of revenue in a sustainable manner.
It is going to require an enormous effort to stop the devastation of the Galapagos Islands while the opportunity still exists. It is achievable through environmental education and the practice of sustainable tourism.
No comments:
Post a Comment