University of Aarhus ECOTOURISM AS A WAY TO PROTECT ...

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Ecotourism as a sustainable way to protect nature excellent framework for conservation there still is negotiation on how to define “artisanal” fishery. 3.1.6 The New Special Law In 1997 the government set up a process of consultation and negotiation, which included representatives from conservations groups, the tourism industry, industrialist, environmental authorities and representatives from national and international organizations. The Charles Darwin Research Station participated as an advisor. After a series of meetings they reached an agreement on how to promote conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development in the Province of Galapagos. The laws contain the following regulations. 1) Control of introduced species, by regulating transport of introduced species, eradication in agricultural lands, a quarantine inspection system, environmental impact assessment (EIA) and audit. 2) Local participation and appreciation. This should among other things be promoted by environmental education. Institutions and individuals have duty to participate in controlling of introduced species. To incentive the locals, they have to be some local economic benefits, in terms of improved social service, exclusive rights to future tourism and fishing opportunities. Local responsibility is also enhanced through participation in the Marine Reserves authority and the INGALA council (National Institution for the Galapagos, which arise with the new law. It is responsible for coordinating policies and planning throughout the Galapagos). 3) Tax incentives for organizations that train local residents and the law also oblige employers to hire permanent residents rather than employ outsiders. 54
Ecotourism as a sustainable way to protect nature 4) Redistribution of the revenues from Park entrance fees. 40% will go to the National Park service, 40% to the town councils and other local authorities. The quarantine system, Marine Reserve, the navy and Ecuador’s other national parks will split the last 20%. 5) Stabilization of the Island population. Only those who have lived on the island for more than five years will be eligible for legal residency. 6) Setting aside of another 2% of the islands territory for human settlement. 7) Extending the zone of protected water from 50.000 to 130.000 square kilometres. The Marine Reserve is to be managed by INEFAN (Ecuador’s national park service) under the overall authority of an interinstitutional committee composed of four ministries and three stakeholder group (tourism, fisheries and scientific and an educational group). 8) Banding of industrial fishing for sharks and sea cucumbers, but permitting local fishermen to fish seasonally for lobsters and specified types of fish (Charles Darwin Foundation, 1998 and Honey, 1999) 3.1.7. Conclusion The Galapagos Islands are a little paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, with a well-run national park and a biological research station. There are scientists, natural guides, low-impact floating hotels and environmental aware tourists, and a well working cooperation between tour operators and the national park service. Ecotourism on the Galapagos is a roll-model for sustainable tourism management. However in the latter half of 1990s there has been fire, slaughter of tortoises, illegal fishing, demonstration and other troubles. The tourism has expanded too rapidly without any planning or governmental control. With the New Special Law, the government does after all try to stand up to tourism. 55
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