Waste Management Blueprint for the Galápagos Islands

31. IntroductionThe Galápagos Islands have achieved worldwide significance and globalrecognition because of their marine and terrestrial endemic uniqueness;their geological formations; and because of their geographic location at theconvergence of five important marine currents. The islands are also knownworldwide as the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of naturalselection.Key milestones in the modern history of the Galápagos include:1934 Galápagos designated a wildlife sanctuary1959 97% of its terrestrial area declared a National Park1978 Galápagos declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO1984 Galápagos declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO1986 Galápagos Marine Reserve created1998 Galápagos Special Law created2001 Marine Reserve declared a UNESCO World Natural HeritageSiteThe national and internationalattention has attracted many visitors,primarily tourists andEcuadorian immigrants insearch of new employment opportunities.In the late 1960s therewere approximately 2,000 visitorsto the islands each year; by2007, this number had increasedto more than 160,000 per year 1 .The continuous growth in tourismand its associated economicopportunity has also caused asteady growth in immigration.The current population growthis greater than 6% annually 2 . Ifthis trend continues, the populationof the islands will doublewithin 12 years.This growth in tourism and population has severely impacted the islands,including the introduction of invasive species and increased pressure on thenatural resource base from agriculture and fishing. There has also been anincrease in the demand for infrastructure, goods and services. This has ledto unsustainable levels of energy and water consumption; contamination ofair, soil, and fresh and seawater resources; and public health problems,among others.1. Epler Bruce (2007).“Tourism, the Economy,Population Growth andConservation in Galápagos.”Charles Darwin Foundation,Santa Cruz, Galápagos,Ecuador. 75 pp.2. WWF (2003). “Migration andEnvironment in the GalápagosIslands.” Quito, Ecuador. 135pp.WASTE MANAGEMENT BLUEPRINT FOR THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS