Ecuador and Galapagos Tourism - Different Views discussed

From my perspective, the Galapagos ecosystem needs strict protection from excessive tourism, much like the Peruvian Govt. has instituted at Macchu Picchu. Tour operators and the hospitality industry in general are notorious for ignoring environmental concerns the minute authority turns its back. If tourism were not regulated, the Galapagos would consist of thousands of beachfront bars with the attending environmental catastrophe. Without regulation, this would happen, period and quickly. And this is also following the money, just on a far more rudimentary level. It's the money to feed a family, to buy a scooter, a flatscreen TV, a stove, a car, to take a trip to see the family..etc. And money. lots of it, and resources, are required to regulate, to clean, to enforce, to set policy to plan for the perpetuity of the system. 

Without that, The Galapagos would be another Bahia. The underlying assumption that most people would be cautious with and respectful of nature is erroneous...that is largely dependent upon the bio/psycho/social level of development they are at. We see the rain forest being clear cut by the thousands of hectares monthly, for charcoal to sell, to put food on people's tables...for grazing.

In parts of India I have traveled, there are areas that have no trees and no stones. All have been taken for personal use, leaving nothing but blight. Why? Unlimited, unregulated access, that's why. Why would the Galapagos be any different? Until people reach a certain level of development, they do not have an environmental awareness and do not see a bigger picture.. Personally, I will not visit the Galapagos because I don't want to impact it. I say if its too expensive to visit, that benefits the ecosystem by limiting access. 

The discussion of how rank and privilege operate in societies and grant access to anything for the few as opposed to the many...is for another time.. Ecology goes beyond the human need to revel in its beauty. All this is the result of modernity, which has brought us so many marvels. But nature is not applauding modernity..it is weeping. Why destroy yet another marvel of nature so we can be self-congratulatory about 'saving' it? Left alone, it doesn't need so much 'saving'. Of course, i don't deny the current realities and I love a good rant. But still, I will not go for the very reasons above. I think someone might have slipped some vinegar in my coffee! this morning! 

Hahaha, so now I will stop talking !!

Anyways, if you guys have to find out more about tourism in Ecuador, 

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