World Heritage in Danger

In June, 2007, the UN World Heritage Committee placed the Galapagos Islands on its World Heritage in Danger list. This reflects the serious and deteriorating situation that IGTOA has reported for several years.

See our News section.

We believe that the Galapagos Islands are at a critical turning point, and decisions taken now will determine whether its fragile terrestrial and marine ecosystems can survive human impact. The future of Galapagos rests on science, conservation, education, and proper management, but these have not been able to keep pace with the growth of tourism and human settlement.

IGTOA welcomes the World Heritage Committee decision, and we hope that it will draw world attention and financial support to the islands.

Please note, however, that this does not mean that tourism to Galapagos will be halted, or that you should not travel to Galapagos. Tourism revenue provides support for conservation, for those who live there, and for the people of Ecuador.

We do, however, ask travelers to be wise in their choice of tour operators.
Look for companies practicing responsible tourism. And please be willing to
contribute toward conservation.

IGTOA's member companies work to support conservation efforts by funding projects. Those who have chosen to become a part of our association have made an extra commitment toward responsible tourism.

By traveling with an IGTOA member, you can be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

See our IGTOA members.