Persistence, vulnerabilities and inequalities in paradise, Galapagos

Abstract

The intricate relationship between nature, tourism and society in an unique place like Galapagos is analyzed from diverse perspectives, in which it is take into consideration some key aspects like conservation, the residents and tourists perceptions and the tourism phenomenon as a disruptor element in a protected area. Tourism is the economic driver of Galapagos, which sometimes leads to the displacement (gentrification?) of residents in the urban areas of the archipelago, as well as the impact on the flora and fauna, because of the increase of tourists and residents and finally the change of tourists perception in relation with a eco-tourist destination. Moreover, there is a conflict for the use of the public sites between tourists and residents, who feel relegated from these leisure and recreation places, destined specially for tourists, which at the end is a sort of inequality and spatial segregation with the residents.In this context, with an emphasis in the relationship nature-society and considering the dichotomic nature of Galapagos being a protected area but also a growing town, but also conservation and development at the same time, urban and rural, nature and society, an multidisciplinary approach is proposed. This article is centered in a reflection of the socio ecological dynamics in Galapagos, based in some data with the goal of evaluating the relationship nature-society. We evaluate the residents and tourists’ perceptions, as well as the urban development and growth in the last thirty years with a critical view of the tourism development in this place of world relevance.

gentrification

exclusion

socio spatial segregation

expectations

sustainability