Galápagos Islands
Country
Ecuador
Inscribed in
1978
Criteria
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "significant concern" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
Situated in the Pacific Ocean some 1,000 km from the South American continent, these 19 islands and the surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’. Located at the confluence of three ocean currents, the Galápagos are a ‘melting pot’ of marine species. Ongoing seismic and volcanic activity reflects the processes that formed the islands. These processes, together with the extreme isolation of the islands, led to the development of unusual animal life – such as the land iguana, the giant tortoise and the many types of finch – that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection following his visit in 1835. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Significant concern
Current state and trend of VALUES
High Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Unique underwater wildlife spectacle
Criterion
(vii)
The Galápagos Marine Reserve is an underwater wildlife spectacle with abundant life ranging from corals and sharks to penguins and marine mammals. No other site in the world can offer the experience of diving with such a diversity of marine life forms. The diversity of underwater geomorphological forms is an added value to the site producing a unique display, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world (World Heritage Committee, 2013).
Unique geological and geomorphological features
Criterion
(viii)
The Galápagos Islands are located where three major tectonic plates meet at the basis of the ocean – the Nazca, Cocos and Pacific plates – which is of significant geological interest. In comparison with most oceanic archipelagos, the Galápagos are very young with the largest and youngest islands, Isabela and Fernandina, being less than one million years, and the oldest islands, Española and San Cristóbal, only somewhere between three to five million years. On-going geological and geomorphological processes, including recent volcanic eruptions, exposed lava flows, small seismic movements, and erosion provide key insights to the puzzle of the origin of the Galápagos Islands. Almost no other site in the world offers protection of such a complete continuum of geological and geomorphological features, presenting for example 35 volcanic cavities on Santa Cruz Island alone, among them a 3 km long lava tunnel (World Heritage Committee, 2013).
Unique example of how ecological, evolutive and biogeographic processes model island's flora and fauna
Criterion
(ix)
The origin of the flora and fauna on the Galápagos Islands has aroused the interest of humanity since the publication of the "Voyage of the Beagle" in 1839 by Charles Darwin. The islands constitute an almost unique example of how ecological, evolutive and biogeographic processes model the flora and fauna on particular islands and an entire archipelago. Thus, Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds, land snails and giant tortoises represent some of the best examples of adaptive radiation in different ecological niches in a geologically recent place that has allowed the survival of intermediate species. Under this dynamic scenery, many other biotic components have evolved in isolation, converting themselves into organisms not found anywhere else on Earth. This includes birds, insects, trees, rodents, iguanas and other endemic reptiles. Likewise, the Marine Reserve is a dynamic example of species interchange influenced by climatic phenomena such as El Niño, observed on the islands and providing important clues about how species evolve under changing conditions (World Heritage Committee, 2013).
High species diversity, including endemic and endangered terrestrial species
Criterion
(x)
The Galápagos Islands have relatively high species diversity for such young oceanic islands, and contain emblematic taxa such as giant tortoises and land iguanas, the most northerly species of penguin in the world, flightless cormorants, as well as the historically important Darwin’s finches and Galápagos mockingbirds. Endemic flora, such as the giant daisy trees Scalesia spp. and many other genera, have also radiated on the islands, forming part of a native flora including about 500 vascular plant species of which about 180 are endemic. Examples of endemic and threatened fauna include 12 native terrestrial mammal species (11 endemic, with 10 threatened or extinct) and 36 reptile species (all endemic and most considered threatened or extinct), as well as the only marine iguana in the world (World Heritage Committee, 2013).
Endemic and endangered marine species
Criterion
(x)
Likewise, the marine fauna has an unusually high level of diversity and endemism, with 2,909 marine species identified with 18.2% endemism. High profile marine species include sharks, whale sharks, rays and cetaceans. The interactions between the marine and terrestrial biotas (e.g. sea lions, marine and terrestrial iguanas, and seabirds) are also exceptional. Recent exploration of deep-sea communities continues to produce new additions to science (World Heritage Committee, 2013).
Assessment information
The Galápagos Islands face multiple, interconnected threats to their unique biodiversity. Invasive species are among the most serious, with 1,575 introduced species recorded—59 of them highly invasive—posing major risks to native flora and fauna. Despite management efforts, ongoing introductions are fuelled by increased marine traffic from tourism, cargo, and research, which also contribute to pollution and ecosystem stress. Plastic pollution further endangers the archipelago, with macroplastics contaminating coastlines, and 52 species (20 endemic) exposed through entanglement and ingestion. Microplastics were found in 52% of marine invertebrates sampled in San Cristóbal. Tourism growth adds pressure, with a record 329,475 visitors in 2023 and a shift toward land-based tourism straining infrastructure and natural resources. Urban expansion, especially on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal, has resulted in inefficient land use and limited sewage coverage, while rising populations and reliance on mainland imports heighten ecological risks. Additionally, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing—especially of sharks and sea cucumbers—continues despite regulations, undermining marine ecosystems. Climate change intensifies these threats, with rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns projected to increase invasive species spread and reduce native species’ resilience. These compounding pressures highlight the urgent need for integrated, adaptive management across the archipelago.
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(Invasive marine and terrestrial species)
Invasive/problematic species
Rattus rattus
Rattus norvegicus
Felis catus
Capra hircus
Philornis downsi
Rubus niveus
Cinchona pubescens
Solenopsis geminata
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Invasive species pose the greatest threat to the conservation of terrestrial biodiversity and one of the greatest threats to marine systems in the Galápagos Islands. Invasive species are in fact, considered one of the main causes of extinctions. Native species, which evolved protected by insular isolation, are not prepared for competitors, predators, pests and parasites from the continent. So far, 1,575 species (terrestrial and marine) have been introduced and established in the archipelago. Most are not problematic, such as agricultural and ornamental plants. However, 59 introduced species are considered highly invasive and 83 are considered potentially invasive, negatively affecting the flora and fauna of the islands (CDF, 2025).
The priority invasive species management strategy has focused on mitigating the impact of species such as the giant African snail (Lissachatina fulica) and the Medfly (Ceratitis capitata). Specific monitoring and control measures have been developed in urban and rural areas to minimize their populations and associated health and ecosystem impacts. These efforts are complemented by ecological restoration actions, in which the ABG has collaborated with eradication projects in Floreana led by the GNP Directorate, and research to control the avian vampire fly (Philornis downsi) that is affecting the survival of unique landbirds, including the iconic Darwin's finches (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) developed the Galapagos Introduced Species Dashboard, an interactive online tool that provides real-time data on species that have been introduced to the islands, detailing their pathways of introduction and potential impacts on the archipelago’s ecosystems. While the CDF leads this project, the management and research concerning introduced species include the GNP Directorate, ABG, and the Ministry of Agriculture. They work together on data collection, monitoring, and developing strategies to prevent and control invasive species. Despite all the above, the number and extent of existing invasive species, and the ever-present threat of new introductions or re-introductions, mean that invasive species remain a high threat (CDF, 2025).
The priority invasive species management strategy has focused on mitigating the impact of species such as the giant African snail (Lissachatina fulica) and the Medfly (Ceratitis capitata). Specific monitoring and control measures have been developed in urban and rural areas to minimize their populations and associated health and ecosystem impacts. These efforts are complemented by ecological restoration actions, in which the ABG has collaborated with eradication projects in Floreana led by the GNP Directorate, and research to control the avian vampire fly (Philornis downsi) that is affecting the survival of unique landbirds, including the iconic Darwin's finches (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) developed the Galapagos Introduced Species Dashboard, an interactive online tool that provides real-time data on species that have been introduced to the islands, detailing their pathways of introduction and potential impacts on the archipelago’s ecosystems. While the CDF leads this project, the management and research concerning introduced species include the GNP Directorate, ABG, and the Ministry of Agriculture. They work together on data collection, monitoring, and developing strategies to prevent and control invasive species. Despite all the above, the number and extent of existing invasive species, and the ever-present threat of new introductions or re-introductions, mean that invasive species remain a high threat (CDF, 2025).
Shipping Lanes
(Marine traffic)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
Marine traffic in the GMR has gradually increased due to the growth of tourist activities, which include boat tours on different routes, the increase of foreign vessels for research and tourism purposes, and cargo ships transporting materials and food for the human population of Galapagos. Military vessels with training routes inside the reserve, as well as transit or forced arrival (accidents, repairs, etc.) of fishing boats from continental Ecuador. All this traffic entails the need for coordination among control agencies and commercial maritime administrations to establish general rules for the prevention of pollution, damage, collisions, sound pollution, introduction of invasive species, and to minimize the pressure on the species and ecosystems (MAE, 2014).
Increased maritime traffic rises the risk of accidents, vessel breakdowns, and oil spills, which can have catastrophic effects on marine life. The 2001 oil spill from the tanker Jessica resulted in a 62% mortality of the marine iguana population on Santa Fe (Wikelski et al, 2002).
Currently, the GNP Directorate conducts an average of 2.5 patrols per day in the GMR, covering more than 11,000 miles per year, and has extended monitoring and control activities to the Hermandad Marine Reserve (HMR) to ensure greater coverage. These activities have been strengthened through collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition (MAATE), the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investment and Fisheries (MPCEIP) and the Ecuadorian Navy to establish transit and reporting protocols to regulate the movement of vessels and improve the ability to respond to unauthorized activities. The incorporation of advanced monitoring technologies has enabled real-time tracking that supports adaptive and more efficient management (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Increased maritime traffic rises the risk of accidents, vessel breakdowns, and oil spills, which can have catastrophic effects on marine life. The 2001 oil spill from the tanker Jessica resulted in a 62% mortality of the marine iguana population on Santa Fe (Wikelski et al, 2002).
Currently, the GNP Directorate conducts an average of 2.5 patrols per day in the GMR, covering more than 11,000 miles per year, and has extended monitoring and control activities to the Hermandad Marine Reserve (HMR) to ensure greater coverage. These activities have been strengthened through collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition (MAATE), the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investment and Fisheries (MPCEIP) and the Ecuadorian Navy to establish transit and reporting protocols to regulate the movement of vessels and improve the ability to respond to unauthorized activities. The incorporation of advanced monitoring technologies has enabled real-time tracking that supports adaptive and more efficient management (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Recreational Activities
(Tourism increases and immigration)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
In 2023, after post-pandemic reopening, there was a peak in visitation to the islands with 329,475 tourists. In 2024 the number of tourists dropped to 279,277, which represents an interannual decrease of 18% in relation to 2023. Comparing the growth between the number of visits received in 2023 with the year 2017 (when the IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission that had specific requests regarding tourism growth took place) there is a cumulative increase of 36%, and 15% if compared with the visits received in 2024 (Observatorio de Turismo de Galápagos, 2025). In 2024, about 79% of tourists stayed on land in urban areas and 21% stayed on board. Between 2007 and 2015, land-based tourism grew by 8%, while ship-based tourism declined by 2%. Of the total number of tourist arrivals in 2024, 72% came through Baltra Island Airport and 28% through San Cristóbal Airport (Dirección del PNG, 2024).
The tourists that stay in urban areas, along with permanent residents, demand goods and services that have a cumulative anthropogenic effect on the limited resources of the islands (e.g., energy, water, sanitation, waste treatment, fossil-fuel based mobility) (State Party of Ecuador, 2019).
The tourists that stay in urban areas, along with permanent residents, demand goods and services that have a cumulative anthropogenic effect on the limited resources of the islands (e.g., energy, water, sanitation, waste treatment, fossil-fuel based mobility) (State Party of Ecuador, 2019).
Fishing, Harvesting & Controlling Aquatic Species
(Illegal fishing and bycatch of protected and commercial species)
Other targeted species names
Yellowfin (Thunnus albacares), bigeye (Thunnus obesus), and skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis); Xiphias gladius; Carcharhinus limbatus; Carcharhinus galapagensis;Sphyrna lewini; Mobula birostris
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, along with climate change, poses a major threat to the sustainability of tuna fisheries and marine biodiversity in the GMR and the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR). The primary concern is illegal shark and tuna fishing by national and foreign vessels within and around the GMR, along with incidental bycatch of sharks and other species. Ecuador prohibits shark finning and commercial exploitation, allowing only incidental landings of whole sharks outside the GMR. Shark capture, landing, and trade are entirely banned within the GMR. Despite these regulations, around 200,000 sharks are landed annually in Ecuador, suggesting illegal shark fishing near the GMR. Additionally, research suggests that pinniped foraging areas lie outside the GMR’s Conservation Zone, increasing conflicts between fisheries and endangered species (Ventura et al., 2019).
Overfishing combined with changes to the marine climate have led to the destruction of most coral reefs in the Galapagos, some of which existed for centuries. Overfishing of sharks has disrupted entire marine ecosystems, with illegal boats targeting them for their fins to meet Asian market demand. Between 2009 and 2017, the GNP captured 19 illegal fishing vessels, including one Chinese boat in 2017 carrying over 6,000 sharks. Once these sharks move outside of protected waters, they become highly vulnerable to industrial fishing bycatch. Sea cucumbers, also for Asian markets, faced severe depletion in the 1990s, leading to a fishing ban, later replaced by quotas. Despite these measures, sea cucumber and lobster populations remain low. The loss of large predators and lobsters has allowed sea urchins to overpopulate, overgrazing coral and preventing reef recovery (Galápagos Conservation Trust, 2025).
Management to address IUU fishing has progressed with the inclusion of the HMR as part of Ecuador's National System of Protected Areas (SNAP) in 2022, and the implementation of a more robust monitoring and surveillance system that will clearly identify industrial fishing boats with unauthorized gear (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Overfishing combined with changes to the marine climate have led to the destruction of most coral reefs in the Galapagos, some of which existed for centuries. Overfishing of sharks has disrupted entire marine ecosystems, with illegal boats targeting them for their fins to meet Asian market demand. Between 2009 and 2017, the GNP captured 19 illegal fishing vessels, including one Chinese boat in 2017 carrying over 6,000 sharks. Once these sharks move outside of protected waters, they become highly vulnerable to industrial fishing bycatch. Sea cucumbers, also for Asian markets, faced severe depletion in the 1990s, leading to a fishing ban, later replaced by quotas. Despite these measures, sea cucumber and lobster populations remain low. The loss of large predators and lobsters has allowed sea urchins to overpopulate, overgrazing coral and preventing reef recovery (Galápagos Conservation Trust, 2025).
Management to address IUU fishing has progressed with the inclusion of the HMR as part of Ecuador's National System of Protected Areas (SNAP) in 2022, and the implementation of a more robust monitoring and surveillance system that will clearly identify industrial fishing boats with unauthorized gear (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Residential Areas, Commercial & Industrial Areas, Recreation & Tourism Areas
(Urbanization pressures and increasing demand of good and services from the local population and tourists)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Disorderly urban planning, poor management of solid and liquid waste, high dependence on non-renewable energy sources, increased dependence on fossil fuels for transportation, increased demand and dependence on products and goods from the mainland, increases the possibility of introducing invasive marine and terrestrial species, substantial increase in the number of tourists per year are major risks threatening the conservation of Galapagos biological diversity and the viability of the human populations on the islands (CDF, 2019).
Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal islands are the most developed and inhabited, whose main towns show clear signs of pressure for growth, despite their low density and inefficient use of space. Urbanization can become a destructive force in the islands if its process is not understood and guided (López and Quiroga, 2019).
According to the 2022 population census, the current population of the islands is 28,583 inhabitants, showing a cumulative increase of 20.96% with respect to the 2010 population. Around 79,60% lives in urban areas and 20.40% in rural areas, all in the Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela islands. Only 29.40% of the households are served by sewage systems, and 87.80% have access to drinking water (INEC, 2022).
Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal islands are the most developed and inhabited, whose main towns show clear signs of pressure for growth, despite their low density and inefficient use of space. Urbanization can become a destructive force in the islands if its process is not understood and guided (López and Quiroga, 2019).
According to the 2022 population census, the current population of the islands is 28,583 inhabitants, showing a cumulative increase of 20.96% with respect to the 2010 population. Around 79,60% lives in urban areas and 20.40% in rural areas, all in the Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela islands. Only 29.40% of the households are served by sewage systems, and 87.80% have access to drinking water (INEC, 2022).
Changes in Temperature Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Changes in temperature and precipitation regimes)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
The Galápagos Islands have warmed by about 0.6 °C since the early 1980s, while at the same time becoming drier. The onset of the wet season is currently delayed by 20 days. This drying trend may reverse, however, given that future climate projections for the region suggest mean annual precipitation may increase between 20% and 70% and temperature may even increase up to 2.5 °C in comparison with the last four decades. This would be accompanied by more extreme wet and hot conditions. Further, regional sea surface temperatures has increased by 1.2 °C over the last two decades. These changes will, in turn, translate into deterioration of marine ecosystems and coral, proliferation of invasive species, and damages to human water, food, and infrastructure systems. Increase in rainfall conditions as a result of ENSO events can trigger a substantial growth of herbs and change the community structure of arid ecosystems, making them more susceptible to colonization by invasive species. The increase in the prevalence of pathogens and parasites during rainy conditions can also lead to bird populations (e.g. finches and mockingbirds) being overwhelmed, resulting in lower breeding and fledging success. Likewise, wetter conditions may alter plant growth and community structure, accelerate soil erosion rates, and provide better conditions for invasive species (Paltán, et al., 2021).
During periods of ocean warming (El Niño events) when endemic species undergo nutritional stress, climate change may increase the vulnerability of these species to the impacts of pollutants, resulting in the species reaching its population tipping point (Alava et al., 2022).
During periods of ocean warming (El Niño events) when endemic species undergo nutritional stress, climate change may increase the vulnerability of these species to the impacts of pollutants, resulting in the species reaching its population tipping point (Alava et al., 2022).
Garbage & Solid Waste
(Plastic pollution)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
Plastic pollution is an ongoing, pervasive global problem that represents a risk to the Galápagos archipelago. With macroplastic abundance ranging from 0.003 to 2.87 items/m2, five sampled Galápagos bioregions are contaminated with plastic pollution along their coastlines. The distribution of this debris is not uniform, with macroplastics significantly higher on the windward shores. Based on the identification information found on the examined items, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) was the most predominant type of plastic originating from both consumer and fisheries-based products deriving primarily from Perú, China, and Ecuador. Through citizen science, researchers documented plastic pollution exposure in 52 species (20 endemic) in terrestrial and marine environments, with exposure occurring in two ways: entanglement and ingestion. These included reptiles (8 species), birds (13 species), mammals (4 species), cartilaginous fish (7 species), bony fish (14 species), and invertebrates (6 species). The top five species with the greatest risk of serious harm due to entanglement (in decreasing order) were identified as green sea turtles, marine iguanas, whale sharks, spine-tail mobulas, and medium-ground finches. In contrast, Santa Cruz tortoises, green sea turtles, marine iguanas, black-striped salemas, and Galápagos sea lions were at the highest risk of harm due to the ingestion of plastics. Research indicates that plastic pollution is a growing problem in the Galápagos archipelago and that additional work is necessary to mitigate its impact now and in the future (Muñoz et al., 2023).
Several studies quoted by Alava et al. (2022) reported 27 species of Galápagos' fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals were estimated to be at high risk of entanglement or ingestion of macroplastics (>5 mm). In San Cristóbal, seven marine in-vertebrate species sampled were found to contain micro-plastics (<5 mm), with an average prevalence of ingestion of 52% across all specimens. Finches living in urbanized San Cristóbal have been found to include plastic debris in their nests. Galápagos sea lions have been observed interacting with floating shing gear, plastic, nylon, and rope.
The 2024 State of Conservation Report reports that plastic pollution represents a significant threat to the marine and terrestrial biodiversity, directly affecting the attributes of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). Recent studies have identified that plastics from local and international sources, transported by
ocean currents, impact protected areas and marine fauna, including emblematic species (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Several studies quoted by Alava et al. (2022) reported 27 species of Galápagos' fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals were estimated to be at high risk of entanglement or ingestion of macroplastics (>5 mm). In San Cristóbal, seven marine in-vertebrate species sampled were found to contain micro-plastics (<5 mm), with an average prevalence of ingestion of 52% across all specimens. Finches living in urbanized San Cristóbal have been found to include plastic debris in their nests. Galápagos sea lions have been observed interacting with floating shing gear, plastic, nylon, and rope.
The 2024 State of Conservation Report reports that plastic pollution represents a significant threat to the marine and terrestrial biodiversity, directly affecting the attributes of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). Recent studies have identified that plastics from local and international sources, transported by
ocean currents, impact protected areas and marine fauna, including emblematic species (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Since 2017, the ABG has strengthened Galápagos biosecurity by reducing invasive species entry, notably lowering the Index of Introduced Species Entry from 313.97 (Q1 2022) to 9.52 (Q3 2024). This improvement results from enhanced preventive measures, including upgraded inspection infrastructure at Baltra and San Cristóbal airports and increased controls at the port of Guayaquil. In 2023, 70% of baggage was inspected, leading to the detention of 3,535 high-risk products—65.1% intercepted at origin and 34.9% at destination. However, rising cargo volumes, infrastructure constraints, and budget limitations continue to pose challenges.
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(New introductions and re-introduction of marine and terrestrial invasive species)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
Since 2018, the ABG has improved biosecurity by reducing the rate of invasive species entry and establishment, following key recommendations of that year's Reactive Monitoring mission. Despite this progress, challenges remain due to increased cargo and transport volumes, infrastructure limitations, and reduced budgets, highlighting the need to strengthen biosecurity efforts further. Among the most notable achievements is the decrease in the Index of Introduced Species Entry to the Galápagos Islands (IIEI) , which went from 313.97 in the first quarter of 2022 to 9.52 at the close of the third quarter of 2024. This progress is attributed to efforts to implement preventive measures, such as strengthening inspection points at the airports of Baltra and San Cristóbal, with advanced infrastructure and equipment; and, at the port of Guayaquil, actions to monitor/control species in the container yard and the installation of physical barriers and technological tools. In 2023, 70% of baggage was inspected in Galápagos and 3,535 high-risk products were detained, 65.1% of which were intercepted at origin and 34.9% at destination (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
The Participatory Management Advisory Council of the Galápagos Marine Reserve, created by LOREG in 2015, is a consultative body that promotes agreements between the public and private sector regarding the management and sustainable use of the Galápagos Marine Reserve. Its main goal is to advice the Park Directorate and other state agencies. The Council is integrated by representatives of fishermen groups, tourism sector including tourist guides, and other civil society and non-governmental organizations, the Galápagos National Park Director and other state agencies representatives (CGREG, 2019).
The Park Directorate is calling for stronger participatory planning and an adaptive management approach. Currently, the zoning of protected areas is being revised with the active participation of diverse stakeholders, the 2024 State of Conservation Report was developed with stakeholder participation, and several initiatives related to tourism, the hotel regulation plan, among others, count with multiple stakeholders participation (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
The Park Directorate is calling for stronger participatory planning and an adaptive management approach. Currently, the zoning of protected areas is being revised with the active participation of diverse stakeholders, the 2024 State of Conservation Report was developed with stakeholder participation, and several initiatives related to tourism, the hotel regulation plan, among others, count with multiple stakeholders participation (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Legal framework
The Galápagos Special Regime Law (LOREG) enacted in 2015 and regulated in 2017, provides a robust legal framework for the Galápagos National Park and Galápagos Marine Reserve protection and sustainable use, addressing institutional, protected areas, sustainable development and land use planning issues, based on the precautionary principle, rights of nature and stakeholders participation, among others. LOREG and other related regulations are aligned with the protected areas Management Plan, including key issues like land use planning of the urban areas, facilitating sustainable development actions. The competencies given to the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency are key to ensure law enforcement to maintain the phytosanitary conditions of the islands (State Party of Ecuador, 2019).
Governance arrangements
The Galápagos Special Regime Law (LOREG) defines the role of the Government Council, local governments and other state agencies within the islands, facilitating sustainable development actions and the implementation of planning instruments in the urban areas of the inhabited islands. The Government Council Plenary, with a key role in decision making, includes the participation of local governments and parishes (LOREG, 2015). The Participatory Management Advisory Council, integrated by governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, have a key role in supporting and advising the Park Directorate (CGREG, 2019).
The National Park Directorate is an administrative decentralized entity of the Ministry of the Environment, responsible for the management, control, law enforcement and inter institutional coordination of the protected areas (MAE, 2014).
The National Park Directorate is an administrative decentralized entity of the Ministry of the Environment, responsible for the management, control, law enforcement and inter institutional coordination of the protected areas (MAE, 2014).
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
The Sustainable Development and Land Management Plan for the Special Regime of Galapagos (in Plan Galapagos 2030; CGREG, 2020) was developed with the community gathering shared visions for Galapagos in the next 10 years. The plan focuses on five areas: governance, environment, habitat, community, and economy. It has a land use chapter that aims to organize anthropogenic activities within the urban areas that account for 3.28% of the islands territory. Plan Galapagos 2030 can be seen as a roadmap that provides the foundations for a stable and diversified economy, promoting appropriate conditions for innovation, investment, and responsible growth (CGREG, 2020).
Boundaries
The Galápagos National Park and the Galápagos Marine Reserve have clear and well established boundaries (MAE, 2014). The designation of the Hermandad Marine Reserve (HMR) in 2022, a new marine protected area, located between the GMR and Coco Island in Costa Rica, represents a significant advancement in the protection of threatened, endangered, and iconic species (State Party of Ecuador, 2022). A total of 60,000 km2 was added to the existing 138,000 km2 of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The total area of protected marine habitat around the Galapagos Islands are 198,000 km2 (CDF, 2025A).
The HMR includes a no-take area of 30,000 km2 in the centre of the reserve with a “responsible fishing zone” of 22,000 km2, and a longline exclusion zone of 8,000 km2. This new marine reserve complements the Galápagos Marine Reserve and the marine protection of Coco Island, representing a significant advance in the protection of open ocean ecosystems (State Party of Ecuador, 2022).
In the inhabited islands, pressure does exist from urban areas outside the protected areas (State Party of Ecuador, 2019). The Plan Galapagos 2030 has a chapter on land use that aims to organize anthropogenic activities within the 3.28% of the islands' territory, making urban areas compatible with the natural environment that surrounds them, integrating land use planning policies (CGREG, 2020).
The HMR includes a no-take area of 30,000 km2 in the centre of the reserve with a “responsible fishing zone” of 22,000 km2, and a longline exclusion zone of 8,000 km2. This new marine reserve complements the Galápagos Marine Reserve and the marine protection of Coco Island, representing a significant advance in the protection of open ocean ecosystems (State Party of Ecuador, 2022).
In the inhabited islands, pressure does exist from urban areas outside the protected areas (State Party of Ecuador, 2019). The Plan Galapagos 2030 has a chapter on land use that aims to organize anthropogenic activities within the 3.28% of the islands' territory, making urban areas compatible with the natural environment that surrounds them, integrating land use planning policies (CGREG, 2020).
Overlapping international designations
The Galápagos Islands are covered by several overlapping international designations. These include: 1) UNESCO World Heritage Site covers the Galápagos National Park (1971) and the Galapagos Marine Reserve (2001); 2) UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1984, expanded in 2019); 3) Ramsar Site (2002) located in the Isabela Island Wetlands with around 55,000 ha (CDF, 2025A); 4) CMAR – Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (2004) shared with Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama, a regional initiative for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, marine and coastal resources, which seeks ecosystemic management and the establishment of joint regional governmental strategies. CMAR is composed by technical and political bodies from the governments of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Panamá (CMAR, 2025).
In 2022, the Galápagos Marine Reserve was expanded with the creation of the Hermandad Marine Reserve (HMR), a new marine protected area located between the GMR and Coco Island with an area of 60,000 km2, that was added to the existing 138,000 km2 of the Galápagos Marine Reserve, accounting for a total area of protected marine habitat around the Galápagos Islands of 198,000 km2 (CDF, 2025A).
The National Park Directorate is the administrative decentralized entity of the Ministry of the Environment, responsible for the management, control, law enforcement and inter institutional coordination the Galápagos islands (MAE, 2014). International designations are considered in an integrated manner when implementing activities and making decisions.
In 2022, the Galápagos Marine Reserve was expanded with the creation of the Hermandad Marine Reserve (HMR), a new marine protected area located between the GMR and Coco Island with an area of 60,000 km2, that was added to the existing 138,000 km2 of the Galápagos Marine Reserve, accounting for a total area of protected marine habitat around the Galápagos Islands of 198,000 km2 (CDF, 2025A).
The National Park Directorate is the administrative decentralized entity of the Ministry of the Environment, responsible for the management, control, law enforcement and inter institutional coordination the Galápagos islands (MAE, 2014). International designations are considered in an integrated manner when implementing activities and making decisions.
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
Progress has been made in implementing 2017 IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission recommendations. However pending challenges include, achieving the long term vision to sustain the tourism market without increasing visitation to the islands (World Heritage Committee, 2018). Aiming to comply with Decision 45 COM 7B.67 of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) from 2022, that recommends the development and implementation of a tourism strategy to achieve a zero growth model, the National Park Directorate is proposing a strategy and action plan for tourism management (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Regarding Decision 45 COM 7B.67 of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) from 2022, there has been important progress to comply with biosecurity measures through strengthening of the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency, the implementation of the Invasive Species Management Plan and its mid-term evaluation planned for 2025. Following WHC recommendations, Ecuador is promoting the establishment of a transboundary marine biosphere reserve encompassing World Heritage sites of Costa Rica, Colombia and Panama. The biosphere reserve expansion dossier is in its final phase of socialization (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
The fight against IUU fishing has made progress with the implementation of a more robust monitoring and surveillance system that will clearly identify industrial fishing vessels with unauthorized gear. Looking ahead, the application of advanced monitoring technologies and the consolidation of regional agreements are key points for adaptive management that includes neighbouring countries (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Regarding Decision 45 COM 7B.67 of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) from 2022, there has been important progress to comply with biosecurity measures through strengthening of the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency, the implementation of the Invasive Species Management Plan and its mid-term evaluation planned for 2025. Following WHC recommendations, Ecuador is promoting the establishment of a transboundary marine biosphere reserve encompassing World Heritage sites of Costa Rica, Colombia and Panama. The biosphere reserve expansion dossier is in its final phase of socialization (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
The fight against IUU fishing has made progress with the implementation of a more robust monitoring and surveillance system that will clearly identify industrial fishing vessels with unauthorized gear. Looking ahead, the application of advanced monitoring technologies and the consolidation of regional agreements are key points for adaptive management that includes neighbouring countries (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Climate action
Research findings emphasize the need to design resilient climate adaptation policies that will remain robust in the face of a wide range of uncertain and changing climatic futures (Paltán et al., 2021). Climate change is included in one of the strategies of the current Management Plan of the archipelago (MAE, 2014). No information was found regarding its use to guide management, results and impact.
Climate and ocean change is part of Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) research priorities. Positioning CDF as the central regional climatic repository for both data and scientific expertise will allow for synthesis and sharing of big climatic data, for the Galapagos and the Eastern Tropical Pacific terrestrial and marine ecosystems, while also assessing available means to mitigate and adapt to the regional impacts of climate change (CDF, 2023).
Climate and ocean change is part of Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) research priorities. Positioning CDF as the central regional climatic repository for both data and scientific expertise will allow for synthesis and sharing of big climatic data, for the Galapagos and the Eastern Tropical Pacific terrestrial and marine ecosystems, while also assessing available means to mitigate and adapt to the regional impacts of climate change (CDF, 2023).
Management plan and overall management system
The Management Plan for the Galápagos Protected Areas (2014-2025), developed with broad stakeholders participation, includes values, management objectives, key threats and desired management outcomes for a ten year period. The management plan implementation is led by the National Park Directorate, an administrative decentralized entity of the Ministry of the Environment, responsible for the management, control, law enforcement and inter institutional coordination of both protected areas (MAE, 2014). The current revision of the zoning of the protected areas of Galapagos is setting the stage for the immediate review and update of the Galapagos Protected Areas Management Plan, starting in 2025 (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
The Ministry of the Environment of Ecuador (MAE), with technical assistance from the National Park Directorate and the Agency for Regulation and Control of Biosecurity and Quarantine for Galapagos (ABG) and funding from the Galapagos Invasive Species Fund (GISF) developed the Invasive Species Management Plan for Galapagos 2019-2029. The plan proposes a ten-year vision to consolidate biosafety and integrated management processes, aiming to minimize the negative impacts of invasive species on biodiversity and health (PNG - ABG, 2019). To address plastic pollution threat, a Coastal and Marine Plastics Management Plan 2030 is planned to be launched in 2025.
The ABG has made significant progress in the implementation of biosecurity measures, in line with the Ten-Year Invasive Species Management Plan for Galapagos (2019-2029) and UNESCO recommendations. An approach that prioritizes immediate response and prevention has been adopted. Progress includes updating the list of products and by-products of animal and plant origin regulated for entry into the islands based on their sanitary risk, and specific protocols for the entry of poultry products to reduce the risk of introducing diseases. The automated systems for cargo and passenger goods declarations improve traceability and threat detection at entry points, with a new system launched in December 2024. Efforts to manage invasive species focus on controlling the giant African snail and Medfly through targeted measures and educational programs. The ABG has also supported restoration efforts, including funding eradication projects in Floreana and research on the avian vampire fly affecting native birds. In animal and plant health, ABG maintains five disease-free certifications from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). The Ten-Year Plan mid-term evaluation is planned for 2025, aiming to analyse the results obtained and redefine their management strategy in an adaptive manner (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
The Ministry of the Environment of Ecuador (MAE), with technical assistance from the National Park Directorate and the Agency for Regulation and Control of Biosecurity and Quarantine for Galapagos (ABG) and funding from the Galapagos Invasive Species Fund (GISF) developed the Invasive Species Management Plan for Galapagos 2019-2029. The plan proposes a ten-year vision to consolidate biosafety and integrated management processes, aiming to minimize the negative impacts of invasive species on biodiversity and health (PNG - ABG, 2019). To address plastic pollution threat, a Coastal and Marine Plastics Management Plan 2030 is planned to be launched in 2025.
The ABG has made significant progress in the implementation of biosecurity measures, in line with the Ten-Year Invasive Species Management Plan for Galapagos (2019-2029) and UNESCO recommendations. An approach that prioritizes immediate response and prevention has been adopted. Progress includes updating the list of products and by-products of animal and plant origin regulated for entry into the islands based on their sanitary risk, and specific protocols for the entry of poultry products to reduce the risk of introducing diseases. The automated systems for cargo and passenger goods declarations improve traceability and threat detection at entry points, with a new system launched in December 2024. Efforts to manage invasive species focus on controlling the giant African snail and Medfly through targeted measures and educational programs. The ABG has also supported restoration efforts, including funding eradication projects in Floreana and research on the avian vampire fly affecting native birds. In animal and plant health, ABG maintains five disease-free certifications from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). The Ten-Year Plan mid-term evaluation is planned for 2025, aiming to analyse the results obtained and redefine their management strategy in an adaptive manner (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Law enforcement
The ratification of the sentence for the environmental crime committed by the China Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999 vessel, and the sentence against the Ecuadorian fishing boat “Don Gerard”, whose crew got a sentence of between 1 and 3 years, in both cases for the crime of possession and transport of protected and endangered species within the Galápagos Marine Reserve, are considered law enforcement milestones lead by the Park Directorate with support of the Ecuadorian Navy (State Party of Ecuador, 2019).
Since 2018, the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency has been strengthened with equipment, infrastructure and qualified permanent staff, to ensure the phytosanitary conditions of the islands and comply with the prevention, control and eradication of non-native species. This progress is attributed to efforts to implement preventive measures, such as strengthening inspection points at the airports of Baltra and San Cristóbal, with advanced infrastructure and equipment; and, at the port of Guayaquil, actions to monitor/control species in the container yard and the installation of physical barriers and technological tools (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
The fight against IUU fishing has progressed with the inclusion of the HMR as part of Ecuador's National System of Protected Areas (SNAP) in 2022, and the implementation of a more robust monitoring and surveillance system that will clearly identify industrial fishing boats with unauthorized gear (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Since 2018, the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency has been strengthened with equipment, infrastructure and qualified permanent staff, to ensure the phytosanitary conditions of the islands and comply with the prevention, control and eradication of non-native species. This progress is attributed to efforts to implement preventive measures, such as strengthening inspection points at the airports of Baltra and San Cristóbal, with advanced infrastructure and equipment; and, at the port of Guayaquil, actions to monitor/control species in the container yard and the installation of physical barriers and technological tools (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
The fight against IUU fishing has progressed with the inclusion of the HMR as part of Ecuador's National System of Protected Areas (SNAP) in 2022, and the implementation of a more robust monitoring and surveillance system that will clearly identify industrial fishing boats with unauthorized gear (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Sustainable finance
Galápagos has served as a model for sustainable finance with the early establishment of a market-based entrance fee system. The increase in the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park and Galapagos Marine Reserve for the first time in 26 years, approved in February 2024, is considered an important achievement (State Party of Ecuador, 2024). Additionally, considerable international funding has been mobilized over the years for multiple activities within the National Park and Marine Reserve and the urban areas of the inhabited islands, particularly to address the most important threats to the OUV like invasive species and illegal fishing (IUCN, 2017). The Invasive Species Fund, linked to the Ecuador Sustainable Environmental Investment Fund (FIAS), is another milestone in Galápagos sustainable finance (State Party of Ecuador, 2019). In 2023, the Ecuadorian government announced the largest debt-for-nature conservation swap in the world, which generates a savings of US$1.1 billion in debt for the country, with which will invest USD 450 million for the protection of the Galapagos Islands (MAATE, 2023). The Galapagos Life Fund (GLF), an innovative conservation fund derived from this debt-for-nature swap for conversion, provides stable funding, securing approximately $13 million annually for conservation activities (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Nevertheless, operational budget reductions reported by López-Feldman et al (2020) and the State Party of Ecuador (2024) reduces capacity of the staff to effectively achieve the management objectives of the management plan, despite technical assistance and funding for projects from NGOs (Montaño, 2020; IUCN Consultation, 2020). Until there is further clarity, sustainable finance remains of some concern.
Nevertheless, operational budget reductions reported by López-Feldman et al (2020) and the State Party of Ecuador (2024) reduces capacity of the staff to effectively achieve the management objectives of the management plan, despite technical assistance and funding for projects from NGOs (Montaño, 2020; IUCN Consultation, 2020). Until there is further clarity, sustainable finance remains of some concern.
Staff capacity, training and development
As of November 2019, Galápagos National Park Directorate reported 330 staff, 92% of which were permanent highly trained staff. Around 73% of the total staff had operative roles distributed among four islands (State Party of Ecuador, 2019). Furthermore, since 2018 the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency has been strengthened with equipment, infrastructure and qualified permanent staff with 171 highly trained staff (85% are permanent positions) distributed among four islands, Quito and Guayaquil. The Park Directorate has been supporting nature-based tourist guide training to allow them to lead maritime and terrestrial tours (State Party of Ecuador, 2019). However, concerns have been noted related to operational budget reductions (López-Feldman et al., 2020; State Party of Ecuador, 2024), which likely reduces capacity of the staff to effectively achieve the management objectives of the management plan, despite technical assistance and funding for projects from NGOs (Montaño, 2020; IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Education and interpretation programmes
The development and implementation of the Contextualized Curriculum with a focus on sustainability for Galapagos represents a milestone in education. Approved by the Minister of Education in 2021, its content is grounded in the local environment and reality of Galapagos, using the islands’ ecosystems, species, and socio-economic challenges as core learning tools. This approach seeks not only to raise awareness in the educational community, but also to foster
citizens committed to the conservation of the archipelago. The Contextualized Curriculum with a focus on sustainability is being implemented in Galapagos public schools as part of the efforts of the Ministry of Education, in coordination with the Government Council (CGREG) and other local stakeholders. The model is linked to the Galapagos Agreement for Education that brings together more than 70 members of the public and private sectors to strengthen local capacities to address environmental and social challenges (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) was the first organization in Galapagos to launch a formal community engagement and environmental education program focused on the younger population. The program focuses on imparting scientific knowledge and offering firsthand learning experiences, to nurture a mindset and values that respect and protect the natural world. Through these efforts, they aim to foster the conservation and sustainable development of both the Galapagos ecosystems and the local community (CDF, 2025).
citizens committed to the conservation of the archipelago. The Contextualized Curriculum with a focus on sustainability is being implemented in Galapagos public schools as part of the efforts of the Ministry of Education, in coordination with the Government Council (CGREG) and other local stakeholders. The model is linked to the Galapagos Agreement for Education that brings together more than 70 members of the public and private sectors to strengthen local capacities to address environmental and social challenges (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) was the first organization in Galapagos to launch a formal community engagement and environmental education program focused on the younger population. The program focuses on imparting scientific knowledge and offering firsthand learning experiences, to nurture a mindset and values that respect and protect the natural world. Through these efforts, they aim to foster the conservation and sustainable development of both the Galapagos ecosystems and the local community (CDF, 2025).
Tourism and visitation management
In 2023, after post-pandemic reopening, there was a peak in visitation to the islands with 329,475 tourists. In 2024 the number of tourists dropped to 279,277, which represents an interannual decrease of 18% in relation to 2023. Comparing the growth between the number of visits received in 2023 with the year 2017 (that took place IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission that had specific requests regarding tourism growth) there is a cumulative increase of 36%, and 15% if compared with the visits received in 2024 (Observatorio de Turismo de Galápagos, 2025).
In 2024, about 79% of tourists stayed on land in urban areas and 21% stayed on board. Between 2007 and 2015 land-based tourism grew by 8%, while ship-based tourism declined by 2% (Dirección del PNG, 2024). The tourists that stay in urban areas, along with permanent residents, demand goods and services that have a cumulative anthropogenic effect on the limited resources of the islands (State Party of Ecuador, 2019).
The Ministry of Tourism with support from the Park Directorate, in compliance with Article 72 of LOREG, developed along with local stakeholders, the Hotel Regulation Plan for the Province of Galápagos 2023-2030, approved by the Galápagos Governing Council in 2024. This plan is essential for territorial planning and regulation of tourist accommodation infrastructure in the islands (Gobierno de Ecuador, 2024). The State Party aims to develop a strategy and action plan for tourism management to address the challenges related to increasing tourism and its implications for the conservation of the islands ecosystems. The actions intended to address the World Heritage Committee recommendations (State Party of Ecuador, 2024). However, until such a strategy for tourism management is developed and implemented, tourism and visitation management remains of concern.
In 2024, about 79% of tourists stayed on land in urban areas and 21% stayed on board. Between 2007 and 2015 land-based tourism grew by 8%, while ship-based tourism declined by 2% (Dirección del PNG, 2024). The tourists that stay in urban areas, along with permanent residents, demand goods and services that have a cumulative anthropogenic effect on the limited resources of the islands (State Party of Ecuador, 2019).
The Ministry of Tourism with support from the Park Directorate, in compliance with Article 72 of LOREG, developed along with local stakeholders, the Hotel Regulation Plan for the Province of Galápagos 2023-2030, approved by the Galápagos Governing Council in 2024. This plan is essential for territorial planning and regulation of tourist accommodation infrastructure in the islands (Gobierno de Ecuador, 2024). The State Party aims to develop a strategy and action plan for tourism management to address the challenges related to increasing tourism and its implications for the conservation of the islands ecosystems. The actions intended to address the World Heritage Committee recommendations (State Party of Ecuador, 2024). However, until such a strategy for tourism management is developed and implemented, tourism and visitation management remains of concern.
Sustainable use
The only sustainable use activities allowed in the archipelago are artisanal fishing and tourism.
Artisanal fishing within the GMR is highly regulated, with limits on the number and size of fishing vessels, propulsion, registration of fishermen and restrictions on fishing methods. The fishing calendar, catch quotas, monitoring, product certification for commercialization, routine surveillance and control activities are also regulated. There are 247 registered artisanal fishing vessels. The use of the GNP AIS system is required to obtain product certification for commercialization. The GNP AIS vessel monitoring system has recorded the activity of approximately 70% of the vessels between 2019 and 2021, showing that the artisanal fishing activity is located in the vicinity of the main islands (State Party of Ecuador, 2022).
In an effort to improve fisheries management, the State Party is currently reviewing and updating a new regulation for artisanal fisheries in the GMR, along with a 2023-2027 fishing calendar (approved in June 2023), developed in a participatory way aligned with sustainability and adaptive management principles. These tools seek to ensure that fishing activities are carried out in a responsible manner, protecting the ecosystems and the local economy (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Tourism peaked in 2023 with 329,475 visitors following the post-pandemic reopening, but declined by 18% in 2024 to 279,277. Despite this drop, 2023 still marked a 36% cumulative increase in visits compared to 2017 (that took place IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission that had specific requests regarding tourism growth) and a 15% increase compared to 2024. In 2024, 79% of tourists stayed on land in urban areas, reflecting a continued shift toward land-based tourism, which grew by 8% between 2007 and 2015, while ship-based tourism declined by 2% (Observatorio de Turismo de Galápagos, 2025). The growing number of land-based tourists, combined with the permanent population, places increasing pressure on the islands’ limited resources, highlighting the need for a tourism strategy and action plan.
Artisanal fishing within the GMR is highly regulated, with limits on the number and size of fishing vessels, propulsion, registration of fishermen and restrictions on fishing methods. The fishing calendar, catch quotas, monitoring, product certification for commercialization, routine surveillance and control activities are also regulated. There are 247 registered artisanal fishing vessels. The use of the GNP AIS system is required to obtain product certification for commercialization. The GNP AIS vessel monitoring system has recorded the activity of approximately 70% of the vessels between 2019 and 2021, showing that the artisanal fishing activity is located in the vicinity of the main islands (State Party of Ecuador, 2022).
In an effort to improve fisheries management, the State Party is currently reviewing and updating a new regulation for artisanal fisheries in the GMR, along with a 2023-2027 fishing calendar (approved in June 2023), developed in a participatory way aligned with sustainability and adaptive management principles. These tools seek to ensure that fishing activities are carried out in a responsible manner, protecting the ecosystems and the local economy (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Tourism peaked in 2023 with 329,475 visitors following the post-pandemic reopening, but declined by 18% in 2024 to 279,277. Despite this drop, 2023 still marked a 36% cumulative increase in visits compared to 2017 (that took place IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission that had specific requests regarding tourism growth) and a 15% increase compared to 2024. In 2024, 79% of tourists stayed on land in urban areas, reflecting a continued shift toward land-based tourism, which grew by 8% between 2007 and 2015, while ship-based tourism declined by 2% (Observatorio de Turismo de Galápagos, 2025). The growing number of land-based tourists, combined with the permanent population, places increasing pressure on the islands’ limited resources, highlighting the need for a tourism strategy and action plan.
Monitoring
Park Directorate leads monitoring activities for native and endemic species including: petrels, penguins, flamingos, iguanas and turtles. The Galápagos Biosecurity Agency is responsible of pest monitoring and epidemiological surveillance for the early detection of new introductions into the archipelago (State Party of Ecuador, 2019).
Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) developed the Galapagos Introduced Species Dashboard, an interactive online tool that provides real-time data on species that have been introduced to the islands, detailing their pathways of introduction and potential impacts on the archipelago’s ecosystems. While the CDF leads this project, the management and research concerning introduced species include the GNP Directorate, ABG, and the Ministry of Agriculture. They work together on data collection, monitoring, and developing strategies to prevent and control invasive species (CDF, 2025).
Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) developed the Galapagos Introduced Species Dashboard, an interactive online tool that provides real-time data on species that have been introduced to the islands, detailing their pathways of introduction and potential impacts on the archipelago’s ecosystems. While the CDF leads this project, the management and research concerning introduced species include the GNP Directorate, ABG, and the Ministry of Agriculture. They work together on data collection, monitoring, and developing strategies to prevent and control invasive species (CDF, 2025).
Research
The Park Directorate collaborates in scientific research activities involving the participation of key governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, mainly to support decision making (Party State of Ecuador, 2019). Scientific research, conservation efforts, and other projects focused on Galapagos' terrestrial and marine species and ecosystems are carried out by a number of local, national, and international organizations.
The Charles Darwin Foundation stands out as the biggest consolidated research center working on marine species conservation in Galapagos and the Eastern Tropical Pacific, combat invasive species; restore fragile ecosystems, and protect the iconic terrestrial flora and fauna of Galapagos; and the benefits that nature provides to the people of Galapagos and their role as stewards of this unique archipelago. Their work is guided by their Strategic Plan 2022-2027 and their Science Plan 2023-2028 that defines five scientific priorities: Biodiversity, Bioinvasions, Climate and Ocean Change, Ecosystem Resilience and Restoration, and Science to Action (CDF, 2025A).
The Galapagos Introduced Species Dashboard, is an interactive online tool that provides real-time data on species that have been introduced to the islands, detailing their pathways of introduction and potential impacts on the archipelago’s ecosystems. While the CDF leads this project, the management and research concerning introduced species include the GNP Directorate, ABG, and the Ministry of Agriculture (CDF, 2025).
The Charles Darwin Foundation stands out as the biggest consolidated research center working on marine species conservation in Galapagos and the Eastern Tropical Pacific, combat invasive species; restore fragile ecosystems, and protect the iconic terrestrial flora and fauna of Galapagos; and the benefits that nature provides to the people of Galapagos and their role as stewards of this unique archipelago. Their work is guided by their Strategic Plan 2022-2027 and their Science Plan 2023-2028 that defines five scientific priorities: Biodiversity, Bioinvasions, Climate and Ocean Change, Ecosystem Resilience and Restoration, and Science to Action (CDF, 2025A).
The Galapagos Introduced Species Dashboard, is an interactive online tool that provides real-time data on species that have been introduced to the islands, detailing their pathways of introduction and potential impacts on the archipelago’s ecosystems. While the CDF leads this project, the management and research concerning introduced species include the GNP Directorate, ABG, and the Ministry of Agriculture (CDF, 2025).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
The Galápagos World Heritage site has a clear legal framework, strong institutions, and clear governance arrangements for decision making, including stakeholder involvement. Some threats outside the site are beyond the control of institutional authorities, notably climate and ocean warming, plastic pollution and IUU fishing. Efforts are underway to address these threats, such as the CDF's research program, which aims to position themselves as a regional climate repository for data and expertise. The program will synthesize and share large climate data sets for the Galapagos and Eastern Tropical Pacific ecosystems, while assessing available means to mitigate and adapt to the regional impacts of climate change.
The fight against IUU fishing has made progress with the implementation of a more robust monitoring and surveillance system that will clearly identify industrial fishing vessels with unauthorized gear. Looking ahead, the application of advanced monitoring technologies and the consolidation of regional agreements are key points for adaptive management that includes neighboring countries (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
The fight against IUU fishing has made progress with the implementation of a more robust monitoring and surveillance system that will clearly identify industrial fishing vessels with unauthorized gear. Looking ahead, the application of advanced monitoring technologies and the consolidation of regional agreements are key points for adaptive management that includes neighboring countries (State Party of Ecuador, 2024).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
The Galápagos World Heritage site has a clear legal framework, including a special legal regime to address site-specific needs. It also has strong institutions and clear governance arrangements for decision-making, including stakeholder participation. The site has a management plan along with several plans to address specific threats within the site, such as plastic pollution and invasive species. There are also important efforts to address IUU fishing, urban pressure on inhabited islands, and a major research effort that responds to the needs of the site including climate and ocean change. Nevertheless, further efforts are needed to address the growing influx and management of tourism through a tourism strategy and action plan, which remains to be developed.
The site has a clear legal framework, including a special legal regime tailored to its unique needs. It is supported by strong institutions and well-defined governance structures that promote participatory decision-making. While the site has a management plan in place, it requires evaluating to determine to what extent the objectives have been achieved. Several targeted plans have been developed to address specific threats, such as plastic pollution, invasive species and urban development. Overall, the management system and governance appear effective in addressing most internal and external threats—with the notable exception of the increasing influx of tourism, for which no concrete strategies or actions are in place but which are under development.
Good practice examples
Galápagos legal framework, strong institutions and clear governance arrangements for decision making including stakeholders involvement is a good example for other protected areas and World Heritage sites.
Unique underwater wildlife spectacle
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
Overfishing combined with changes to the marine climate have led to the destruction of most coral reefs in the Galápagos, some of which existed for centuries. Overfishing of sharks has disrupted entire marine ecosystems, with illegal boats targeting them for their fins to meet Asian market demand. Between 2009 and 2017, the GNP captured 19 illegal fishing vessels, including one Chinese boat in 2017 carrying over 6,000 sharks. Once these sharks move outside of protected waters, they become highly vulnerable to industrial fishing bycatch. Sea cucumbers, also for Asian markets, faced severe depletion in the 1990s, leading to a fishing ban, later replaced by quotas. Despite these measures, sea cucumber and lobster populations remain low. The loss of large predators and lobsters has allowed sea urchins to overpopulate, overgrazing coral and preventing reef recovery (Galápagos Conservation Trust, 2025).
Unique geological and geomorphological features
Good
Trend
Stable
The geological features of the islands are not threatened.
Unique example of how ecological, evolutive and biogeographic processes model island's flora and fauna
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
The ecological integrity of the islands depends on the conservation of the structure and functionality of the terrestrial and marine ecosystems, which supports biodiversity and evolutionary processes within the islands (MAE, 2014). Threats like invasive species, climate change, human activities, plastic pollution, fishing and marine resources over-exploitation and increasing tourism pose great threats to ecological, evolutive and biogeographic processes.
High species diversity, including endemic and endangered terrestrial species
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
There are currently 1,469 introduced terrestrial species that have been established in Galápagos. Many of these are not problematic, such as agricultural and ornamental plants. However, some have become invasive and negatively affect the flora and fauna. An habitat that has declined drastically is the Scalesia forest in Santa Cruz, dominated by the daisy tree Scalesia pedunculata -endemic and endangered-, due to agricultural activities and invasive plant and animals, it is estimated that the forest currently covers less than 1% (100 hectares) of its original distribution. Another example is the decrease by 85% of the cactus population (Opuntia echios var. Echios), the main food of terrestrial iguanas (CDF, 2019).
Increase in rainfall conditions as a result of ENSO events can trigger a substantial growth of herbs and change the community structure of arid ecosystems, making them more susceptible to colonization by invasive species. The increase in the prevalence of pathogens and parasites during rainy conditions can also lead to bird populations (e.g. finches and mockingbirds) being overwhelmed, resulting in lower breeding and fledging success. Likewise, wetter conditions may alter plant growth and community structure, accelerate soil erosion rates, and provide better conditions for invasive species (Paltán et al., 2021).
The tourists that stay in urban areas, along with permanent residents, pose a threat on the islands terrestrial endemic and endangered species.
Increase in rainfall conditions as a result of ENSO events can trigger a substantial growth of herbs and change the community structure of arid ecosystems, making them more susceptible to colonization by invasive species. The increase in the prevalence of pathogens and parasites during rainy conditions can also lead to bird populations (e.g. finches and mockingbirds) being overwhelmed, resulting in lower breeding and fledging success. Likewise, wetter conditions may alter plant growth and community structure, accelerate soil erosion rates, and provide better conditions for invasive species (Paltán et al., 2021).
The tourists that stay in urban areas, along with permanent residents, pose a threat on the islands terrestrial endemic and endangered species.
Endemic and endangered marine species
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, along with climate change, poses a major threat to the sustainability of tuna fisheries and marine biodiversity in the GMR and the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR). The primary concern is illegal shark and tuna fishing by national and foreign vessels within and around the GMR, along with incidental bycatch of sharks and other species. Ecuador prohibits shark finning and commercial exploitation, allowing only incidental landings of whole sharks outside the GMR. Shark capture, landing, and trade are entirely banned within the GMR. Despite these regulations, around 200,000 sharks are landed annually in Ecuador, suggesting illegal shark fishing near the GMR. Additionally, research suggests that pinniped foraging areas lie outside the GMR’s Conservation Zone, increasing conflicts between fisheries and endangered species (Ventura et al., 2019).
The Galapagos Islands have warmed by about 0.6 °C since the early 1980s, while at the same time becoming drier. The onset of the wet season is currently delayed 20 days. This drying trend may reverse, however, given that future climate projections for the region suggest mean annual precipitation may increase between 20 and 70% and temperature may even increase up to 2.5 °C in comparison with the last four decades. This would be accompanied by more extreme wet and hot conditions. Further, regional sea surface temperatures has increased by 1.2 °C over the last two decades. These changes will, in turn, translate into deterioration of marine ecosystems and coral, and proliferation of invasive species (Paltán et al., 2021).
The Galapagos Islands have warmed by about 0.6 °C since the early 1980s, while at the same time becoming drier. The onset of the wet season is currently delayed 20 days. This drying trend may reverse, however, given that future climate projections for the region suggest mean annual precipitation may increase between 20 and 70% and temperature may even increase up to 2.5 °C in comparison with the last four decades. This would be accompanied by more extreme wet and hot conditions. Further, regional sea surface temperatures has increased by 1.2 °C over the last two decades. These changes will, in turn, translate into deterioration of marine ecosystems and coral, and proliferation of invasive species (Paltán et al., 2021).
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Deteriorating
All values, with the exception of the site's unique geological and geomorphological features, are threatened and show a trend towards deterioration. The main causes are invasive species, IUU fishing, increasing tourism, plastic pollution, urban population pressure and climate change, although management and conservation measures are underway to reduce and minimize impacts. Conservation cannot be achieved with measures limited to the biological level, reversing the decline requires a comprehensive response that addresses the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, most of which are linked with socio-economic issues such as IUU fishing and increasing tourism.
Additional information
Outdoor recreation and tourism,
Natural beauty and scenery
The Galápagos Islands are one of the iconic nature-based tourism destinations of the world. However, increase in visitors staying in the urban areas of the islands are a major threat to the site's conservation.
Fishing areas and conservation of fish stocks
The Marine Reserve is an important source of fish for local and national markets, besides being a major (along with tourism) income source for local people.
Defeo et al. (2013a) suggest that spiny lobsters landings are positively impacted by El Niño, particularly during extreme El Niño events, while Wolff et al. (2012), based on a trophic mass balance model for the Bolivar Channel ecosystem, suggest that lobsters biomass increased following the 1997/98 El Niño event. In contrast, the study of Szuwalski et al. (2016) suggests that El Niño does not affect the biomass and recruitment of red lobster stocks, while the cross-correlation analysis presented by Castrejón and Charles (2020) did not find any influence of El Niño on spiny lobsters catch and CPUE from 1997 to 2018. The uncertainty about the observed impact of El Niño over the spiny lobster fishery could be associated with variations on the intensity of this climatic event. According to (Bertrand et al., 2020), no two El Niño events are alike, nor are the resulting ecological responses.
Importance for research,
Contribution to education
The Galápagos National Park Directorate, the Charles Darwin Foundation and other national and international organizations and universities implement research programmes within the islands, targeting the site's OUV and lately socio economic issues as well.
Carbon sequestration,
Soil stabilisation,
Coastal protection,
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality),
Pollination
The marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the site provide a series of ecosystem services to the local, national and international community.
The Galápagos National Park and Galápagos Marine Reserve provide key benefits to local, national and international community including: health and recreation, food, knowledge through ongoing research programmes, and ecosystem services. For local stakeholders, the site also sustains the local economy, mainly through tourism and fisheries. Over exploitation, climate change, invasive species and tourism increase are factors negatively affecting the provision of the selected benefits.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Darwin Foundation | Numerous projects for science, research and technical assistance. |
https://www.darwinfoundation.org
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| 2 | WWF | Projects focusing on sustainable tourism, regulating migration, innovative fisheries management, governance and enforcement of the Marine Reserve, renewable energy, and waste management. |
http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/galapagos/projects.html
|
| 3 | Galapagos Conservation Trust | Funding of multiple projects in ecosystem restoration, climate change, and social issues. |
https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/
|
| 4 | Galapagos Conservancy | Multiple projects to conserve endangered species, develop support of local communities, ecological restoration, and coastal monitoring. |
https://www.galapagos.org/
|
| 5 | Wild Aid | Support to the GNPS for control and execution of marine surveillance and biosafety |
http://wildaid.org/ecuador
|
| 6 | Conservation international | Project focus on sustainable agriculture, fisheries and green development. |
https://www.conservation.org/ecuador/nuestro-trabajo/programas/galapagos
|
| 7 | Migramar | Shark conservation: monitor and systematize data on whale and hammerhead sharks in the Eastern Tropical Pacific; inform policy-makers for threat addressing strategies |
https://www.migramar.org/en/index.
|
| 8 | Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) sede San Cristóbal | The Galapagos Science Center (GSC) is a joint initiative between the University of San Francisco de Quito and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill created in 2011, and located in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. The GSC is conceived as a coordination point for research projects between local, national and international scientists for the benefit of the Galapagos Islands and global science. Through participatory methods and integrative approaches, the GSC works on three pillars: 1) Interdisciplinary Research, 2) Experiential Education and 3) Community Outreach. |
https://www.usfq.edu.ec/es/galapagos
|
References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Alava, J. et al (2022). Multiple anthropogenic stressors in the Galápagos Islands' complex social–ecological system: Interactions of marine pollution, fishing pressure, and climate change with management recommendations. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management— Volume 19, Number 4—pp. 870–895. https://doi.org/10.1002/ieam.4661
|
| 2 |
Bertrand, A., Lengaigne, M., Takahashi, K., Avadí, A., Poulain, F. & Harrod, C. (2020). El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) effects on fisheries and aquaculture. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper No. 660. Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/ca8348en
|
| 3 |
CDF (2023). Science Plan 2023-2028. Available at: https://www.darwinfoundation.org/es/documents/10/SciencePla…
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| 4 |
CDF (2025). Galapagos introduced species dashboard. Available at: https://introduced.darwinfoundation.org
|
| 5 |
CDF (2025A). Charles Darwin Foundation webpage. Available at: https://www.darwinfoundation.org/en/
|
| 6 |
CGREG (2019). Resolución No. 009-CGREG-14-VIII-2019 Reglamento del Consejo Consultivo de Manejo Participativo de Galápagos. Consejo de Gobierno del Régimen Especial de Galápagos (CGREG). Santa Cruz, Galápagos, Ecuador.
|
| 7 |
Castrejón, M., & Charles, A. (2020). Human and climatic drivers affect spatial fishing patterns in a multiple-use marine protected area: The Galapagos Marine Reserve. PloS one, 15(1), e0228094.
|
| 8 |
Consejo de Gobierno del Régimen Especial de Galápagos (CGREG) (2020). Plan de Desarrollo Sustentable y Ordenamiento Territorial del Régimen Especial de Galápagos, Plan Galápagos 2030. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Galápagos, Ecuador.
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| 9 |
Galapagos Conservation Trust (2025). Overfishing. Available at: https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/about-galapagos/conser…
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| 10 |
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| 12 |
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| 13 |
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| 14 |
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| 16 |
MAE (2014). Plan de Manejo de las Áreas Protegidas de Galápagos para el Buen Vivir. Puerto Ayora, Galápagos, Ecuador.
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| 17 |
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| 19 |
Observatorio de Turismo de Galápagos (2025). Observatorio de Turismo de Galápagos.
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| 20 |
PNG (2024). Informe Anual 2024. Ingreso de visitantes a las áreas protegidas de Galápago. Available at: https://galapagos.gob.ec/2024/informe_anual_visitantes_2024…
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| 21 |
PNG - ABG (2023). Plan de Manejo de Especies Invasoras para Galápagos 2019-2029. Ecuador.
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| 22 |
Paltán, H.A., Benitez, F.L., Rosero, P. et al. Climate and sea surface trends in the Galapagos Islands. Sci Rep 11, 14465 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-93870-w
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| 23 |
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| 24 |
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| 26 |
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| 27 |
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