Balancing tourism, conservation, and development: a political ecology of ecotourism on the Galapagos Islands

Ecotourism on the Galápagos Islands, while promoting conservation and tourism, has significantly altered local communities' perceptions of agency and governance. A six-week field study on San Cristóbal Island revealed that residents face complex power dynamics where conservation efforts and tourism intersect with development, often at the expense of their political agency. The municipal government aims to implement 'true' ecotourism, which could empower locals, but this ideal is hindered by a lack of transparency and support from Ecuadorian governance. This research highlights the asymmetrical power relations in protected areas, demonstrating how conservation, tourism, and development reshape local lives and perceptions.

Mathis, A., & Rose, J. (2016). Balancing tourism, conservation, and development: a political ecology of ecotourism on the Galapagos Islands. Journal of Ecotourism, 15(1), 64–77. https://doi.org/10.1080/14724049.2015.1131283