The post-political ecology of protected areas: nature, social justice and political conflicts in the Galápagos Islands

Conservation efforts in the Galápagos Islands, while driven by scientific imperatives and moral urgencies, often suppress political debate, creating a 'post-political' condition that marginalizes social justice concerns. This study reveals how alliances between conservation science, state authorities, and tourism industries have shaped the archipelago's governance, leading to violent conflicts in the 1990s. These clashes prompted reforms toward sustainability, yet persistent tensions highlight the challenges of balancing environmental protection with equitable outcomes. The research employs political ecology frameworks to analyze these dynamics, offering insights into the broader struggles of reconciling biodiversity conservation with social justice in protected areas.

Celata, F., & Sanna, V. S. (2012). The post-political ecology of protected areas: nature, social justice and political conflicts in the Galápagos Islands. Local Environment, 17(9), 977–990. https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2012.688731