Management of Municipal Solid Waste in One of the Galapagos Islands

A case study on the Galápagos Islands reveals that effective municipal solid waste management is achievable even in remote, ecologically sensitive regions with high tourism activity. The research highlights the importance of integrating tourism-related waste generation into sustainable management strategies, particularly in areas adjacent to protected national parks. By analyzing waste streams and implementing targeted interventions, this study demonstrates how decision-makers can optimize waste sector organization in similar contexts. The findings underscore the need for adaptive policies that balance ecological preservation with the demands of tourism, offering a replicable model for other UNESCO World Heritage Sites facing comparable challenges.

Ragazzi, M., Catellani, R., Rada, E., Torretta, V., & Salazar-Valenzuela, X. (2014). Management of Municipal Solid Waste in One of the Galapagos Islands. Sustainability, 6(12), 9080–9095. https://doi.org/10.3390/su6129080