15. What are the implications of Galapagos not having a fully developed program to minimize impact from disasters such as the Jessica Oil Spill, like New Zealand does? What do you think the different organizations in the Galapagos could do better / different?
16.
17. Do you think more attention should be drawn in the media to the political / environmental issues in the Galapagos? What are the implications of the media reframing Galapagos from an environment with a lot of political / social tension, to simply a perfect environment for a fun trip?
18.
19. Based on the ideas we ’ ve presented and your previous engagement with these issues, do you think Galapagos is a good model for sustainable and sound tourism?
20. What should the relationship be between the government of Galapagos and the independent organizations helping to protect the environment? Who do you think is responsible for the protection of the environment of the Galapagos?
Editor's Notes
The government of New Zealand created this document which is the third phase in their outline of their ecotouristic vision and restoration plan. In it, New Zealand builds on their ideas of how to best protect their environment. Even with these ideas not put into practice, New Zealand still has a vision of how to work with their natural environment, specifically in case of disaster.
On page 128 of our text, Honey quotes Jonathan Weiner and states that though Ecotourism is doing a great job of making tourism sustainable from an environmental damage standpoint, the tourism itself is not particularly sustainable in the case of something going wrong.
16 January 2001 the Jessica ship had an accident which resulted in the largest oil disaster in the area. Though different agencies were quick to act, over 2000 gallons of oil were spilled, damaging the careful natural balance in the surrounding islands.
Do you think Galapagos should have a formalized plan or do you think issues should be treated on a case by case basis?
Galapagos has been in the news for quite some time. On the left, we dug up an article from the 1960 ’ s regarding the issues and implication of the natural haven being destroyed by politics and tourism. On the right, we have an article from a month ago displaying all the interesting attractions and things to see in Galapagos.
