Eco tourism in Ecuador

What has allowed ecotourism?
•Geodiversity - Andes, coastal lowlands
•Biodiversity - 25,000 species of plant
                      -15,000 species of bird
•Galapagos Islands - Geographical and biodiversity plus historical importance


Activities:
•Diving
•Trekking
•Observing wildlife
•New Chiva Express
•Metropolitan touring
  - Ecuadorian travel company


Management:
•Galapagos
- National Park
-UNESCO World Natural Heritage site
-Galapagos Education Foundation
-US$100 donation to Charles Darwin Research Centre
-Restricted and controlled activity - guides to monitor


Benefits:
•Local people employed
•Local companies used
•New Chiva Express visits local businesses
•Environment protected


Problems:
•Niche Market
•Balance against 'damaging'14 hour flight from EU
• 'greenwashing'


Expansion?
•Continuation?
•Sustainability
•'Sumac Kawsay'
 -balanced living
 -Nature has equal rights to people (in the written constitution)