• Executive summary - key points

1. Galapagos at risk
2. Galapagos is undergoing constant change
3. Changing tourism markets
4. Changing tour operators
5. Local benefits
6. Financing in Galapagos
7. Fishing and differences among the Islands
8. New local operators in tourism
9. Impacts of tourism
10. Leadership and governance
11. Subsidies and incentives in Galapagos
12. Conclusion

• References

12．Conclusion

　Many factors have contributed to the present-day situation in Galapagos. However, a central factor has been the impact of unstable national leadership - reflected in institutions such as INGALA, the Galapagos National Park Service and the Quarantine Inspection System for Galapagos (SICGAL). Weak national leadership, coupled with local leadership focused on short-term growth, has resulted in the rapid growth of tourism and unregulated economic development.

　The declaration of the President of Ecuador on April 10 2007 offers the local, national and international communities what might be the last opportunity to implement a strategic change in direction in Galapagos. The President has taken the first step in a process of social change: recognizing the need to change (in this case making Galapagos a national conservation priority). This action was then supported by UNESCO's decision to include Galapagos on its List of World Heritage in Danger.

　The next critical step is to define the leadership coalition that is needed to implement the changes required in Galapagos. This coalition must construct a vision for the future of Galapagos--a task that has, in part, been accomplished in the Regional Plan and the Special Law for Galapagos. The vision must be communicated effectively and the leadership coalition must focus on implementation and ensuring that an effective institutional framework exists with well-defined roles and responsibilities.

　Galapagos is a microcosm of the social, political, economic and ecological changes occurring in the world. Throughout the world, human populations are increasing and demands for resource access are increasing and shifting focus as globalization and market liberalization proceeds; these changes are in turn driving ecological changes. At the same time decision-making is occurring in an increasingly complex social and cultural environment. Institutions need to change to survive under these new conditions, including strengthening their capacity for facilitating social interactions so as to better understand and involve their stakeholders.

　Islands, as a microcosm of the world, allow a detailed examination of social and ecological change and have often served as models for these changes. Islands are impacted more rapidly than continental areas. Therefore, the changes occurring in Galapagos may well reflect the future of other areas. Developing a sustainable society in Galapagos and so ensuring the long term conservation of the islands could provide a model for the rest of the world. Conversely, if we cannot achieve a sustainable society and long-term conservation in Galapagos, will it be possible to do so anywhere else in the world?