RT journal article
T1 Analysis of the Management of Protected Areas in Galapagos: 60 Years after Its Declaration as a National Park
A1 Maestro Cano-Manuel, María
A1 Pérez Cayeiro, María Luisa
A1 Reyes, Harry
A1 Chica Ruiz, Juan Adolfo
A2 HistoriaGeografía y Filosofía
K1 assessment
K1 Galapagos
K1 management
K1 marine protected areas
K1 socio-ecosystem
AB The Galapagos Islands are one of the most emblematic protected areas on the planet andalso one of the most studied. Their main economic activity is tourism, which has grown rapidly inrecent years. The increase in tourists is associated with the increase in population and the introductionof invasive species, which puts conservation at risk. This makes adequate management even morenecessary and relevant on an international scale since the economy of Galapagos depends on thegood state of conservation of its ecosystems and species. Numerous studies have shown that socialfactors, rather than physical–natural ones, determine the success or failure of a marine protectedarea (MPA), so they must be urgently incorporated into all phases of MPA management. In thisstudy, we analyzed the management of the protected areas of Galapagos, including the NationalPark and the Marine Reserve, with the purpose of highlighting their weaknesses and strengths. Themethodology used presents five prescribed scenarios in which priority is given to one or other factors,each of which has an impact on the biophysical and socio-economic systems that are influencedby the MPA. These scenarios were called proactive, interactive, centralized, learning, and formalmanagement. Data were obtained through a comprehensive literature review and primary datacollection methods, including in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and DPNG managers, aswell as direct observations. Interviewees covered the main relevant sectors in the archipelago (fishing,tourism, and conservation). The results show that the archipelago’s protected areas follow a proactivemanagement model with a continuous feedback loop. This feedback is a key element in any adaptivemanagement process, which also allows practitioners to anticipate future problems. Both publicparticipation and strategic planning are essential.
PB MDPI
SN 2071-1050
YR 2024
FD 2024
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/35801
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/35801
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 07-nov-2026