STREET WISE
Tourism versus conservation
Last week, a very important decision regarding tourism development was handed down that could set a precedent for countries around the world in handling their tourism-related problems.
"The Galapagos Are in a State of Emergency," blared the headline in Ecuador's El Comercio newspaper. It was referring to a decision by Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa, who signed an emergency decree stating that the Galapagos Islands are in crisis.President Correa said he would consider suspending tourism permits temporarily and enforcing rigorous population restrictions, so as to prevent further environmental harm. "We are pushing for a series of actions to overcome the huge institutional, environmental and social crisis on the islands," President Correa said. He did not give details about possible restrictions, but he ordered the governor of the Galapagos to convene an urgent meeting of the Galapagos National Institute. The objective will be to determine the state of conservation and development on the islands, with a possible temporary suspension of new tourist and air operations. In a press release, the Charles Darwin Foundation indicated "strong support for yesterday's declaration by Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa that the Galapagos are at risk and a national conservation priority." News of the decree was widely disseminated in the international news. The Galapagos are made up of 13 volcanic islands, the oldest one thought to have formed 5 million to 10 million years ago. They are famed for their vast number of endemic species - including the giant tortoise - and the studies by Charles Darwin that led to his theory of evolution by natural selection. Currently, rapidly growing tourism and a human population explosion are destroying wildlife habitats. And this led to last week's decision. Like other countries, Ecuador wants tourism income, but it sees the need to conserve nature. As nature is devastated, future income will drop. It raises a question: when will Thailand see this need? Several of our islands are also in a state of crisis. Koh Pha-ngan is beautiful, but it caters to throngs of young tourists who care little about preserving nature for newcomers. On the beaches of Koh Samet can be found a large number of bars playing loud music to a backdrop of a serene environment that should be better preserved. It seems the Tourism Authority of Thailand is paying more attention to drawing foreign celebrities to Thailand. The hope is the celebrities will create a craze among their fans. But what if those people come here when there is nothing left to be seen? achara_d@nationgroup.com
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