GALAPAGOS SCHOOL CHILDREN SURVEY

The Galapagos Conservation Trust is convinced that the future of Galapagos will be determined by the passion and enthusiasm of the people whose country it is, complemented by the equally fervent commitment of a worldwide network of supporters.

For us, encouraging Galapagos young people to become interested and involved in conservation of their islands is very important.

One of the ways in which we are doing that is by developing an education project that will involve schools in the UK and in Galapagos.

As part of that project, we asked teenagers in Galapagos what they thought about a whole range of conservation issues. The answers were sometimes surprising. Here is a sample of some of the replies we received.

1. What is it about Galapagos that makes you like living there?

• "The flora and fauna"
• "I like the harmony and tranquillity"
• "I can walk in beautiful places"
• "It's beaches and its flora"
• "Its tranquil, and we can live near animals"
• "The animals and plants because they are fundamental for Galapagos"

2. What conservation ideas do you have and what initiatives have you been involved in?

• "None"
• "I don't leave rubbish on the beach and I don't bring in introduced species"
• "I look after the islands"
• "Clean the places I visit and our school"
• "None - perhaps later"
• "Collect rubbish and help to protect the animals"

3. How have conservation initiatives influenced the people living on the islands?

• "There are some people who help in the conservation of Galapagos"
• "It is getting better. It appears that people are more aware, the streets look cleaner"
• "Through the influence of the authorities"
• "Trying not to burn rubbish which is toxic for our environment"
• "Awful because people still keep doing things"
• "It has influenced a lot. There are no more plagues in the islands"
• "Very well because it shows us all how to protect the islands"
• "The majority of people try to keep everything very clean. Now people value all the animals, they are becoming more aware and things will get better"

4. What laws exist to protect the flora and fauna of Galapagos?

• "No litter. Do not kill animals. Do not damage the flora and fauna"
• "Do not bring in plants and animals to Galapagos"
• "There seem to be laws"
• "I don't know"
• "The laws that exist are made by SICGAL and help to stop the introduction of species"

5. Are there examples where the conservation of the flora and fauna and the needs of the local people have been in conflict?

• "Yes, because people are not in favour and we don't appreciate what we have"
• "Yes, in tourist visits and long line fishing, which is resulting in extinction"
• "Yes, because there are people who want to take away what is ours"
• "A few examples"
• "Yes, because tourism creates many conflicts"
• "Yes, because sometimes there is no work for Galapagueños"
• "Yes, because many people do not have enough financial resources"

6. What value do the people of Galapagos give to the flora and fauna?

• "They always try and see the best of Galapagos"
• "There is no value in the flora and fauna"
• "Intermediate - not everyone appreciates Galapagos"
• "A lot of people value it. Some don't"
• "There are people who follow the rules - others don't"
• "They do value them because if we don't look after our islands, nobody will help us"
• "Yes, they value the ecosystem of Galapagos"
• "They treat it well and try to protect it"

7. Does the concept of sustainable development directly affect the lifestyle of the people of Galapagos?

• "For the people who fish for shark, turtles and sea cucumbers"
• "Yes, it could affect some people, and not others"
• "Its about looking after our heritage for the future"
• "No because people live from tourism and fishing"

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