ZECO TRAVEL TALK

In May 2007, I represented Zegrahm Expeditions at an annual conference of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) in Guayaquil, Ecuador. “IGTOA is a nonprofit association of travel companies, conservation organizations, and other groups that seek a lasting protection of the Galápagos Islands. We lobby for conservation, fund projects, and promote and practice sustainable tourism.” http://www.igtoa.org

The conference involved several presentations, conservation workshops, and funding proposals for the Galápagos Islands (the islands are considered a living marvel of evolution and are located approximately 600 miles directly west of Ecuador following the Equator). Most importantly though, and preceding UNESCO’s recent World Heritage in Danger declaration, the meeting involved heated debates on what the travel industry can do to alleviate the surmounting threats towards the conservation of the “Enchanted Isles.” Read more