Уникальная природа Галапагосских островов под угрозой из-за туристов

It appears that the Galapagos Islands are being loved a little too much. Travelers visiting this unique island chain to see endemic creatures like Giant Tortoises and Blue Footed Boobies are having an impact. On an archipelago with a resident population of about 30,000, annual tourist visitation has now topped 241,000. Imagine 20 jet loads of 200 tourists arriving every week, and you get the idea. Some 45 percent of tourists are now land-based—way up from 10 years ago. In principle, this is a good idea, if well managed. It benefits local communities. Indeed, increasing numbers of fishermen have now switched to operating tour boats, relieving pressure on the fishery. However, more people on the islands means more pressure on existing infrastructure, encroachment on animal habitats and a heightened risk of introducing invasive plant and animal species. This is the challenge for the community and the wildlife - a balance of human visitation with the conservation of Galapagos' unique habitat and animal inhabitants...