Below are a series of photos of the Galapagos Islands to help give a sense of this magical place. Often referred to as “Darwin’s Paradise,” it is also challenged by the pressing demands of the expanding human dimension. As of 2018, 275,000 visitors enjoyed seeing the iconic species and the iconic landscapes of this special place, and 35,000 residents occupied the human use zones on Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana Islands. With the Galapagos National Park retaining 97% of the land area for conservation and protection, the remaining 3% supports local communities and the agricultural activities in the highlands. By far, tourism is the central economic sector in the Galapagos Islands, but fisheries and agriculture have been historically important employment sectors.
Also below is a YouTube video of UNC undergraduate students conducting research at the Galapagos Science Center, San Cristobal Island (July 2014):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldNHEXtLGEg
