Department of Geography Coffee Hour
“Working on an old question How many visitors can the Galapagos hold? Finding a sustainable model.” This talk is co-sponsored by the Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management program.
Speaker: Arturo Izurieta is the Executive Director of the Charles Darwin Foundation.
- Lecture begin at 4PM at in the John J. Cahir Auditorium, 112 Walker Building
- Join by zoom: https://psu.zoom.us/j/904694608
The visitation to natural wonders like the Galapagos Islands poses questions towards its sustainability (natural, social and economic). After a short journey towards the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development and identifying two clear models of influx of tourists to the islands, it is clear the uniqueness of the Galapagos Islands faces the pressures from the increasing number of tourists. Tourism in the Galapagos started in the late 60s and since then, the number of tourists have been growing without thoughtful planning, impacting the dynamics of the so-called Galapagos socio-ecosystem. Should we allow more tourists come to the islands, and if so, what are the possible consequences and effects on the natural capital that attracts the visitors and maintains 30,000 inhabitants in the islands?
Coffee Hour is a weekly lecture hosted by the Department of Geography celebrating interdisciplinary scholarship and collegiality. Topics range from innovations in GIScience, to food security, to land use and justice issues, among others. All members of the Geography, Penn State, and Centre County community are invited to attend. Talks are recorded and shared here: Coffee Hour Mediasite Channel.