Much as images like this one move me and make me want to go, I acknowledge that there are some places that I will never venture to in the flesh for myriad reasons. I did, at one time, think it'd be cool to visit the Galápagos Islands, but no more. It's just not that important, per the devastation that my desire for pretty pictures and the experience of a lifetime would bring to the fragile islands.
"Situated in the Pacific Ocean some 1,000 km from the South American continent, the 19 islands of the Galápagos and their surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique living museum and showcase of evolution. They are threatened by invasive species, growing tourism and immigration. The number of days spent by passengers of cruise ships has increased by 150 percent over the past 15 years, for example. This increase has fueled a growth in immigration and the ensuing inter-island traffic has led to the introduction of more invasive species."
A very sad turn of events for this, the first site to have been placed on the World Heritage List, inscribed in 1978.
Read more about the Galápagos Islands and why they're on UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger here.
Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - toddmoy - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!
Location: Galápagos Islands ★
Photo courtesy of toddmoy
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