The image above is satellite image of a portion of the Galapagos Islands.

The Galapagos Islands are an example of a protected territory.

These islands have a wide variety of plants, animals, and insects.

Some of which only exist on these islands.

Furthermore, experts believe that there could be thousands of undiscovered species living in and around the islands.

What is a protected territory? When humans began exploring the world

they assumed that the earth’s resources would never run out.

By the 19th century governments realized that this is not the case and began creating protected territories.

Protected territories: natural areas that authorities have decided to develop and regulate to prevent destruction.

In 1872 the United States created Yellowstone National Park.

This was the world’s first protected territory.

The reasoning behind this was to protect a large natural area in order for future generations.

Today almost every country has some form of protected territory. Whether they are natural or manmade.

Natural Parks

A natural park is an area where nature is protected.

In geography parks refer to natural parks not playgrounds or “amusement parks”

The IUCN or World Conservation Union oversees the protection of these areas and provide guidelines for future sites

There are three types of natural park:

1. Ecological reserves: are areas which contain plant or animal species which need to be protected. These are often called “sanctuaries”

2. Urban Regional parks: These are inhabited territories. In these areas authorities try to keep the balance between humans and nature.

3. National parks: Protected natural areas that are open to tourists and visitors.

Biodiversity One of the main goals of creating a

protected area is to maintain biodiversity. Biodiversity means having many

different types of species in one area. Unfortunately many species are dying off

and the earth is loosing its diversity. The UN estimates that in 30 years 1/4

of mammal and 1/8 of bird species will disappear.

Why should territories be protected? A territory should be protected for the

following reasons.

1. Representative of a natural region of a country/province.

2. Extraordinary landscapes

3. Contain rich or rare ecosystems

4. Provide educational and recreational areas for visitors.

5. Provide inspiration and allow people to enjoy nature.

6. Protect evidence of ancient cultures.

7. Contain ancient physical phenomena (fossils)

8. Encourage scientific research.

9. Economic benefits (tourism and jobs)

10. Symbol of a population or society’s identity.

What can threaten a territory? Threats to a territory can be natural or

the result of human action.

1. Exploiting natural resources (mining, logging, commercial fishing)

2. Pollution such as: acid rain, dumping waste, pesticides, carbon dioxide

3. Agriculture and urban development (more farms and bigger cities)

4. Loss of animal, plant, insect habitats.

5. Too many visitors

6. Poaching: hunting and fishing without a licence

7. Climate changes (global warming)

8. The introduction of new animal, plant, or insect species into a new territory. This can cause other species to go extinct

9. Lack of human interest

For whom do we protect territories? We need to protect territories for the

people of today. We also need to protect territories for

future generations. This will be done through sustainable

development. This means to develop and protect a

territory at the same time.

Who protects a territory?

1. Different levels of government (municipal, provincial, federal)

2. International organizations

3. Tourist associations

4. Representatives of local organizations

5. Scientists

6. Environmentalists

7. Animal rights groups

National Parks of Canada and Quebec

In 2007 Canada had 42 official national parks.

Since this time the number has increased.

In the last two years the Canadian government has added 5 national parks.

These parks are administered by Parks Canada, a branch of the federal government.

In Quebec there are 23 national parks. These areas are apart from the Canadian

national park. In Quebec there are several Native Parks

that are run by specific tribes. Ex: Pingualuit run by the Kativik Regional government.

In Quebec parks are run and protected by Sépaq.

The Quebec government is projecting the creation of 11 new parks.

The Galapagos Islands These are a chain of islands in the Pacific

Ocean west of Ecuador. These islands form an archipelago. An

archipelago is a cluster of islands. The islands belong to Ecuador. The most notable feature is the abundant

and very rare wildlife. The Galapagos islands are UNESCO

World heritage site

These islands are mostly classified as national park.

However, these islands do have a population of less then 40 000.

These islands are volcanic. There are several volcanoes which keep these islands growing.

In total there are 125 islands, many of which are very small.

In Spanish galapagos means tortoise.

The residents of the Galapagos are spread out over five islands.

The villages and towns only total an area of about 3% of the total land surface of the islands.

The people make their living from fishing and tourism.

Santa Cruz is the most heavily populated island. It is not part of the national park.

Santa Cruz is where most of the hotels and restaurants are located.

There are several research stations in the Galapagos as well.

Their main purpose is the conservation of the islands.

The largest island is Isabela. Their are several islands that have

been closed to tourists. This is due to the fragile ecosystem on these islands.

In 2007 it was placed on the UNESCO endangered heritage site list. In hopes of improving conservation efforts.

Traveling Through the Galapagos The Galapagos are located in the Pacific

ocean. The ocean waters outside of the

islands are a popular shipping zone. Hundreds of container ships and oil

tankers pass these islands every year. Some transport ships would even

navigate through the waters of the Galapagos.

Along with shipping there are many cruise ships that enter the waters of the Galapagos.

There are also many private ships that enter the Galapagos waters.

All of these ships disrupt the fragile marine ecosystems.

Ships filled with people bring increased pollution to the region.

Severe problems like oil spills and sinking ships pose massive threats to the islands.

What could be done to prevent major disasters like oil spills and increased pollution?

1. The government of Ecuador can outlaw the passage of ships through the Galapagos.

2. Set up a no shipping zone around the islands.

3. Outlaw private boats from docking in Galapagos waters.

Other suggestions?

Residents and Tourists in the Galapagos

Although the Galapagos are roughly 1000km from the coast. These islands get an increasing number of tourists every year.

In the last 35 years the number of tourists increased almost ten times (8000 to 70000).

There has also been an increase in the amount of flights in and out of the islands.

The Galapagos now have three airports which could receive up to four flights a day.

They also receive at least one major cargo ship per week.

This increase in tourism has also prompted many people to move to the islands.

The population of these islands today is over 30000.

Protection vs. Development1. Population growth

2. Increased tourism

3. Pollution

4. Introduction of foreign/harmful species into the ecosystem. Ex: Goats

5. Hunting, Poaching, Overfishing Everything mentioned above is a

threat to the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos.

Threat #1: Population Growth The population on the islands has

increased from a few hundred to over 20000.

Most of this growth is from immigration from the mainland.

Ecuadorians move to the islands for jobs in tourism and commercial fishing.

This expands the villages on the islands and threatens the fragile ecosystem

Threat #2: Increased Tourism The increase in tourism has brought

wealth to the islands. However, the more humans that visit

the protected areas means that there is an increased damage to the environment.

Ex: When people walk along the beaches they destroy seabirds and tortoise eggs.

Ex: Plastic bags from ships end up in the water. Tortoises mistake these for jellyfish and choke to death.

Threat #3: Pollution Ships burn fuel, the increased number

of ships in the Galapagos means that more fossil fuels end up in the water.

The greater number of ships and vehicles means that more oil tankers enter the region.

Oil spills and sinking ships pose a major threat.

Ex: Oil tanker “Jessica” sinking in 2001

Threat #4: Foreign Species Foreign species have multiplied in

numbers and threaten the native species of the islands.

Goats, donkeys, pigs, dogs, cats, ants, wasps, black rats, and mice are the biggest threats.

On many islands authorities have begun “eliminating” goats and other foreign species.

Threat #5: Hunting, Poaching, Overfishing Many species have gone extinct due to

the actions of humans. Ex: Industrial fishers drop their nets in

marine preserves despite that fact that fishing in the island waters is against the law.

Ex: Tortoises are killed for their shells, exotic fish species are killed for their fins.

Something to think about:

See page 54 in your textbook to help you. You can expect to see this question on your next test