2024-08-31 10:52:34
The Galapagos Islands, an iconic natural paradise and World Heritage Site, face significant challenges in food security.
Despite being a region rich in biodiversity, its dependence on imported food from the continent is notable, reaching up to 90% of its total consumption, reports El País of Spain.
This Ecuadorian archipelago, made up of thirteen major islands and more than 200 islets, is home to a population of approximately 30,000 inhabitants, with Santa Cruz Island as its economic and tourist epicentre.
Tourism is the main source of income, representing up to 80% of the local economy, although alternative figures suggest this dependency may be as high as 95%.
This tourist activity not only influences the economy, but also the cultural and food dynamics of the region.
Migration from the mainland has diversified local gastronomy, although significant challenges remain in agricultural production due to climate, water availability and lack of labor.
Agriculture in the Galapagos faces adverse conditions: most islands lack fresh water, relying heavily on desalination of brackish water for irrigation.
This limits the cultivation of a wide range of agricultural products, forcing many farmers to focus on cattle and staple crops such as potatoes and tomatoes, which must sometimes be imported due to local production constraints.
Environmental sustainability is also a crucial issue, as conventional agricultural practices rely heavily on inputs and agrochemicals brought in from the mainland, which not only increases costs but also imposes logistical and supply challenges, especially when there are problems with maritime transport from ports such as Guayaquil and Manta.
As for fishing, the second economic engine of the islands, it faces conservation challenges. Species such as the cod grouper and the camotillo are being overexploited, while fishery management measures are insufficient to guarantee long-term sustainability.
Despite this, fishing remains essential for local food security, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when fishermen played a crucial role in supplying protein to the population.