The Galapagos Islands are becoming more popular with tourists, but this is causing problems for the environment. To help protect the islands, the government of Ecuador is increasing the entry fees for tourists.
Starting on August 1, 2024, tourists will need to pay $200 to enter the islands, which is double the previous fee of $100. However, people from some South American countries in a group called Mercosur, like Argentina, Brazil, and Peru, will still pay $100. Children under two years old can still enter for free.
This is the first time the entry fees have gone up since 1998. The money from these fees will be used to help protect the unique plants and animals on the islands. The Galapagos Islands are special because they're home to many rare and endangered species.
The islands are about 1,000 kilometres away from Ecuador's coast and are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They're often called a "living museum" because of their diverse wildlife.
Although only about 30,000 people live on the islands, around 170,000 tourists visit every year. This increase in visitors is causing some problems, like too much waste and the introduction of invasive species.
Scientists recently found a coral reef near the islands that they didn't know existed, showing there's still much to discover there.
While the Ecuadorean government has been praised for its efforts to protect the islands, UNESCO wants to see more progress. A new movie set in the Galapagos Islands, called "Eden," might bring more attention to the islands and their importance.
