Background

Famed for their biodiversity, the Galápagos Islands have become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years. The population has risen from 2,000 in 1959 to over 30,000 today. 

With this comes the need to achieve a sustainable balance between population growth and economic sustainability, while at the same time conserving the Galápagos’ unique environment. 
 
This challenge has been brought into focus with the proposal of El Mirador, the development of what would be the largest settlement on Santa Cruz Island.
 
 

Our Project

Following a study in November 2010, we worked with the Municipality of Santa Cruz and the residents’ association to produce an architectural best-practice guide for El Mirador. This is the first step in an overall effort to work closely with the community to develop long-term planning and land use strategies to strike an ecological balance between humans and nature in the Galápagos.

This development has already been planned by the Municipality and will double the town’s size. Plots at El Mirador have been sold by the Municipality to residents, and to avoid ecological damage, planning must be conducted sensitively, with regards to the environment and community.
 
It is hoped El Mirador will be a shining example of how humans can sustainably co-exist with one of the world’s most fragile and unique ecosystems.
 
 

Key info

This project is

Status

In Progress

Location

Galapagos Islands
Ecuador

Theme

  • Low environmental impact and low-cost development

Project contact

Samantha Singer

Project partners

  • Charles Darwin Foundation
  • Galápagos Conservation Trust
  • Municipality of Santa Cruz
  • The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust