Darwin’s Enchanted Isles are one of our planets most precious and unique ecosystems, home to an extraordinary profusion of exotic, often endemic flora and fauna. Tourism to this remote volcanic archipelago is both part of the solution and also part of the problem. Humans have unwittingly brought alien species that compete with native plants and animals. The growing number of settlers migrating from the mainland of Ecuador to the islands has put pressure on a fragile environment that imperils the entire ecosystem. As a result in 2007, UNESCO declared Galapagos as a World Heritage Site at risk.

La Selva Jungle Lodge, located in the heart of the pristine Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador has created what they call The Indigenous Spa, offering rejuvenating treatment by two native Quichua Indigenous women. This unique 1 hour and 20 minute spa treatment features native plant-based “rainforest spa” products and is a spiritual and educational experience. The treatment, for instance, includes a magical dusting away of evil spirits with special leaves, a foot massage with special scented plants from the forest..

“Galápagos is going through rapid population growth and economic development, yet its educational system is not developing at the same pace, contributing to a continuous dependence on professionals from mainland Ecuador and, consequently, an increase in migration to the islands. Building local capacity by training the next generation of conservation leaders is important… we are building a cadre of local people who are committed to the unique Galápagos environment and can fill technical jobs, thereby reducing the number of people who enter the islands on temporary work permits.”

In this issue, we focus on the benefits of ecotourism as a tool for sustainable development, local capacity building and community well-being. Highlighting best practice examples and lessons learned, the stories featured in this month’s EcoCurrents will be sure to inspire travelers and ecotourism professionals around the world to get involved in various training and education initiatives in ecotourism, and to contribute to grassroots efforts benefiting the long-term well-being of local people.

As many of our members around the world are fellow bloggers, we’d like to share ecotourism stories, news and updates from our members on this blog, as well as the latest scoop on what’s happening at TIES. Today we’re happy to introduce Yachana Technical High School in Ecudor, a project of Yachana Lodge (TIES Business member), an award winning Amazon ecotourism destination that inspires thousands of international and Ecuadorian visitors each year, and the Yachana Foundation.