Santa Cruz, Galapagos, December 11, 2024– At an event at the Inspiration Complex on Santa Cruz Island, the Governing Council of the Special Regime of Galapagos (CGREG) officially presented its Strategic Plan to Foster the Blue Economy in Galápagos 2025-2040. The plan seeks to position the Galapagos Islands as a model of sustainable economic development that guarantees social, economic and environmental benefits for the local community, while protecting the natural wealth of this archipelago.
The event, held on Tuesday, December 10, brought together local leaders, World Bank representatives and key stakeholders from the productive and environmental sectors of the Galapagos Islands.
What is a Blue Economy?
A blue economy is a concept that entails the sustainable use of ocean resources to create jobs, improve livelihoods and support economic growth while preserving the health of ocean resources. This approach integrates activities such as responsible small-scale fisheries, respectful tourism, sustainable maritime transport and innovative solid waste and wastewater management.
The 2025-2040 PEEAG is designed to maximize the potential of marine-coastal activities in the Galapagos Islands, aligning with CGREG regional policies and the management plans of the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD).
A Collaborative Approach
The 2025-2040 PEEAG resulted from a 10-month process during which local stakeholders and key sectors participated in workshops in Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristóbal. This participatory approach helped align actions with the needs and aspirations of the local population, prioritizing the most urgent and viable initiatives.
The Plan is part of the “Harnessing the Potential of the Ocean for Sustainable Development in Ecuador” Technical Assistance funded by the World Bank’s PROBLUE and implemented by CGREG and GNPD, with technical assistance from HIDRIA, CEMARIN, NAZCA, WILDAID and ECOS.
“This plan places the blue economy as a central pillar for balancing environmental conservation with economic growth, ensuring that Galapagos natural resources are managed sustainably,” said Issam Abousleiman, World Bank Country Director for Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru.
“Sustainability, inclusion and resilience are the bases of this plan, which seeks both economic development and ecosystem conservation and thus the improved quality of life of local communities” said CGREG Director, Jimmy Bolaños.
The 2025-2040 PEEAG positions the Galapagos Islands as an example of how local economies can prosper without compromising environmental health. In a global context where the balance between development and sustainability has become increasingly urgent, Galapagos is leading the way with an innovative, responsible vision.
About the Strategic Plan to Foster the Blue Economy in Galápagos 2025-2040
The 2025-2040 PEEAG is a planning tool for balancing economic development and the conservation of the natural resources essential for sectors such as fishing, tourism and maritime transport.
The plan has five pillars: 1) improvement of basic services, 2) sustainability of small-scale fisheries, 3) blue tourism, 4) maritime logistics, y 5) biodiversity protection. This approach promotes climate resilience, resource efficiency and the active participation of the local population in managing their marine resources.
The plan will be implemented in three phases: short-, medium- and long-term. In the short term (2025-2030), it will improve critical infrastructure and waste management. In the medium term (2030-2035), it will strengthen sustainability policies and local capacities, while in the long term (2035-2040), it will focus on resilience and the achievement of a vision of sustainable development.
The CGREG and the GNPD will oversee Plan implementation, coordinating efforts of the multiple stakeholders involved, ensuring that actions are executed efficiently and in line with the strategic objectives.
