Adventure Life on Travel Channel

Adventure Life General Manager, and secretary on the board for the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA), Jonathan Brunger, was recently interviewed for a story about sustainable tourism in the Galapagos.As part of the story, Brunger offered these Galapagos travel tips:Use local guides. “For generations families have relied on fishing, but now tourism is the way to make money,” says Brunger. “Plus, locals see the value of protecting the environment to become real stewards of the Galapagos, and it is passed on to their children.”Book though a responsible, sustainable tour company. Ask if the company is a member of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA).Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. “Visiting educational sites such as this allows people to leave educated with a better understanding about some of the issues impacting the environment, and hopefully gives you a little more stake in conservation after you leave,” says Brunger.Tread lightly. You know the basics, such as don’t litter, don’t walk off the marked paths, and obey the park guidelines (such as don’t stuff an iguana in your backpack).Consider supporting an NGO. Many non-governmental organizations are making great strides to help preserve the Galapagos.