The Galapagos National Park is in constant care of the species and the environment, for that reason, the authorities of the park always made announcements and campaigns for prevention or take care of the environment; With more reason now, when the Islands were awarded for its work on the sustainability on the tourism.

The 14 rules of visiting protected areas are part of #ProtegeLaEvolución Protect Evolution campaign, a joint initiative between the Galapagos National Park and the WildAid organization that aims to guarantee the conservation of the archipelago. Authorities work with travelers and the general population to raise awareness when arriving on the islands, which only allows access to around 200,000 visitors per year.

When arrive the Galapagos Islands, either aboard a cruise or an island hopping tour the travelers need to remind the following rules and behaviors inside the islands.

The Rules:

1. Visits to Galapagos protected areas can only be made in the company of a naturalist guide with authorization by the Galapagos National Park.

2. Hire the services of tour operators and authorized vessels to work in the protected areas of the Galapagos.

3. Stay inside the trails and respect the signage. Do not destroy the infrastructure or remove elements of the ecosystem.

4. Maintain a distance of no less than two meters (including the camera) from the animals so as not to affect their behavior.

5. Avoid touching or feeding the Galapagos animals.

6. Avoid taking pictures with flash to alter the normal behavior of wildlife. Films, professional photos for commercial purposes and the use of drones require authorization.

7. For camping use the spaces allowed. Ask the Directorate of the Galapagos National Park, in the different populated islands, for authorization 48 hours in advance.

8. Review the list of products allowed to enter the islands, non-returnable bottles are not permitted. Do not introduce external elements to the ecosystem.

9. Do not buy souvenirs made with black coral, shells, volcanic stones, parts of animals and endemic woods. Also, do not consume endangered species.

10. Writing phrases on trees, rocks and walls alter the natural landscape of the islands.

11. If generates garbage, keep it; take it with you to the population centers and collaborate with the recycling programs, leave the classified trash in its place.

12. Fire is a danger to the flora and fauna of the islands, you can not smoke, drink alcohol or make bonfires inside the protected area.

13. You can not fish on board of tourism boats. Collaborate denouncing this irregularity to the authorities.

14. Motorized water sports, the use of submarines and air tourism are not possible activities on the islands.

The next video will inform tourists about the protocols they must follow during their stay in the islands: