Galapagos at the Crossroads: Pirates, Biologists, Tourists, and Creationists Battle for Darwin's Cradle of Evolution

(Hardback)

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For millions, the Galapagos represent nature at its most unspoiled, an inviolate place famed for its rare flora and fauna. But soon today's 30,000 human residents will surpass 50,000, a huge problem since almost all of the land is national park. Add invasive species, floods of tourists, and unresolved conflicts between Ecuadorian laws and local concerns- It's easy to see why the Galapagos were recently added to UNESCO's World Heritage in Danger list.Each chapter in this provocative, perceptive book focuses on a specific person or group endeavoring either to exploit or protect the Galapagos' natural resources-from modern-day pirates who poach endangered marine species to environmental activists who patrol protected waters to catch them red-handed. The story Bassett tells explores the inevitable clash in values between these often quirky, always dedicated individuals and their activities.Bassett presents a perspective as readable as it is sensible. Told with wit, passion, and grace, the Galapagos story serves as a microcosm for Earth itself, a perfect example of how an environment can be destroyed.

Reviews

"A modern portrait of the islands... as tourists, fishermen, and immigrants exact their toll on the fragile ecosystem." --Conservation Magazine (Society for Conservation Biology)

"A fantastic tutorial for anyone curious about the natural and human health of the island state today." -- Jon Bowermaster, filmmaker, photographer, and writer

"An outstanding saga of a threatened ecosystem...specific and revealing ... a 'must' for any library serious about science and ecological issues." -- Midwest Book Review

"Portrays today's Galapagos caught in a deadly vortex of interests that may destroy one of the world's last Edens."
-- Broadway Books

"Explores the changing landscape of one of the most interesting and biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth."
-- Willamette Week

"If you are looking for an example of the battle between the natural environment and human encroachment, this book provides the perfect case."
-- The Andersen Library Blog

"A vivid, lyrical account of natural wonders and growing threats...invasive species, illegal fishing, political corruption, lack of education, eco-tourism." -- The Denver Post

"Bassett ... uses science, journalism and personal story to illuminate a species ... as a barometer for how the planet is faring." -- The Register-Guard

"Absorbing and convincing..." -- The News-Reporter

"...could have easily been called Galpagos in the Crosshairs. She makes a passionate case for the preservation of these islands." --American Scientist

"Takes a hard look at the real story: Due to a number of modern-day issues, the islands are in jeopardy." --Cosis.net

Author Bio

Carol Ann Bassett is the author of A Gathering of Stones and Organ Pipe. She has contributed pieces to The New York Times, The Nation, Mother Jones, Science, The Los Angeles Times, and Conde Nast Traveler.