Nature's Eden? The production and effects of 'Pristine' nature in the Galápagos Islands.

The Galápagos Islands, renowned as an 'evolutionary Eden' and a symbol of pristine nature, are not inherently natural but are socially constructed concepts that shape tourism and infrastructure development. This study reveals how the perception of pristine nature in the Galápagos has led to uneven social outcomes and environmental impacts, despite its UNESCO World Heritage status. By analyzing the material and political effects of these understandings, researchers demonstrate that the crisis of overdevelopment stems from the idealization of untouched landscapes rather than ecological realities. The paper argues for a rethinking of the islands' nature, emphasizing the need to address the complexity of social-environmental relations to mitigate ongoing challenges.

McCleary, Amy L., & Hennessy, Elizabeth. (2011). Nature’s Eden? The Production and Effects of ‘Pristine’ Nature in the Galápagos Islands. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University Libraries. https://doi.org/10.17615/RKHV-FX58