Whilst Galapagos is one of the best conserved tropical oceanic archipelagos in the world and 95% of its original biodiversity still remains, it is under increasing threat due to human intervention and climate change. Historically the Islands have been affected by decimation of natural habitats and endemic wildlife populations, then through the introduction of invasive species and more recently by an increase in tourism numbers and development. All of these issues were highlighted when Galapagos became a UNESCO World Heritage Site 'In Danger' in 2007.
The meeting demonstrated the breadth and depth of research taking place in Galapagos and how Galapagos is still teaching the world so much today. Eight highly respected speakers came together for the first time to discuss the future of Galapagos using their area of expertise to inform on some of the issues, the lessons and the current research work taking place. Together they looked at Galapagos, its significance to global biodiversity and how it remains a model for the study of evolution in a living laboratory that needs saving now more than ever before.
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