Galapagos Research

Marielle Abalo, a Biology and Society Ph.D. student, recently conducted a preliminary research trip to assess ecotourism perceptions for and future implications of marine protected areas by using the Galapagos Islands as a case study.

Through this trip, Marielle conducted initial assessments of tourism and conservation, as well preliminary testing of research techniques. As a trained biologist and social scientist, Marielle works with local and international institutions to study how human needs and conservation goals can both be met through cultural and economic frameworks, drawing heavily from her biology training.

By focusing on charismatic species such as marine mammals, which often highlight tourism, the research aims to highlight new lenses through which conservation is viewed and to delineate additional strategies for long-term conservation of unique and endemic ecosystems.

More Information: Marielle Abalo (Marielle.Abalo@asu.edu)