Plundering Paradise: The Hand of Man on the Galapagos Islands
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About this ebook
Mention the Galápagos Islands to almost anyone, and the first things that spring to mind are iguanas, tortoises, volcanic beaches, and, of course, Charles Darwin. But there are people living there, too -- nearly 20,000 of them. A wild stew of nomads and grifters, dreamers and hermits, wealthy tour operators and desperately poor South American refugees, these inhabitants have brought crime, crowding, poaching, and pollution to the once-idyllic islands. In Plundering Paradise, Michael D'Orso explores the conflicts on land and at sea that now threaten to destroy this fabled "Eden of Evolution."
Michael D'Orso
Michael D’Orso is the author of sixteen books, which include Oceana, Plundering Paradise, and The Cost of Courage. His work has been featured or reviewed in The New Yorker, Time, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, and other publications.
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Reviews for Plundering Paradise
6 ratings1 review
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5For anyone who has been to or is considering visiting the Galapagos Islands, this book is a must read. It's also an interesting read for anyone interested in preserving the environment and learning how government impacts the work of ecologists and scientists. The author interviews many different inhabitants of the Galapagos and those associated with the area. The book delves into topics as diverse as the island folklore, Ecuador's policies towards the islands, and fishing practices around the islands. It is an eye-opening view of how a corrupt and unstable government is affecting one of our most precious and interesting environments. I had the opportunity to visit the Galapagos Islands last year, and this book enhanced my travel experience.