It is time to render a sincere and well-deserved tribute to an important institution that works very hard trying to keep the Galapagos Islands as pristine as possible. In 1959, 100 years after the publication of Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species," the Ecuadorian Government declared all areas of the Galapagos archipelago a national park, with the exception of those parts already colonized.

In 1968 the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS) was set up, to administer the day-to-day running of the park, and take over many of the conservation programs. As an example, the GNPS has had success in the eradication and control of introduced animals and plants in some islands of the archipelago. In 1974, as an attempt to control tourism activities, rules for visitors and tourists ships were implemented.

We, as naturalists, are an active and vital part of the GNPS. We have a very important primary mission, to educate both local and visitors about the fragile ecology of the islands and, at the same time acting like unofficial park wardens spreading the word about conservation issues.

In today's picture we have our youngest visitors this week. They are pointing to the logo of the Galapagos National Park Service, a giant tortoise and a hammerhead shark representing both land and marine ecosystems. These children pictured today cheerfully represent the future of this wonderful paradise. One of the last on earth!