Since 1959, when Ecuador created the Galápagos National Park, the process of conservation has been on-going. The following is a short time-line of events.

In 1959, the Ecuadorian government set aside 1,714,000 acres (693,700 ha), which makes up 90% of the Galápagos Islands, as a National Park. All the lands that were not already settlement areas were incorporated into the park.

In 1967, the Galápagos National Park Service was set up in the islands.

In 1972, the first park superintendent arrived. In 1998, the Galápagos Marine Reserve was created in order to protect the waters surrounding the Galápagos Islands and the resources they contain. There is a movement towards bringing together local sectors (fishing, tourism and conservation) in order to negotiate protecting the entire region, both on land and in the sea.

The Galápagos National Park Service cooperates with the Charles Darwin Research Station in order to implement their common goals of conservation and preservation of the natural resources within the National Park and Marine Reserve. The park service approves all itineraries of boats visiting the islands making sure that the tourism is distributed evenly throughout the islands. They also work as the licensing board for all guides on the islands.

Park rules and regulations have been developed in an effort to protect the area resources. Rather than patrol boats for enforcement, the park utilizes certified guides who accompany all visitors in order to enforce rules through education.

In recent years, there has been a greater need for concern regarding the fishing industry in the Galápagos. While it may be possible to sustainably practice artisanal fishing, the dangers have come from industrial fishing boats patrolling the waters surrounding the islands, even within the borders of the Marine Reserve. They primarily seek tuna and lobster, sea cucumbers and shark fins. Unfortunately, large-scale fishing puts in danger many species. Those indirectly affected include sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, waved albatross, blue-footed booby, dolphins and various cetaceans. These animals get caught in the long lines or nets of the tuna fishermen.

Tourism may be the most sustainable means of conserving the Galápagos Islands. While educating thousands of people each year who come from all over the world to discover the uniqueness of the islands, tourism also generates resources that can be put to work in the process of conservation. As long as one remembers to "take only photos and memories and leave only footprints", each person can contribute to securing the future of the Galápagos Islands as a natural resource and World Heritage Site.