National Park

The first efforts to conserve and protect Galápagos Islands were made in 1934 and 1936 when the government decreed that some species and areas of the archipelago were protected.

On July 4, 1959 in Decree No. 17 published in Official Register No. 873, the prior decree was ratified and amended, declaring as Galápagos National Park (PNG) 97% of the land area of Galápagos with the remaining 3% of populated areas distributed between Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela and Floreana Islands.

On April 2, 1959 the Ministry of Development (now Agriculture and Livestock) was empowered to issue regulations necessary for compliance with the Law.  The Ecuadorian Institute of Agricultural Reform (IERAG) drew boundaries for the colonized zone and the Galápagos National Park in 1965.

In 1968, the Administration of the Galápagos National Park Service started with the arrival of the first 2 officials from the forest service of the Ministry of Agriculture.

In 1971, the Galápagos National Park Service had its first Superintendent, 2 officers and 6 park rangers on Santa Cruz Island.
In 1974, the Galápagos National Park Service had its first management plan and a team of officials in accordance with the organic structure issued in 1973, with a Superintendent, 2 conservation officers, 40 park rangers to comply with management objectives.

In 1999, the Ministry of the Environment was created as a Ministry of the State responsible for management and administration of the country's natural areas.  Galápagos National Park is part of this Ministry.