The closing days of the Vanuatu–Galápagos Knowledge Exchange shifted from institutional governance to the communities, enterprises, and local authorities that put the Galápagos conservation model into practice.

A consultation with the Municipal Government of Santa Cruz examined how revenues from the protected area entry fee system flow into local public services — including municipal infrastructure, waste management, and environmental services. The exchange highlighted how the visibility of those local benefits is central to sustaining public support for conservation finance mechanisms.

The delegation visited two community-based agro-tourism enterprises on Santa Cruz Island. At Rancho El Manzanillo, operated by the Familia Guerrero, discussions covered the historical evolution of agricultural livelihoods on the islands — including early sugar cane activities — and the diversification into family-based tourism enterprises linked to local identity and sustainable land management. At Finca La Envidia, the delegation explored experiential tourism built around coffee production, where visitors participate directly in planting and harvesting activities.

Both visits illustrated how sustainable agriculture, cultural heritage, and experiential tourism can reinforce conservation values while generating livelihoods for local families.

The delegation then visited the Galápagos National Park forest nursery, where technical presentations covered seed germination, nursery management, and long-term forest restoration planning. The visit concluded with a symbolic tree planting ceremony, representing the growing partnership and shared environmental commitment between Vanuatu and the Galápagos.

A final session with the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade and Investments, represented by Felipe Alava Riofrio, examined tourism statistics, sector governance, and the national coordination required to balance tourism development, conservation priorities, and territorial carrying capacity — bringing the exchange to a close after engagements with more than fifteen institutions and stakeholder groups across the archipelago.

The Government of Vanuatu expressed its sincere gratitude to all institutions and stakeholders involved in the exchange, and in particular to the Galápagos National Park Directorate for its coordination and support throughout.