BOGOTA, Colombia — Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa on Friday explicitly ruled out the establishment of a United States military base on the Galapagos Islands, effectively walking back a controversial proposal that had ignited fierce opposition from political rivals, environmental organizations, and segments of the public. The decision marks a significant retreat for the center-right leader, who had initially floated the idea as part of broader efforts to intensify security cooperation with Washington amid escalating drug trafficking threats in the Pacific region.
In an interview with local media outlets in Quito, Noboa stated unequivocally, “Baltra is out of the question.” He emphasized that current national security priorities lie elsewhere, specifically citing the coastal cities of Salinas and Manta as potential alternatives for enhanced bilateral operations. “Right now, the priority is either Salinas or Manta,” Noboa explained. “There is a higher priority on arms, fuel, and drug trafficking at this time.” His remarks signal a pivot away from the ecologically sensitive Galapagos archipelago toward mainland locations already equipped with existing infrastructure, such as airfields and ports that have historically supported military and logistical activities.
The backlash against the Galapagos proposal was swift and multifaceted. Environmentalists highlighted the islands' status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the planet's most pristine biodiversity hotspots, warning that any military installation could irreparably harm fragile ecosystems. The archipelago, comprising 19 main islands and numerous smaller islets, is home to unique species found nowhere else on Earth, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Critics pointed to historical precedents: during World War II, the U.S. operated a naval and air base on Baltra Island from 1941 to 1946, a period during which the yellow land iguana population on the island plummeted to near extinction due to habitat disruption, introduced predators, and resource exploitation by personnel. Although the species has since been reintroduced through conservation efforts, the episode remains a cautionary tale etched into Ecuadorian environmental consciousness.
Political opponents seized on the issue to portray Noboa's administration as reckless and overly deferential to foreign interests. Leftist figures, including former President Rafael Correa—now in exile—and his allies in the Citizen Revolution Movement, accused Noboa of violating national sovereignty and the spirit of Ecuador's 2008 Constitution, which explicitly bans permanent foreign military bases on Ecuadorian soil. “This is not just about ecology; it's about dignity,” Correa posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), amplifying calls for a referendum to settle the matter. Indigenous groups, such as the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), also voiced concerns, linking the proposal to broader fears of militarization in a country already grappling with internal violence spurred by narco-gangs.
Noboa, who assumed office in November 2023 after a snap election triggered by the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, has positioned himself as a staunch ally of U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders share ideological affinities on issues like tough-on-crime policies and free-market reforms. Noboa's initial suggestion of a Galapagos base emerged in the context of heightened U.S. involvement in counter-narcotics operations across Latin America. The Pacific Ocean has become a critical corridor for cocaine smuggling from Colombia and Peru to North American and European markets, with Ecuador serving as a key transshipment hub. Seizures of narcotics in Ecuadorian ports reached record levels in 2024, exceeding 200 metric tons, according to the country's anti-drug agency.
The president revealed that he had discussed potential security enhancements with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during her previous visit to Ecuador in August. Noem, a prominent Republican and former South Dakota governor, is slated to return next week—her second trip in three months—for further talks on migration, border security, and interdiction strategies. Sources within the Ecuadorian government indicate that these discussions could lead to expanded refueling and maintenance agreements for U.S. aircraft and vessels at mainland facilities, without necessitating a full-fledged base.
Ultimately, the fate of any foreign military presence will rest with Ecuadorian voters. A binding referendum scheduled for November 16 will ask citizens whether to amend the Constitution to allow temporary foreign security cooperation under strict conditions. Polls conducted by firms like Cedatos and Perfiles de Opinión show a divided electorate: approximately 52% oppose any form of foreign base, citing sovereignty concerns, while 42% support limited partnerships if tied to anti-drug efforts, with the remainder undecided. The referendum's outcome could redefine Ecuador's foreign policy posture for years, especially as the country navigates its role in regional security dynamics.
Geographically isolated 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) west of Ecuador's mainland coast, the Galapagos Islands were thrust into the international spotlight by Charles Darwin's 1835 visit aboard the HMS Beagle, which informed his theory of evolution by natural selection. Today, the islands host around 30,000 permanent residents and attract over 275,000 tourists annually, generating vital revenue through regulated ecotourism. The Galapagos National Park Directorate and the Charles Darwin Foundation have been instrumental in maintaining strict protections, including bans on large-scale development and invasive species controls.
Noboa's reversal underscores the delicate balance between security imperatives and environmental stewardship in a nation where gang violence claimed over 8,000 lives in 2024 alone—a homicide rate surpassing 45 per 100,000 inhabitants, among the highest in Latin America. The president's “Phoenix Plan,” a comprehensive anti-crime strategy involving military deployments to prisons and streets, has drawn praise for reducing violence in urban centers like Guayaquil but criticism for human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions.
Internationally, the episode reflects broader U.S. efforts to counter Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere. Beijing has invested heavily in Ecuadorian infrastructure, including hydroelectric dams and mining projects, prompting Washington to deepen ties through initiatives like the America Crece program. Analysts suggest that while a Galapagos base is off the table, enhanced cooperation at Manta—site of a former U.S. anti-drug air base closed in 2009 amid sovereignty disputes—could resurface as a compromise.
Environmental advocates welcomed Noboa's announcement but remain vigilant. “This is a victory for science and sovereignty, but we must ensure no backdoor deals undermine our protections,” said Sofia Salazar, director of the Ecuadorian chapter of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The organization has launched campaigns educating locals on the long-term risks of militarization, including potential oil spills, noise pollution affecting marine life, and increased waste generation.
As Ecuador approaches its referendum, the debate encapsulates larger questions about globalization, conservation, and security in the 21st century. Noboa's administration insists that abandoning the Galapagos option does not weaken the fight against cartels; rather, it redirects resources to more practical venues. “We are committed to partnering with allies, but always respecting our laws and our treasures,” a presidential spokesperson stated.
The Galapagos, often called “the enchanted islands,” continue to symbolize nature's resilience. Their near-miss with modern militarization serves as a reminder of how domestic politics and global pressures intersect in unexpected ways. With Noem's impending visit and the referendum looming, Ecuador stands at a crossroads, balancing the imperatives of survival in a violent era against the preservation of one of humanity's greatest natural legacies.
