Understandably, establishing an academic and research institute in the delicate Galapagos ecosystem requires careful attention to all types of regulations and conservation policies.

Ninety-seven percent of the land surface of the Galapagos Islands is a National Park and has been named a World Heritage Site. The Galapagos Marine Reserve declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, covers 133,000 kilometers and has been described as the most attractive diver destination in the world.

Over the years, USFQ/GAIAS has come into contact with many institutions of the Archipelago. The National Park Service, the municipality, the provincial government and the central government all gave USFQ their full support to start operations in September 2002. Close relationships have also been developed with national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations working for the conservation and sustainable development of the Galapagos.