Ecuador's annexation of the Galápagos Islands in early 1832 came after years of sporadic interest from various powers in the Pacific, particularly after the islands were discovered by various European explorers. At this time, the archipelago was largely uninhabited and represented a remote and natural wonder, filled with unique wildlife and ecosystems. The Ecuadorian government aimed to solidify its territorial claims following independence from Spain, seeking to incorporate the Galápagos into its national identity as part of a broader trend of nation-building across Latin America.

The decision to annex the islands was also influenced by their strategic location along shipping routes, which provided economic and military advantages. President Juan José Flores played a significant role in promoting this move. The annexation signified a commitment to protecting the islands' resources and establishing a national presence in the region. It was also a step towards the eventual colonization and development of the islands later in the century.

The Galápagos Islands would soon attract attention from naturalists and scientists, most famously Charles Darwin, whose observations during the Beagle expedition would lead to groundbreaking theories in biology and evolution. Ecuador's control over the islands facilitated this scientific exploration, which not only highlighted the islands' biodiversity but also emphasized their significance in global scientific discourse.

This annexation laid the groundwork for Ecuador's ongoing relationship with the Galápagos, which today remains crucial for conservation efforts and international ecological studies. The declaration of sovereignty not only reflects Ecuador's efforts to establish itself post-colonial rule but also marks the beginning of a long-standing commitment to monitoring and preserving the unique wildlife of the archipelago.