This paper aims to analyse the methodology for conflict analysis and facilitation being used in the Galapagos Islands which draws on the principles of a combination of approaches including third party consultation, interactive problem-solving, common property management, community-based conservation, environmental education, participatory management in protected areas and fisheries co-management. It emphasises the highly contextualised nature of the intervention and raises several key questions including the importance of a) an appropriate legal framework, b) the process and joint problem-solving nature of the intervention, c) how to develop effective representation of members of a multi-sectoral team in order to maximise the possibility of community-level commitment to solutions, d) the appropriate institutional model for participatory management.