ECUADOR: Ecuador says pristine Galapagos islands at risk

Ecuador declared the world-famous Galapagos Islands at risk on Tuesday (April 10) and could temporarily suspend tourism permits and enforce rigourous population restrictions to prevent further environmental harm. President Rafael Correa signed an emergency decree to help the archipelago, saying the islands that once astonished the explorer Charles Darwin needed immediate attention. "What we are doing is revealing a latent problem that already existed in the archipelago and that it was high time to confront it, with responsibility, seriousness and bravery. So this patriotic, sovereign and responsible government, by means of this decree, declares the Galapagos at risk and has decided a series of actions to overcome the grave institutional, environmental and social crisis the islands are going through," President Rafael Correa said. The volcanic islands, located 625 miles (1,000 km) west of Ecuador's coast, inspired British naturalist Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Correa did not provide any details about the possible restrictions, but said the country would consider suspending some tourism permits. Thousands of visitors travel to the Galapagos annually to marvel at the islands natural wonders - among them the strange ocean-swimming water iguana, scores of sharks and ancient turtles thought to be hundreds of years old. But a growing population, illegal fishing of sharks and sea cucumbers, and internal bickering at the national park have taken a toll. Government officials said about 15,000 people are believed to live illegally in the islands, government officials said. A United Nations delegation is visiting the islands to determine whether the World Heritage site should be declared "in danger."

ITN Source | April 12, 2007

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