CDF SUPPORTS ECUADORIAN GOVERNMENT'S CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION TO CONSERVE GALAPAGOS
The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) today indicated its very strong support for yesterday's declaration by Ecuador's President Rafael Correa that Galapagos is at risk and is a national conservation priority. The President's declaration recognises the need for urgent and radical change in the direction
of development in Galapagos.
Galapagos is experiencing rapid economic growth, increasing institutional complexity and frailty, and consequent impacts on biodiversity through invasive species, pollution and over-harvest. Tourism visitation has grown in Galapagos from 40,000 in 1991 to over 120,000 in 2006; over this period the tourism economy has grown at a yearly rate of 14%. This rapid economic growth has been coupled with a similar rise in immigration, outstripping the capacity of management authorities of Galapagos, including the National Institute of Galapagos, the Galapagos National Park, the Galapagos Inspection and Quarantine System and the Municipalities.
According to Dr. Graham Watkins, CDF Executive Director, "The consequences of this growth include an increase in invasive species, increased risk of pollution and finally the likelihood of greater pressures on high value marine resources."
The resulting biodiversity threats have been well documented. There are now 748 species of introduced plants in Galapagos compared to the 500 species of native plants. Sixty percent of the 180 endemic plant species are considered threatened according to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species criteria. There are now at least 490 species of insects and 53 species of other invertebrates introduced to Galapagos; 55 of which have the potential to cause severe impacts on native biodiversity. Marine resources including lobster, sea cucumber and grouper have declined precipitously over the last 15 years.
As indicated very clearly by the President's declaration, the solutions focus on appropriate implementation of the 1998 Special Law for Galapagos including the needs to: strengthen Galapagos management authorities; ensure development of sustainable businesses, especially tourism; implement educational reform; and continue and strengthen the work of the Galapagos National Park Service and the CDF in the management of invasive and endangered species.
This extraordinary archipelago is remarkably fragile and highly susceptible to the expanding unsustainable cycle of economic and population growth and associated political, social and cultural change. The actions taken by President Correa and his cabinet reflect concerns that have been expressed for many years about the future of Galapagos.
Added Dr. Watkins, "The CDF will continue to support the Government of Ecuador in its efforts to create a truly sustainable Galapagos."
..Top
|
