CHARLES DARWIN FOUNDATION SUPPORTS INVESTIGATION INTO POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS BY VISITING RESEARCH GROUP
The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) supports a full investigation into possible violations committed at a field research camp on Espaņola Island as outlined in a formal complaint filed by the Guides Association of Galapagos with the Galapagos National Park (GNP) on 29 June.
In a letter sent to GNP, the association accused the group of committing several violations of the Galapagos National Park rules, including the illegal capture and consumption of crabs (Grapsus grapsus), the dissection of a sea horse, disturbance of nesting areas of Waved Albatrosses and the presence of six bottles of alcohol on the camp premises. The letter was accompanied by ten photos of individuals at the camp, catching and eating crabs, as well as fishing.
"All of these activities are strictly prohibited by Galapagos National Park rules, and our own internal regulations, and if proven to be true, violate the professional and ethical norms established for conducting scientific research in the Galapagos Islands," said Graham Watkins, executive director of the Charles Darwin Foundation. Watkins confirmed that the field camp identified in the photo is not run by the Charles Darwin Research Station nor are any of the individuals researchers employed by the station.
The guides association called for an investigation to identify the names of the individuals in the group and the institution responsible for the group's activities. They also requested that the maximum penalties be applied as required under the Forestry Law for the Conservation of Natural Areas and Wildlife, the Special Law for Galapagos, and other applicable laws.
"We are against any violations of the laws in place to protect the biodiversity of Galapagos, in particular fragile, natural areas such as Espaņola Island, and we will fully support sanctions for any individual or group that violates these laws," said Watkins. "We have every confidence that the Galapagos National Park will take the appropriate actions upon completion of their investigation into the charges."
As the principle scientific research organisation in the islands, CDF reviews the scientific merit of research proposals by visiting scientists for the Galapagos National Park, and provides logistical support to independent researchers carrying out work in the islands. "We work with many prominent institutions from mainland Ecuador and around the world, and they are informed of, and comply with, park laws and procedures," said Watkins.
CDF will work with the Galapagos National Park to conduct a full review of the visiting scientists programme including field camp protocols already in place. "We will renew our efforts to ensure visiting scientists receive adequate information and orientation to prevent these kinds of activities from happening in the future, and we will support the Park as needed to assure compliance," said Watkins.
..Top
|
