Galapagos conservation news

This video is called National Geographic HD – Galapagos Documental – Underwater Emotions IMAX.

From AboutMyPlanet:

Galapagos Islands Removed From Red List For Endangerment

October 16th, 2013, BY VeganVerve

The Galapagos Islands are famed for the part they played in developing Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. The islands are home to many species not found elsewhere, much like other islands on the planet. It was the first ever World Heritage Site named by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) in 1978.

Then in 2007 the Galapagos Islands were placed on Unesco’s World Heritage Site red list for endangered sites. The reason for this listing was due to the increasing population, over fishing and increasing tourism. Non-native species introductions have also become a problem on the islands.

However, it was recently announced that Unesco’s World Heritage Committee has decided to remove the Galapagos Islands from their red list of endangered sites. Due to a recommendation from Brazil, the committee considered removing the islands from the list. After reviewing the information available, the committee decided that the Ecuadorian government was making strides towards improving the conditions on the islands.

The Galapagos Islands were recommended as a red list endangered site by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This same organization is very concerned about the removal of the islands from the red list. According to the IUCN, the islands are not out of the clear yet and the islands should still remain protected.

The IUCN’s World Heritage Program leader, Tim Badman, stated: “IUCN’s recommendation for the Galapagos was that it should not be removed from the Danger List as there is work still to be done.” Badman stated: “Threats from tourism, invasive species and over fishing are still factors and the situation in the Galapagos remains critical.”

14 unique animals of the Galapagos Islands: here.

Galápagos finches that inspired Darwin under threat from parasitical flies: here.

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