Ecuador allocates a millionaire amount for the protection of the Galápagos Islands: it is to strengthen surveillance and conservation of the marine reserves of the archipelago.
This is done through the Galápagos Life Fund (GLF), an entity created to manage the funds from the debt-for-nature swap carried out by the Government in 2022.
This investment will focus on the Galápagos Marine Reserve and the Fraternity Reserve, covering a total of 190,000 square kilometers of ocean.
Ecuador allocates a millionaire amount for the protection of the Galápagos Islands and its reserves
The Galápagos Marine Reserve, with an extension of 130,000 square kilometers, and the Fraternity Reserve, of 60,000, are protected areas that harbor a unique biodiversity in the world.
These reserves are home to emblematic species such as marine turtles, hammerhead sharks, and whales, as well as various critically endangered migratory species.
The unique biodiversity of Galápagos.
The Fraternity Reserve also establishes a migratory corridor with Cocos Island in Costa Rica, expanding the protection of these species at a regional level.
The investment: details
The 6 million dollars come from the GLF, which manages the funds from Ecuador’s debt-for-nature swap carried out in 2022.
This agreement allowed the country to reduce its external debt in exchange for committing to invest in environmental conservation.
The allocation of these funds will be carried out under the coordination of the Galápagos National Park Directorate, the Ecuadorian Navy, and the Undersecretariat of Fisheries Resources.
What are the project’s objectives
The investment aims to strengthen control and surveillance in the marine reserves through:
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Implementation of the management plan for the Fraternity Marine Reserve: approved in 2023, the plan includes key activities such as monitoring and surveillance.
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Strengthening of the operational fleet: the goal is to have a fleet equipped for efficient patrols in the marine reserves.
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Interinstitutional remote monitoring system: a system will be implemented with full coverage in the Fraternity Reserve to improve monitoring and response to illicit activities.
The executive director of the GLF, Mónica Calvopiña, stated that with these resources they aim to have an operational fleet for efficient patrols, an interinstitutional system of remote monitoring with 100% coverage in the Fraternity Reserve.
Moreover, they aim to consolidate a specialized group in control and surveillance to ensure its effective conservation.
The importance of marine conservation
The Galápagos Islands are recognized for their unique biodiversity and their crucial role in global marine conservation.
Galapagos.
The protection of marine reserves is essential to preserve healthy ecosystems, regulate the climate, and maintain the balance of marine species.
The collaboration between the Ecuadorian government, international organizations, and the local community is essential to guarantee the sustainability of these protected areas.
