VIII.87 The Committee, recognising the continued and increasing threats posed to the marine and terrestrial flora and fauna of the Islands, urged the State Party to make all efforts to finalise the specific regulations under the Special Law and enforce them as soon as possible. The Committee commended the ruling by the State Party's Constitutional Court to uphold the Galapagos Special Law. It also commended the Ecuadorian Government for supporting the "Sea Shepherd" patrols in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, as well as efforts to protect the marine ecosystem in the Reserve. The Committee also commended the Smart Voyager initiative, given the nature of tourism visitation to the Galapagos and the impacts of tourism on the fragile environment and in light of the proposed Marine Reserve. It believed that consideration should be given to promoting similar schemes in other World Heritage sites. The Committee furthermore noted that the sea lion incident demonstrates the need to enhance the capacity of the Park to reinforce patrolling and control of the Islands.
Decision 25 COM VIII.87
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Decision Code
25 COM VIII.87
Themes
States Parties 1
Properties 1
Year
2001
State of conservation reports
2001 Galápagos Islands
Documents
WHC-01/CONF.208/24
Report of the twenty-fifth session of the World Heritage Committee (Helsinki, Finland, 11 - 16 December 2001)