Property: Galápagos Islands [Extension to include the Galápagos Marine Reserve
Id. N°: 1 Bis
State Party: Ecuador
Criteria: N (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
The Committee approved the extension of the Galápagos Islands by the addition of the Galápagos Marine Reserve, maintaining the existing natural criteria (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv). The Marine Reserve adds substantially to the justification of the existing World Heritage site as one of the premier nature reserves on the planet. The Committee requested the Government of Ecuador to finalize as soon as possible the adoption of the regulations deriving from the Special Law for Galápagos. The Committee stressed the importance of long-term protection and management of the site and noted that the extension will further enhance the protection of the site. The Committee commended the State Party on progress made and requested it to invite a mission to review the implementation of the regulations in late 2002.