The Galápagos Islands boast unparalleled biodiversity. Earlier this year, the Ecuadorian government confirmed its commitment to protecting this rich ecosystem by creating the Hermandad Marine Reserve—expanding the established protected area by nearly a third and bringing the total area of protected waters around the islands to nearly 77,000 square miles.
The Ecuadorian government has called on WWF-Ecuador and other organisations to craft a long-term plan to guide the management of the new reserve which requires the active participation of all related sectors, including fisheries. Adequate planning and zoning of the new area will guarantee inclusive conservation, tourism development, and economic benefits. This is another step toward achieving the common goal of protecting 30% of the planet’s oceans by 2030.
