Galapagos Marine Reserve

In 1997, Galapagos fishermen, tour operators, and nature guides worked closely with the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park Service to develop a new vision for managing the ecosystems and natural resources of Galapagos. Their work resulted in the creation of a marine reserve with a “shared” administration in which local stakeholders would play a central role in decision making processes.

The Galapagos Marine Reserve was designated as a protected area in 1998 under the Special Law for Galapagos. Extending 40 nautical miles from its baseline, the Galapagos Marine Reserve is one of the largest marine reserves in the world, covering an area of approximately 50,000 square miles. The Ecuadorian government, together with the residents of Galapagos, formally protects these waters to promote and preserve the sustainability and conservation of its natural resources for the future.

In 2001, The United Nations Education, Science, and Culture Organization (UNESCO) designated the Galapagos Marine Reserve as a “Natural Heritage Site”—a designation that confirms that no other marine area like the Galapagos exists in the world. The nutrient-rich waters, the spectacular tropical ecosystems, the high percentage of unique species, and the overwhelming diversity of different species all contribute to the reason this archipelago is famous for its complex one-of-a-kind ecosystems.