Since the creation of this first protected area in Ecuador, major efforts resulting in resounding successes have kept the Galapagos the best conserved archipelago in the world.

During the ceremony, awards were presented for support of the work of the institution.

The Director of the Galapagos National Park (GNP), Biologist Edwin Naula, led the commemorative morning session in celebration of the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of the GNP, the first protected area of Ecuador. The ceremony was held in the Charles Darwin Convention Center in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal Island, the capital of the province.

During the ceremony, the Park Director presented the major achievements of the GNP in support of conservation and sustainable development in the archipelago. Among the mentioned achievements were major efforts in the control and eradication of introduced species, patrolling of the Marine Reserve, and above all, the alliances with other institutions and organizations resulting in collaboration on activities with the same goal, the conservation of Galapagos. Biologist Naula also recognized the responsibility assumed by the Park in recent years to support the artisanal fishing sector, whose participants now see themselves as custodians of their resources and no longer as exploiters of the resource. Naula commended the Park on continuing its work to minimize the risks that exist in the archipelago and to faithfully support sustainable development. He highlighted the importance of working with other institutions and especially the local community, stating that the general public fulfills fundamental roles in all of the activities in the islands.

Various institutions, including the Governing Council of Galapagos, the governorship, and the Ministry of Education, among others, highlighted the efficient and effective work of the Park during its 52 years of existence in support of conservation.

The Directorship of the GNP, the agency responsible for the management and administration of both the GNP and the Galapagos Marine Reserve, designated the Minister of the Environment, Marcela Aguiñaga, an “Honorary Park Ranger” of the DGNP, in recognition of her unconditional support of the institution. A recognition plaque was also presented to the Coordinating Minister of Heritage, María Fernanda Espinosa, for her tenacious work in support of Galapagos.

Finally, the DGNP recognized the various employees who have completed specified numbers of years in the institution, noting their enthusiasm, dedication, and ongoing work for the conservation of the Galapagos Islands.

Those present at the ceremony included the principal civil and military authorities of Galapagos, representatives of various Ministries and sectors, as well as park rangers and members of the general public.

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