Fundación Jocotoco contributes to expanding the Galapagos Marine Reserve

The GMR protects the Ecuadorian part of the Galapagos-Cocos swim way used by highly threatened species, such as scalloped hammerhead sharks, four species of marine turtles, and endangered seabirds. The announcement of the GMR prompted Costa Rica to expand the protected area around Cocos Island. Working alongside the Galapagos National Park Directorate, the goal is to establish regulations to limit and control fishing in the marine protected area (MPA).

During the COP26, Ecuadorian president, Guillermo Lasso, announced the creation of a new MPA of 60,000 km² adjoining the existing GMR. The official declaration will follow in early 2022. The expanded GMR will protect 198,000 km² around the Galapagos archipelago.

The expansion of the MPA seeks to increase the protection of the sea that surrounds Galapagos, which currently faces a strong threat from industrial fishing. Through the promotion of sustainable fishing, it will be possible to recover marine biodiversity, which will imply food security for the Galapagos community and a great benefit for the entire marine ecosystem.

It is important to highlight that this announcement results from the ongoing support and concern that the Galapagos National Park Directorate, the Galapagos Government Council, and 156 national and international NGOs have expressed to regulate fishing activities in the GMR.

Furthermore, Fundación Jocotoco's Galapagos team worked on the scientific justification, legal mechanisms, and societal support to make the GMR a reality. We hope to achieve that Ecuador benefits from a debt-for-nature swap that would set up a long-term mechanism to finance the protection of the expanded GMR. This debt-for-nature swap would provide not only long-term financial sustainability but also economic relief for the country.