Presentation of the Hermandad Marine Reserve Management Plan in Galapagos

The Management Plan is a technical document that guides the key stakeholders for a coordinated management of the Hermandad Marine Reserve, based on an ecosystemic, precautionary and participatory approach, which will strengthen its protection. This reserve, which became official on January 14, 2022, covers 60,000 km² in the open waters of the insular Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), northwest of the Galapagos Marine Reserve, and is part of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Conservation Corridor, which includes the Galapagos and Hermandad (in Ecuador), Cocos (Costa Rica), Coiba (Panama), Malpelo and Gorgona (Colombia).

The launch was attended by more than 35 participants, including local government authorities such as the Director of the Galapagos National Park, Danny Rueda, the Harbor Captain, Patricio Rivas, and the Executive Director of the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency, Dr. Marilyn Cruz. We also had the presence of scientists and representatives from conservation organizations, as well as members of local community initiatives.

During the event, the executive director of the Jocotoco Conservation Foundation - Galapagos Program, Eliécer Cruz, highlighted the importance of Hermandad Plan in the conservation of this marine ecosystem. "The Hermandad Plan reflects the collaboration between diverse local, national and regional actors, consolidating a joint, participatory and transparent effort to address threats such as climate change, pollution and illegal fishing. It also seeks to consolidate the Hermandad Marine Reserve as a global reference in terms of ecological connectivity and international cooperation for marine conservation", mentioned Cruz.

During the event, the process of creating the Plan was presented, highlighting its participatory and transparent approach. The objectives to mitigate threats were highlighted, as well as the implementation of management programs that will encompass biodiversity conservation, monitoring and surveillance, science and technological innovation, environmental communication and education, and administrative planning.

The Plan Hermandad proposes to achieve its vision by 2032, and to do so, calls for a continued commitment in terms of institutional strengthening, adequate funding, and effective coordination among the various actors responsible for the conservation of this priceless marine reserve.

This work was made possible thanks to the support of Rewild, Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, and Blue Action Fund. You can download the Hermandad Marine Reserve Management Plan here: https://galapagos.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Plan-Hermandad.pdf

For more information, please contact:

Isabel Grijalva

0984400328

isabelgrijalva@gmail.com