Strengthening Maritime Security in the Galapagos: Ecuadorian Navy Receives New Resources

31 May 2024
May 30, Galápagos Islands - Today, at the Seymour Command facilities in the north of Santa Cruz Island, the official handover of the LC-729 vessel and its navigation equipment took place, along with the upgraded Marine Surveillance Unit of the Itabaca Canal. This unit now features a modern control and surveillance room, as well as patrol and control equipment.

These actions have been made possible thanks to the Bezos Earth Fund and National Geographic, through the collaboration between the Jocotoco Foundation and WildAid Ecuador, which work together to protect and conserve the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

The event was attended by more than 50 guests, including the National Director of Aquatic Spaces, Counter Admiral Ricardo Unda, who commented, "This renovated control and surveillance center, equipped with improved facilities, a monitoring room, and equipment, along with the new vessel, will support our security work to prevent environmental crimes such as species trafficking and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing".

Eliécer Cruz, Director of the Galapagos Program at the Jocotoco Foundation, mentioned, "Maritime security is directly linked to environmental conservation. With these new resources, we can ensure more effective surveillance to protect the biodiversity of the Galapagos and combat illegal activities that threaten our ecosystem. This donation will also benefit the community, as well as the tourism and fishing sectors, in terms of immediate action or sailing permits.".

Manuel Bravo, Director of WildAid Ecuador, highlighted the cooperation and interinstitutional work that made this donation possible. "This is just the beginning. The real merits will be in the results, which I am confident and have no doubt will be achieved by working together as we have done so far. That is my vision".

Arturo Izurieta, Director of the Galapagos National Park, commented, "The Itabaca Canal is a strategic point for the Navy and the Galapagos National Park, as it allows for the control of tourism and fishery resources. This operations center is key".

Galapagos is one of the best-preserved archipelagos in the world and plays a crucial role in maritime security and environmental protection. Strengthening patrol and surveillance in Galapagos is essential to addressing the challenges associated with illicit activities that may arise within the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The investment made will contribute to maritime security, marine biodiversity conservation, good environmental practices, and will also benefit the community, which will be able to access the services provided by the captaincies as maritime authorities from the Itabaca Maritime Surveillance Unit.

This initiative is an example of how collaboration between environmental institutions and government entities can result in tangible benefits for conservation and security. The Jocotoco Foundation and WildAid Ecuador will continue to work closely with the Ecuadorian Navy, the Galapagos National Park Directorate, and other local authorities to ensure the long-term protection of Galapagos' valuable marine resources, guaranteeing their sustainability for future generations.

For more information:

Isabel Grijalva
isabel.grijalva@jocotoco.org.ec
0984400328