The islands had been on the list since 2007 because of the increase in tourism, over-fishing and the introduction of invasive species. The committee decided Ecuador’s government was committed to improving the state of the archipelago

The Galapagos Islands are among the most stunning places on earth. The unparalleled biodiversity and spectacular wildlife makes it a travel destination the world over. But it’s also in big trouble.

Two years ago I worked as a researcher at the Charles Darwin Foundation, an international not-for-profit organization that provides scientific research and technical information and assistance to ensure the proper preservation of the Galapagos Islands. During my time I already realized that Galapagos was under a lot of pressure, mostrly from tourists, fishermen and invasive species. Before my visit I had a very romantic idea of the Galapagos Islands, thinking it would be one big nature reserve. Galapagos now a days receives more than 100.000 foreign visitors per year, also atracting a log of Ecuadorians to the islands who want to benefit from the economic development. Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island has become a small city. This has  an enormous impact on the delicate ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands. And while Galapagos is one of the largest marine reserves in the world, there is constant pressure from fishermen, notably from Costa Rica, Guatemala and Panama, who sneak in during night time with long lines to catch sharks for their fins.

So why was Galapagos this week removed from the UN endangered sites lists? The Ecuadorian government has welcomed this removal because it allows them to futher develop Galapagos as a tourist destination. While Galapagos is a world heritage, Ecuador (one of the most corrupt countries in the world) chooses for the short term and the existence of the islands at risk. I find it difficult to accept that we have failed to conserve the most unique natural heritage site in the world.