Originally published June 22, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified June 27, 2007 at 4:13 AM
As tourism swells, Galapagos Islands may get "in danger" listing
Ecuador says tourism is threatening the Galapagos Islands and has asked UNESCO to add the area that inspired the theory of evolution to...
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Ecuador says tourism is threatening the Galapagos Islands and has asked UNESCO to add the area that inspired the theory of evolution to its endangered list, the culture agency said Friday.
The U.N. agency's World Heritage Committee will consider Ecuador's request at a weeklong meeting that begins in New Zealand on Saturday, chairman Tumu te Heuheu said.
The Galapagos Islands, about 620 miles off Ecuador's Pacific coast, are home to unique animal species that inspired Charles Darwin's ideas on evolution. They are also Ecuador's top tourist attraction.
The country's president, Rafael Correa, says the islands are suffering an environmental crisis and has called for restrictions on tourists.
The islands have "a very fragile ecosystem and there is a need to manage those activities," Te HeuHeu said.
UNESCO protects 830 sites around the world that have what it describes as "outstanding universal values." The Galapagos gained World Heritage Site status in 1978.
The Tower of London is another World Heritage Site the organization will consider listing as "in danger" when it meets in the southern city of Christchurch. The 900-year-old fortress once towered over the city but now skyscrapers threaten the view from its turreted towers.
Some 31 World Heritage Sites are already on the danger list. Besides tourism, the threats include natural disasters, pillaging and pollution.
Delegates will also consider applications to add at least another 45 new sites — including the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House in Australia — to the World Heritage list.
The meeting will also examine how climate change is affecting World Heritage sites and ways to protect them from natural disasters.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
NEW - 01:10 PM
Rick Steves' Europe: Tuscan treats in Pisa and Lucca
Fewer fliers expected over holidays
NEW - 01:21 PM
More travelers escaping to Vegas
NEW - 12:43 PM
Navajo Code Talkers hope for museum
NEW - 11:37 AM
Travel Troubleshooter: Play it safe on rental-car damage

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Lt. governor's son shot by co-worker in Kent; gunman then shot self
- DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
263 - Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
262 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
207 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
188 - King County OKs 'don't ask' law on immigration
181 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
130 - Time to bring Ken Griffey Jr. back in 2010
95 - 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
88 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
85 - DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
74
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Rainier Pacific Financial calls rescue 'unlikely'





