Galapagos Islands Removed Endangered World Heritage Sites

Ecuador’s headway in combating threats posed by invasive species, unbridled tourism and over-fishing has allowed the Galapagos Islands to be removed from the list of World Heritage sites considered to be in danger by UNESCO.

The Galapagos, comprising 19 islands and a marine reserve, are situated some 1,000 kilometres from the South American continent.

Deemed a World Heritage site in 1978, they have been described as a unique “living museum and showcase of evolution.”

They were put on the list of sites in danger in 2007, and the World Heritage Committee, currently meeting in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia, welcomed the Ecuadorian Government’s ongoing efforts to bolster conservation measures, especially in dealing with non-native species arriving in the area through human activity.

Added to the List of World Heritage in Danger by the 21-member Committee today was the Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi in the Ugandan capital, Kampala. It contains four royal tombs within the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga main building, which was nearly completely destroyed in a fire in March.

Considered an outstanding example of an architectural style developed by the Buganda Kingdom since the 13th century, the building will be reconstructed.

(C) NewsRoom America 2010