Press release PR.RPU. P001.R01 - 2012-10-18 - No. 114

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This institution will execute actions to control and eradication of invasive species in urban and rural areas.

In reference to the Press Release distributed by Assemblyman Alfredo Ortiz, on October 16, which expresses its disagreement on the issuance of Executive Order No. 1319, with the establishment of the Agency for the Regulation and Control of Biosecurity and Quarantine for Galapagos, Galapagos National Park Directorate clarifies that:

Currently, invasive alien species are a global problem and, unfortunately, the Galapagos Islands are not free of them. These species occupy, in increasing numbers, the ecological niches of the island region and constitute the main threat to biodiversity loss. Directly, by displacement of native and endemic species, and indirectly by competition for food, breeding and nesting sites, causing habitat degradation, and disruption of ecological and evolutionary processes.

Thus arises the need for the Agency for the Regulation and Control of Biosecurity and Quarantine for Galapagos (ABG) that meets the requirements of full control of invasive species, as an integrated and permanent conservation enabling effective and timely the archipelago. It is for this reason that through Decree No. 1319, based on the constitutional powers of the President of the Republic has proceeded to its creation, because its implementation is necessary in the shortest time possible.

The Agency shall have the authority to control, regulate, prevent and reduce the risk of the introduction, movement and dispersal of exotic organisms, by any means, threatening human health, the economic system of the Archipelago and agricultural activities as well as contribute to the conservation of the ecological integrity of island and marine ecosystems, and biodiversity of each of the islands of the Galapagos Archipelago.

In the Draft Law Amending the Law on Special Regime for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of the Galapagos Province, included a chapter on Biosafety in the Galapagos Province, without giving a specific name to the responsible entity, since this is optional within the executive function, the project was unanimously approved on first reading by the Standing Specialized Committee autonomous governments, Decentralized Territorial Skills or Organization.