Galapagos Islands Could Lose World Heritage Status

Damage to the Galapagos Islands from mass tourism prompted a UN committee to declare today that the islands are in danger of losing their world heritage site status.

The islands - which were crucial to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution - were the first area to be declared a world heritage site when the UN educational, scientific and cultural organisation, Unesco, began the system in 1978.

However, the Ecuadorian archipelago's unique array of rare species is being put at risk by tourists and the invasive species they inadvertently bring with them.

At a meeting in Christchurch, New Zealand, Unesco's heritage committee concluded the risk of further damage was so great that it needed to put the islands on its list of world heritage sites in danger.

The committee noted that the number of days spent on the islands by passengers on cruise ships had increased by 150%, and today's decision will increase pressure to restrict Galapagos tourism.

Earlier this year, Leonor Stjepic, the director of the Galapagos Conservation Trust, told the Guardian: "The more people that come, the greater the risk of invasive species and the less effective the quarantine system.

"If we can't protect the Galapagos, then what does it say about the other natural spaces in the world?"

In April, Rafael Correa, the president of Ecuador, declared the islands at risk, proposing restrictions on tourist and residency permits in an attempt to control the damage.

Following today's decision, Unesco now lists 29 of the 830 world heritage sites as being in danger and needing further protection. HOwever, it decided against adding the Tower of London, Westminster and the Liverpool waterfront to the list - a move welcomed by English Heritage.

"This represents a major vote of confidence in the UK's ability to manage and protect its most important historic sites," Sir Neil Cossons, the English Heritage chairman, said.

Later in the week, the committee will decide whether to add 16 attractions - including the Sydney Opera House - to the list of World Heritage sites.