Authorities spoke about the implementation of what was signed last Friday. Reserve would be operational between August and September.
The mechanism to define the system that will allow obtaining the resources for the protection of the recently created Hermandad Marine Reserve, in Galapagos, is still under analysis, indicates Simón Cueva, Minister of Finance. In addition, he affirms that although the figure of swapping debt for conservation is an option, there are other mechanisms that are being discussed.
“We are evaluating a series of options and the very clear objective is to have a system that allows financing the conservation of Galapagos in a sustainable way and not only from a government but in the long term. The trust issue would also allow us to secure long-term financing. We are talking with friendly governments, international organizations, organizations. We are seeing what is best for the country,” he says.
The secretary refers that there is currently a growing world interest in environmental protection bonds and support systems for conservation: “International cooperation will make upcoming visits to discuss these issues. We can’t say anything precise yet.”
Although he does not give names, he assures that they are talking with several countries in Europe and North America. He adds that until the structure is defined, minimal resources will be allocated to initiate the protection of Brotherhood after an inter-institutional analysis. In addition, technology such as ship monitoring programs will be applied.
Meanwhile, Gustavo Manrique, Minister of the Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, indicates that the decree signed last Friday gives 60 days to prepare the Environmental Management Plan.
In addition, a period of 30 days is given to the Defense, Production and Foreign Ministry portfolios to prepare an inter-institutional agreement so that they can implement their work areas in accordance with the new protected area. He points out that this new area will be managed by the Environment portfolio through the Galapagos National Park.
Bianca Dáger, Vice Minister of the Environment, points out that between August and September of this year the new reserve would be fully operational.
When asked if the initiative to obtain the resources could fail as the campaign carried out to protect the Yasuní did, both Manrique and Dáger affirm that there are “great differences” between the two figures.
“The first is that Brotherhood already exists, it is already created. That gives the global message of protection, those interested in financing already know what they are going to protect”, says Manrique. Meanwhile, Dáger adds that the deadlines imposed by decree also create a belly of security.
Hermandad is also Ecuador’s contribution to achieve the structuring of the so-called Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR) together with Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama. Manrique will meet with the environment ministers of those countries on the 27th and 28th of this month, in Costa Rica, to try to reach an agreement and implement a single environmental plan for CMAR, respecting the sovereignty of each country. (I)
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