Changes

Their remote location meant that the islands had few visitors and almost all of the animals exhibit no natural fear of man.  However, a rising population, the presence of feral pigs and goats, and the pressures of mass tourism have begun to threaten the existence of some species. On April 10, 2007 Rafael Correa Delgado the President of Ecuador issued an emergency decree<ref>[http://www.galapagos.org/news/04_2007_Decree.html] Presidential decree 4/10/2007</ref> calling for sustainable development.

Their remote location meant that the islands had few visitors and almost all of the animals exhibit no natural fear of man.  However, a rising population, the presence of feral pigs and goats, and the pressures of mass tourism have begun to threaten the existence of some species. On April 10, 2007 Rafael Correa Delgado the President of Ecuador issued an emergency decree<ref>[http://www.galapagos.org/news/04_2007_Decree.html] Presidential decree 4/10/2007</ref> calling for sustainable development.

The Galápagos Islands are a [[UNESCO]] World Heritage Site.<ref>[http://whc.unesco.org/en/list] UNESCO World Heritage List</ref>

The Galápagos Islands are a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].<ref>[http://whc.unesco.org/en/list] UNESCO World Heritage List</ref>

30,000 people live in the archipelago on 4 of the islands. Most of these are fishermen and there have been many differences of opinion between them and the National Park with regards to overfishing. To date the Galapagos sea cumber and lobster have been rendered nearly extinct due to overfishing. There is a rising trend in the illegal fishing of Sharks for their fins in recent years. Efforts to curb overfishing has led to rioting, death threats against Lonesome George and slaughter of Giant Tortises.<ref>[http://www.oceanandair.coas.oregonstate.edu/index.cfm?content.display&pageID=72] Diego Figuero, College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University</ref>

30,000 people live in the archipelago on 4 of the islands. Most of these are fishermen and there have been many differences of opinion between them and the National Park with regards to overfishing. To date the Galapagos sea cumber and lobster have been rendered nearly extinct due to overfishing. There is a rising trend in the illegal fishing of Sharks for their fins in recent years. Efforts to curb overfishing has led to rioting, death threats against Lonesome George and slaughter of Giant Tortises.<ref>[http://www.oceanandair.coas.oregonstate.edu/index.cfm?content.display&pageID=72] Diego Figuero, College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University</ref>