Galapagos put on UN danger list (BBC)

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The Galapagos Islands, the first place on the planet officially designated as a World Heritage site, has been declared "in danger" by the UN.

Experts said the 19 islands and surrounding ocean were under threat from "invasive species", increased tourism and growing immigration.

Isolated some 1,000km (620 miles) off of Ecuador's coast, the islands contain much unique plant and animal life.

They were protected by Unesco 1978, with the boundaries extended in 2001.

The UN Environment, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), which administers the list of World Heritage sites, added the Galapagos Islands to a comparatively small list of sites facing clear dangers.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6241416.stm