The main focus of attention in the Galapagos Islands has been concern over the protection of the biodiversity within the Galapagos National Park - the terrestrial Park. The Galapagos Marine Reserve, reputed to be the second largest marine reserve in the world following its extension within the Special Law for Galapagos, requires similar attention. Not only do the waters of the Marine Reserve provide habitat for rich marine biodiversity and protection for a wide variety of internationally endangered marine species, such as whales, sharks, dolphins and turtles, they are also the vital feeding grounds for the majority of the native and endemic species living in the terrestrial Park, such as the boobies, albatross, penguins and sea lions. However, since May 1997, there has been a dramatic change in the islands.
Many challenges still lie ahead.
The process is at the planning stage with more negotiations to take place and all are agreed that capacity-building within each sector is needed to put these innovative concepts into practice. If successful, the process will have provided the mechanism for immediate management needs of the Marine Reserve as well as for long-term collaboration between the stakeholders of the Marine Reserve. Creation of the first 'Marine Reserve' category in Ecuador Prior to the approval of the Special Law for Galapagos, one of the main problems facing effective management and control of the Galapagos Marine Reserve was that the category 'Marine Reserve' did not exist in the national legislation for protected areas. The Reserve's administrative structure had poorly-defined responsibilities which created gaps in authority over policing, enforcement, and resource management. The National Park assumes responsibility for the management and administration of the Marine Reserve, with collaboration in patrol and surveillance.