The Galapagos Islands: A Precious Biodiversity Hotspot
Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “Life is precious. Life is sacred. And it ought so to be observed.” Hinckley is expressing that every variety of life is exquisite and irreplaceable and it is there for us to observe and utilize to increase the quality of life overall. About six hundred miles off of the coast of Ecuador lay a biodiversity hotspot called the Galapagos Islands. This archipelago of volcanic islands, formed over four million years ago, is known for its tremendous multitude of indigenous species found nowhere else on the planet. It creates the perfect location to observe and study the ecological processes of nature, which Charles Darwin famously took advantage of when studying evolution. Unfortunately, the abundance of different species in the islands is drastically declining due to many intrusive influences. The Ecuadorian government, along with multiple conservancy organizations is working together to sustain the lives and prevent the extinction of these animals. Preservation of the Galapagos Islands, including protection against invasive species, climate change, and over exploitation, is necessary to conserve the biodiversity of the unique and rare fauna that is indigenous to the Galapagos Islands.
The broad biodiversity of the archipelago is under threat and it is essential that preservation of the islands be imposed. Biodiversity is important in any environment, because it boosts the productiveness within an ecosystem where each species has a certain role, or niche, they have to play to maintain the success of their habitat. A more diverse population will result in soil formation and protection, nutrient storage and recycling, climate stability, and efficient re...
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...rams such as the Galapagos National Park Service, the Charles Darwin Foundation, the Galapagos Conservancy Program, and the many projects and rules that they promote to preserve the extensive biodiversity of the archipelago. Just as Gordon B. Hinckley once said, something as precious and sacred as life should be adored and glorified.
Works Cited
Barter, James. The Galapagos Islands. San Diego, CA: Lucent, 2002. Print
“Environmental Issues of the Galapagos.” Environmental Issues. Galapagos Conservation Trust, n.d. Web. 20 April, 2014
“Galapagos Conservancy.” Galapagos Conservancy. Galapagos Conservancy, n.d. Web. 20 April. 2014.
“Galapagos Islands National Park and Marine Reserve.” Dive the World. Charles Darwin Foundation, n.d. Web. 20 April. 2014
Shah, Anup. “Why Is Biodiversity Important? Who Cares?” Global Issues. 19 Jan. 2014. Web. 20 April. 2014
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