Fireworks banned to protect wildlife on the Galapagos

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The Galapagos Islands, part of the Republic of Ecuador, have banned fireworks to protect the archipelago's unique fauna. The fireworks that produce light but no noise are not included in the ban.

The local council said in a statement that it had agreed "unanimously a resolution that prohibits the importation, sale, distribution and use of fireworks or pyrotechnics in the Galapagos province."

Animals have suffered from elevated heart rates, nervous stress and anxiety after pyrotechnic events, which have "notably" changed their behavior and affected the survival of species inhabiting this World Heritage Site that belongs to Ecuador.

A terrestrial iguana rests on Seymour Island on the Galapagos. /VCG Photo

The islands are home to thousands of residents as well as being a tourist destination, and the measure comes just days before New Year celebrations in which many people traditionally set off fireworks.

The sea lion relaxes on a bench on the Galapagos. /VCG Photo

"Ecosystems as sensitive as the Galapagos Islands are affected (by fireworks), principally its fauna that is unique," said the council.

It also wants to avoid any potential deterioration in air quality or pollution of water sources.

"This is a gift to conservation for Ecuador and the world," Lorena Tapia, president of the local council, said on her Twitter account.

A campaign to limit the use of fireworks on the Galapagos Islands was launched in 2017.

Galapagos Sea Lion /VCG Photo

Single-use plastics have also been banned on the archipelago, about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) off the coast of Ecuador.

Known for its endemic species, the volcanic Galapagos Islands played a crucial role in British naturalist Charles Darwin's studies before he came up with his theory of evolution.

Sally Lightfoot Crab on the Galapagos. /VCG Photo

Besides Ecuador, some of other countries also tried to decrease pollution by banning fireworks. China banned fireworks in Beijing, its capital city, and hundreds of other cities and towns during last Spring festival. India, another country suffering from pollution, also banned traditional firecrackers during the annual festival of Diwali which is also known as the festival of light.

Source(s): AFP