Ecobreves – COLOMBIA: Pacific Reserve Expanded for Species Protection

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BOGOTA, Nov 28 2005 (IPS) - The Colombian Ministry of Environment extended the fauna and flora sanctuary from six to 25 nautical miles from Malpelo Island, located in the Pacific Ocean. Julia Miranda, director of Colombia's nature parks, said this expansion means the conservation of Bajo Bojacá, another area near Malpelo, which is up to 281 meters deep and is home to plant and animal species that are heading towards extinction.

Manuela Herrera, biologist at the state-run University of the Atlantic, told Tierramérica that the extended boundaries will also facilitate more research in the marine depths of Colombian waters.

Malpelo, declared a nature sanctuary in 1995, is part of the 51 areas covered by the National Park System, which protects 11.2 million hectares, of which 976,163 hectares are marine areas.