Ottawa - Maria Minna, Canada's Minister for International Cooperation, and David Anderson, Minister of the Environment, today announced an immediate $100,000 contribution to help local clean-up efforts in the Ecuadorian Galapagos Islands after a ship ran aground and leaked some 600 tonnes of diesel and bunker fuel into the sea. This is in response to the request for assistance received today from the Government of Ecuador.
"Canada will do its part to help the local people protect the delicate environment from which they earn their living," said Minister Minna.
"Canada's action today reflects our commitment to the global environment. We are in touch with Ecuador and will continue to monitor this environmental emergency," said David Anderson.
The funds will be channelled through the Charles Darwin Foundation on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos to buy cages for sea birds and to provide monitoring services and care for recovering animals. This is in addition to a long-term commitment from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to the Charles Darwin Foundation to support sustainable livelihoods.
The Galapagos Islands, west of Ecuador's coast in the Pacific Ocean, are home to the world's rarest birds, plants and sea animals, including giant tortoises and marine iguanas. Ecuador declared a national emergency in the area.
The oil spill covers an overall area of almost 600 square kilometres. It is now moving westward toward Santa Cruz Island.
Information:
Duncan Fulton
Office of the Minister for International Cooperation
Telephone: 819 953-6238
613 293-6405 (cellular telephone)
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819 953-6534
E-Mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca