To enhance implementation of the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas, and in particular goal 1.1, and to augment its biodiversity conservation efforts, Ecuador designated a new marine protected area “Puntilla de Santa Elena”, on 23 September 2008 on the margins of the CBD sub-regional workshop on Protected Areas in Latin America. The new protected area covering 47,000 ha including littoral and coral systems will protect rich marine biodiversity including some 120 migratory and resident bird species such as pelicans, albatross, flamingos, sterns, and marine mammals viz., whales and sea lions. The area also promotes sustainable tourism and facilitates the generation of resources to strengthen livelihood security of local people through public-private partnerships.
