Galápagos Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 1984, in Ecuador. The Archipiélago de Colón–Galápagos Biosphere Reserve lies in the eastern Pacific Ocean, 970 km off mainland Ecuador. The equator crosses the Wolf and Ecuador volcanoes on Isabela Island. The archipelago comprises 13 large islands of more than 10 km², six medium-sized islands of 1–10 km², and a further 215 smaller islands, along with rocky outcrops only a few square metres in size. Native, endemic and unique flora and fauna make the Galápagos Islands one of the most exceptional places on Earth. In recognition of their importance, the islands were designated a Natural World Heritage site in 1976, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1984, and a Ramsar Site in 2001.