Ecuador reduces fossil fuel use in Galapagos islands

Ecuador's government launched Tuesday a plan to reduce the use of diesel and gasoline in the Galapagos archipelago, a world heritage site.

The Zero Fossil Fuels Program in the Galapagos islands, 1,000 km from the continent, encourages people to utilize wind and solar energy to generate electricity.

Ecuador also called for the use of bio-diesel in fishing boats and introduction of electric automobile to preserve the Islas Encantadas, one of the enchanted isles in the region.

Six years ago, an enormous oil spill in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, caused domestic and international concern

Ecuador's Energy minister Alberto Acosta said the program will require an investment of 32 million U.S. dollars. Ecuador's government will finance 40 percent of the program and international organizations 60 percent.

Source: Xinhua