Galapagos National Park Director Dismissed
Marcela Aguiñaga Vallejo, Minister of the Environment, has removed biologist Raquel Molina Moreira from her post as Director of the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS).
The decision, according to the environmental authority [that oversees the GNPS], is because Director Molina did not adjust to the pace of work needed and priorities set by the National Government [to address the needs of Galapagos]. A critical factor in this decision was the inadequate or non-existent control within the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Raquel Molina was appointed last year after an open and transparent selection process and seemed a good candidate for the post, however she had significant problems with various sections of the community, and it would appear that these may have led to her dismissal.
This is a sad day, her appointment brought to an end a series of disastrous political appointments following the departure of Eliecer Cruz who is now the Governor of Galapagos. We can only hope that a new and fully qualified director is appointed shortly, Galapagos cannot do without an effective and efficient Park Service.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Quito.