In a somewhat controversial decision, the UN voted to remove the Galápagos Islands from their list of endangered sites. The decision was meant to recognize the “significant progress” made by the Ecuadorian government to address the threats to the island. Critics of the decision, however – like the International Union for the Conservation of Nature – said the move was premature and that there is still work to be done. 

The Galápagos Islands are a group of about 600 volcanic islands off Ecuador’s Pacific coast and they’re home to a huge number of endemic species. It’s famous mostly for being the inspiration to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. 

Don’t worry about the UN’s decision, though. The islands are still considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, and there are still lots of opportunities to help out with conservation work in the area. Check out GalápagosVolunteers.org and Global Vision International to find volunteer programs in the area.