MALPELO ISLAND (SANCTUARY OF FLORA AND FAUNA) – UNESCO
Located 490 km west of the coast of Buenaventura on the Pacific coast, Malpelo Island is a unique jewel, inimitable for diving enthusiasts gem: 400 species of fishes, many of which are unique to this area, the ” large population of hammerhead sharks in the world, a variety of marine mammals make Malpelo one of the top 10 websites in the world for diving. Absence of human presence on the island has made possible the proliferation of a rich variety of flora and fauna. Malpelo island is home to the largest colony of nesting seabirds in Colombia. Malpelo this also makes a great place for bird watching. is also rich in marine biodiversity. This paradise has led to Colombian government in 1995 to declare Malpelo protected area and Sanctuary of Flora and Fauna. In 2006 UNESCO declared the island of Malpelo Heritage. This unique place in the world, of course, subject to strict control by the Colombian authorities pledged to preserve this area, protected from invasive flow of tourists and illegal fishing.
