QUITO, Ecuador - A plan by Ecuador to let the U.S. military use a Galápagos island for aircraft on anti-drug trafficking flights is drawing criticism that the agreement would damage the archipelago’s unique animal and plant life. Protester Gloria Reinoso said she was concerned about the impact of the noise and infrastructure required to support a U.S. military presence. Jarrín said flight crews would stay a week at most on the island and would be monitored by Ecuadorian authorities. The United States Southern Command, which is responsible for U.S. military affairs in the region, did not immediately comment. Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution after studying the extraordinary diversity of species on the islands in the 19th century.

Source: thestar June 17, 2019 18:57 UTC