Quevedo & Ponce - Noticias Legales
Protection Action in Defense of Galapagos Turtles and Iguanas: Guaranteeing the Rights of Nature and Biodiversity
- June 11, 2024
- Quevedo & Ponce
In 2022, it was discovered that endemic species from the Galapagos archipelago were being illegally traded in countries such as Uganda, Mali, and Switzerland, as well as on online platforms.
Faced with this alarming situation, our partner Milton Castillo filed a protection action that resulted in a favorable ruling. This ruling orders the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition of Ecuador (MAATE) to manage the transfer of the following species from Appendix II to Appendix I in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
- Amblyrhynchus cristatus
- Conolophus marthae
- Conolophus subcristatus
- Conolophus pallidus (Iguanas)
- Chelonoidis nigra (Galapagos Tortoise)
Species listed in Appendix I of CITES cannot be commercially traded and can only be exported for research purposes, thus providing a higher level of protection compared to species in Appendix II, which can still be traded under strict international parameters.
Judge Viviana Pila, in her ruling, emphasized the violation of the precautionary principle established in the Constitution of Ecuador, highlighting the need to prevent potential harm and protect the rights of nature.
At Quevedo & Ponce, we are deeply committed to the fight against the illegal trafficking of species in the Galapagos Islands. This issue not only threatens the rich biodiversity of the archipelago but also endangers the survival of unique species worldwide. We work tirelessly to ensure that the Galapagos archipelago continues to be a symbol of Ecuador’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Más Artículos
Compliance with the annual obligation of submitting financial statements to the Superintendence of Companies
In Ecuador, companies supervised by the Superintendence of Companies, Securities, and Insurance must submit their financial information annually by April 30th. This duty includes financial statements and other relevant documents, which must be approved by the general meeting before submission. The non – accomplishment of the legal requirements may arise in significant financial penalties.
Cumplimiento de la obligación anual de presentación de estados financieros ante la Superintendencia de Compañías
En Ecuador, las empresas supervisadas por la Superintendencia de Compañías, Valores y Seguros deben presentar anualmente su información financiera antes del 30 de abril. Esta obligación incluye estados financieros y otros documentos clave que deben ser aprobados por la junta general antes de su envío. El incumplimiento de los requisitos legales puede resultar en sanciones económicas significativas.
Technical Standard for the Registration of Copyright Assignment and License Agreements
The National Intellectual Rights Service (SENADI) issued the Technical Standard for the Registration of Contracts for the Assignment of Economic Rights of Copyright and License Agreements. This regulation was established through Resolution No. SENADI-DNDAYDC-2025-0002-NT.
Norma Técnica para la Inscripción de Contratos de Cesión de derechos de autor y Licencia de Uso
El Servicio Nacional de Derechos Intelectuales (SENADI) expidió la Norma Técnica para la Inscripción de Contratos de Cesión de Derechos Patrimoniales de Derecho de Autor y Contratos de Licencia. Esta normativa, establecida mediante la Resolución No. SENADI-DNDAYDC-2025-0002-NT.
Calling general meetings by email: A method in effect since 2022
Since 2022, the General Meeting Regulations allow shareholders to be called by email, facilitating participation, reducing costs, and adapting to the digital age. Learn how this change optimizes the process and what to do if your bylaws require call-to-meetings by press.


