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A standard definition clip of the program can be viewed at the followinglink: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6811150079347265580&hl=en

The Galapagos Islands lie on the equator, six hundred miles off the coastof South America. Their unique wildlife inspired Charles Darwin's book "OnThe Origin of Species," and his theory of evolution, which revolutionized theway we look at all forms of life.

However, the natural and unspoiled beauty of these islands is now in perildue to the booming growth of tourism that has evolved over the last ten years.The increased presence of man has stressed the ecosystem of these islands tothe point that the United Nations cultural organization -- UNESCO -- has putthem on their list of endangered nature sites. UNESCO warned that "highimmigration" and "uncontrolled development of tourism" were threatening theplace that Darwin had made famous for its pristine environment.

In the 1980's the islands' population was approximately 3,000 -- now it isover 28,000.

The influx of people is not just due to increased tourism but also by thegrowing number of workers from South America who go there in search of jobs inthe tourist industry.

Will this increased growth in the "human footprint" spell the demise ofthe Galapagos Islands, or is there still hope for this prehistoric archipelagoto live on and thrive?

"Dan Rather Reports: Pollution in Paradise" premieres on HDNet, Tuesday,December 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET with a re-air 11:00 p.m. ET to accommodate WestCoast Prime Time.

Encore air times can be found at the following link:http://www.hd.net/danrather.html

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SOURCE HDNet