President Rafael Correa visited the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) facilities and the Galapagos National Park (PNG) in Santa Cruz.

During his visit, the president and his children, Sofía and Miguel, learned about different aspects of the scientific and advisory work being done by CDF for Galapagos management. They were accompanied throughout their tour by CDF Executive Director Dr. J. Gabriel López, who explained the holistic vision behind the organization’s various projects. CEO López and President Correa agreed upon the need to continue supporting a sustainable development framework for the archipelago.

The president and family attended a puppet show about the importance of preventing invasive species from reaching the Galapagos and the measures taken by the government to achieve this goal.

The chief executive expressed his admiration for CDF’s work and reaffirmed his commitment to its support.

CDF was privileged to receive a visit from Prince Charles of Wales and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, who were escorted by Executive Director Dr. J. Gabriel López throughout their visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to get a close-up view of the CDF’s efforts in Galapagos.

Their royal highnesses paid a call at our nursery and were acquainted with our “Let’s Plant a Native Garden” project. At the entomology lab, they heard a talk about the research work performed there with both endemic and invasive insects. Later on, during a ceremonial event to unveil a plaque in honor of their visit, Prince Charles gave a brief speech in which he conveyed his appreciation of CDF’s 50 years of labor to preserve and protect the Galapagos Islands.