Charles Darwin Foundation
The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands (CDF) is an international non-profit research organization dedicated to providing scientific research, technical assistance and information to ensure conservation success in Galapagos.
The IUCN (World Conservation Union) and UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) set up the CDF in 1959 after years of effort by a group of Ecuadorian, European and North American conservation pioneers.
CDF carries out its mission in Ecuador and Galapagos thanks to the Government of Ecuador, which allows the CDF to carry out research and offer conservation advice to the Government through a unique partnership agreement. CDF is part of a network of local and national institutions that support the conservation of Galapagos. For almost 50 years, CDF has worked in partnership with the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS), the principal government authority in charge of conservation and natural resource issues in Galapagos, providing the scientific knowledge needed to preserve this living laboratory for the world.
Over one hundred scientists, educators, volunteers, research students and support staff from all over the world participate in this work. 90% of the staff are Ecuadorian, and CDF has a long-standing commitment to training Galapagos residents to become leaders in science and conservation in the islands and Ecuador.
Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS)
CDF scientists and supporters began building the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) in 1960 on National Park land near what was then the tiny fishing village of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. The CDRS was formally inaugurated in January 1964. It is CDF’s operational and management headquarters, and most of CDF’s staff and volunteers are based here. Scientists from around the world also come to the CDRS to further their own research and contribute to conservation of Galapagos.
CDRS teams are also based in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal island) and Puerto Villamil (Isabela island).