In 1971 the Charles Darwin Foundation began the National and International Volunteer Program. Volunteers play a very important role in the CDF's objectives. They are selected on the basis of their knowledge and experience, which must be related to the Station's needs and activities. The majority of volunteers are based at the CDRS in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz island, although other assignment sites may be on San Cristobal or Isabela island. All volunteers join one of the five programs of the CDF: Research, Information, Technical Assistance, Administrative Support, or Institutional Management. Volunteers may be students or professionals with experience beneficial to the mission and programs of the CDF.
Student volunteers
Primarily the program is designed to collaborate with either the training of students in biology and conservation science or those who want to improve their skills through field experience in Galapagos. The students have the opportunity to attend lectures given by important scientists visiting the Research Station each month, and they have the opportunity to give their own talks in which they can talk about their work as volunteers.
Professional volunteers
There are also occasional opportunities for experienced professionals to work with the CDF on specific projects. Such projects are more likely to be associated with management, administration and strategic planning.
There are many opportunities to contribute to CDF's work through the Volunteer Programs:
