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Our History

Discover the Charles Darwin Foundation, established in 1959 to protect the Galapagos Islands' fragile ecosystem. As the oldest and largest science and conservation organization in the archipelago, our Research Station leads efforts to preserve this unique environment through groundbreaking research and conservation milestones.

Jordi Chias
Shark Ecology & Conservation

Sharks have thrived on our planet for over 400 million years. Yet overfishing has drastically reduced global shark populations, with many shark species now threatened with extinction. Our scientific work seeks to inform conservation measures, so sharks are better protected in Galapagos and the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

Juan Manuel García/CDF
Economic and Environmental Value of Galápagos Waters

Discover how Galápagos waters fuel Ecuador’s economy and fight climate change. A groundbreaking study by CDF and partners reveals the immense value of marine ecosystems—from carbon-storing mangroves to booming tourism and fishing industries. Learn why protecting these waters is essential for sustainable development and global conservation efforts.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Deep-ocean Exploration & Conservation

The Eastern Tropical Pacific conceals extraordinary, vast deep-ocean ecosystems, plunging from oceanic islands to depths of 3,800 meter, most of which remain largely unexplored, presenting real challenges for effective protection and management. Despite their significance, these ecosystems are poorly understood and subject to persistent threats, including overfishing, climate change, pollution, and the prospect for deep-sea mining.

Rashid Cruz/CDF
Unveiling the Secrets of the Galápagos Penguin

The Marine Bird Conservation Program combines science and passion to protect one of the rarest penguin species on Earth. By studying population trends, survival rates, and behavior, researchers at the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) use innovative methods like photo identification and PIT-tags to monitor individuals with minimal disturbance. This research not only deepens our understanding of these endangered birds but also highlights their role as indicators of marine ecosystem health. With fewer than 2,000 individuals left, urgent conservation actions are needed. Join the effort—adopt a penguin and support their protection!

Esteban Barrera
Sustainable Fisheries

The artisanal fishing sector is vital to the Galapagos Islands, but it is facing increasing challenges such as climate change, unfair value chains, and over-exploitation. Our program seeks to create a more prosperous, autonomous, and fair seafood system that is respectful of the natural environment, and fosters resilience against environmental, socio-economic, and climate change.

Andres Cruz
CDF Manifesto UNOC3

From the Galapagos, the Charles Darwin Foundation issues a science-driven manifesto to UNOC 3 delegates, pressing for robust global policies that conserve marine biodiversity, stop IUU fishing, enforce sustainable tourism, and spark regenerative blue economies that secure ocean health and human prosperity.

Juan Manuel García/CDF
Mangrove ecology and climate change

Mangroves in Galapagos provide important habitat for endemic and threatened species, offer essential ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, and support the well-being of local communities through tourism and fisheries. Despite their importance and pristine condition, these mangrove ecosystems and their potential for climate mitigation remain understudied.

Juan Manuel García/CDF
Mangrove ecology and climate change

Mangroves in Galapagos provide important habitat for endemic and threatened species, offer essential ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, and support the well-being of local communities through tourism and fisheries. Despite their importance and pristine condition, these mangrove ecosystems and their potential for climate mitigation remain understudied.

Carlos Espinosa/CDF
Philornis downsi, an invasive fly.
Introduced Species Dashboard Galapagos Introduced Species Dashboard
Carlos Espinosa/CDF
Scientists Discover Pristine Deep-Sea Coral Reefs in the Galápagos Marine Reserve

Scientists have discovered extensive, ancient deep-sea coral reefs within the Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR) – the first of their kind ever to be documented inside the marine protected area (MPA) since it was established in 1998. The first reef observed was found at 400-600m (1,310-1,970 feet) depth at the summit of a previously unmapped seamount in the central part of the archipelago and supports a breathtaking mix of deep marine life.

Carlos Espinosa/CDF
Carlos Espinosa/CDF