Founded in 1959, the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galápagos Islands is an international non-profit organization dedicated to scientific research for the conservation of the environment and biodiversity of the Galapagos archipelago.
Our Mission
The mission of the Charles Darwin Foundation and its Research Station is to tackle the greatest threats and challenges to Galapagos through scientific research and conservation action, in order to safeguard one of the world’s most important natural treasures.
Our Mission
The mission of the Charles Darwin Foundation and its Research Station is to tackle the greatest threats and challenges to Galapagos through scientific research and conservation action, in order to safeguard one of the world’s most important natural treasures.
Our Vision
Our Vision is to be the world’s leading research institution dedicated to the conservation of the biological diversity and natural resources of Galapagos, and committed to building a sustainable and collaborative society to achieve this objective.
A deep scientific heritage
Since its founding in 1959, the Charles Darwin Foundation and its Research Station has been committed to the conservation of the archipelago, working hand in hand with the Galapagos National Park Directorate to protect and preserve Galapagos. Our research and complementary actions have provided tangible results throughout the years, such as:
1965
The establishment of the Breeding and Repatriation Program for Giant Tortoises.
1965
1971
The discovery of Lonesome George, the last known survivor of the giant Pinta tortoises.
1997
Led the Isabela Project with the GNP, which oversaw the eradication of goats and pigs – the principal cause of species declines of numerous species – in the north of Isabela, as well as on the Islands of Santiago and Pinta.
1997
1998
Supported the creation of the Galapagos Marine Reserve, which in 2021, was adjoined by the Marine Reserve Hermandad – adding an additional 60,000 km2 of protected marine habitat to the region.
Over the years, we’ve amassed an invaluable body of knowledge and data, including the largest Galapagos Natural History Collections on the Islands with more than 135,000 specimens across four collections: marine organisms, vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants. The collections, which are accessible to researchers worldwide, are a critical baseline of information as we continue to further our understanding and knowledge of the biodiversity of the Galapagos.
Find out more about our heritage and various institutional achievements here:
A longstanding partnership
The Charles Darwin Foundation carries out its mission with the endorsement of an Agreement with the Ecuadorian State since 1964 that was renewed on July 29, 2016 for an additional 25 years. The new agreement ratifies the importance of the unique alliance between the Ecuadorian Government and the Charles Darwin Foundation for the conservation of the Galapagos Islands.
Our Impact
CDF has worked on 135 scientific projects since 2016
3195 Volunteers since 1973
We’ve researched 8 endangered and 5 critically endangered species (across land and sea)
30+ New deep-sea organisms discovered in 2019
Strategic Plan
Our strategic plan 2022-2027 is framed around six core pillars, all designed to better position the foundation to address today’s challenges.
Publications
Here you can download our latest publications, as well as our annual reports and impact reports.
Charles Darwin Research Station
Our operational base is the center of scientific investigation in the archipelago. It was created in 1964 and is located on Santa Cruz Island.
Collaborating Institutions
Conservation partnerships with local, national and international institutions are vital for the fulfillment of our mission.
Support our work in the Galapagos
Our work is only possible thanks to our generous donors' support.
Your gift contributes directly to our scientists' work at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Help us protect Galapagos!
Donations in the US are tax deductible.
Photo credits: Jordi Chias, Juan Manuel García, Mikel Goñi, Pelayo Salinas, Joshua Vela.