The General Assembly is the governing body of Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF). Scientists, government officials, members of partnering institutions and others from local and international backgrounds provide guidance to the Foundation as Assembly members.

The General Assembly works under the guidelines of the CDF Statutes, and their tasks include the election of the Board of Directors, establishment of policy, issuance of regulations and the final approval of the Foundation’s operational plan and budget. Members fulfill governing, honorary and active roles, and meet annually to conduct official business.

Individual Governing Members and Institutional Governing Members are selected based on their continuing support of the mission of the Foundation; both the Government of Ecuador and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are permanent Institutional Governing Members. Honorary Memberships are granted those who have made significant contributions to conservation in the Galapagos. Individual Active Members are selected based on their continued support of the Foundation, through their activities and/or financial contributions.