CDF’s 54th Assembly Showcases 2024 Impact and Governance Renewal

CDF’s 54th Assembly Showcases 2024 Impact and Governance Renewal

Puerto Ayora, Galápagos, June 4, 2025 – The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) convened its 54th Annual General Assembly meeting on 3-4 June at the Inspiration Complex, the conference center of the Charles Darwin Research Station. The event brought together Assembly members and the Board of Directors, as well as researchers, technical staff, and collaborators, to review the 2024 Impact Report and adopt key resolutions that reinforce institutional governance and advance scientific and conservation priorities for the Galápagos Archipelago.

The 2024 Impact Report, formally unveiled during the meeting, documents an exceptional year of scientific productivity, conservation innovation and impact, and organizational growth. CDF reinforced its position as a regional leader in applied science, delivering progress on flagship initiatives ranging from habitat restoration and endangered species monitoring to the development of novel tools that tackle invasive species. More than 90 scientific and technical outputs—publications, reports and theses—were produced, marking the Foundation’s highest scientific output in the last decade.

Additional milestones featured in the report include the groundbreaking reconstruction of the Tomás Fischer Complex, destined to house the Galápagos Natural History Collections; the launch of the William Durham Fund for Discovery and Learning, created to support research, education, and outreach to advance scientific discovery and learning in Galapagos; and completion of the first IUCN Red List of Ecosystems assessment of Galapagos mangroves, which now stand classified as Vulnerable—underscoring their value as critical habitat for endangered species.

CDF also reaffirmed its commitment to people: more than 4,500 Galapagos residents—with a special emphasis on children and youth—took part in CDF-led educational activities in 2024, while 89% of staff were local (61%) or national (28%) hires. Continuous professional training further bolstered local employability and capacity-building.

“At a time when the climate crisis and biodiversity loss demand urgent and effective responses, science at the Charles Darwin Foundation inspires tangible actions and innovative solutions,” stated CDF’s Executive Director, Dr. Rakan Zahawi, during his address. “The achievements of 2024 demonstrate that we are more prepared than ever to lead meaningful efforts that ensure a sustainable future for Galapagos and serve as a model for the region and the world.”

Board of Directors Renewal Bolsters CDF Governance

A highlight of the Assembly was the heartfelt acknowledgment of outgoing Board members Darrel Schoeling (Secretary) and Ronnie Stewart, whose years of service, strategic insight, and dedication have been instrumental to the Foundation’s mission. Darrel will stay on as a governing member of the General Assembly.

As part of a renewal process aimed at strengthening governance, the Assembly elected Silvana Hidalgo, Peter Lafemina, Andrew Balfour, Carla Pinto, Kelsey Bradley, Johanna Carrión, Benjamín Bernard, Arturo Izurieta, and Andy Bell as new governing members.

CDF Board President Yolanda Kakabadse said: “I am very pleased about the progress we’ve been making to strengthen the governance of our Board of Directors and General Assembly, ensuring that we can best meet the current and future needs of the CDF—both in Galápagos and across the wider region.”

Strategic Progress and Honoring a Legacy

Executive Director Dr. Rakan Zahawi reported concrete progress toward the Foundation’s 2027 Strategic Plan, while the science team spotlighted community-centric conservation work and cutting-edge technologies now guiding research across the archipelago.

In a moving tribute, the Assembly honored the late Dr. Craig G. MacFarland—former Executive Director and President of the Charles Darwin Foundation—for his invaluable contributions to the Foundation and the archipelago, and remembered Phil van Haarlem, whose stewardship as CFO over the last decade placed CDF on solid financial footing. In recognition of Dr. Craig McFarland’s valuable legacy and his contribution to conserving the archipelago—and as part of the tribute to him—the Galápagos National Park Directorate has preliminarily announced that the “Ruta de la Tortuga”, a key visitor site on Santa Cruz Island in Galapagos, will be named in his honor.

Yolanda added: “After 65 years working hand in hand with the Galápagos National Park Directorate, I am humbled to see how our missions to protect the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands and their inhabitants are more aligned than ever. This ongoing collaboration among teams, disciplines, and allies reflects our shared determination to strengthen our commitment to conserving these exceptional ecosystems.”

During the meeting, members of the General Assembly further approved:

• Minutes of the June 2024 General Assembly and November 2024 Extraordinary Assembly
• The Board of Director’s 2024 Report and 2024 external audit
• Discharge of responsibilities for auditors and outgoing Board Directors

Additional highlights included the premiere of CDF’s new institutional video which showcases the Foundation’s extensive work in Galapagos and the region, as well as a tour of the construction site of the future Natural History Collections building which will open later this year. The Assembly also celebrated the appointment of wildlife photographer Tui de Roy—a lifelong Galapagos resident whose images have brought the islands’ biodiversity to global audiences—as an Honorary Member, acknowledging her decades-long partnership with CDF and contribution to the conservation of Galapagos. Finally, delegates agreed that CDF’s 55th plenary session will convene on 2-3 June 2026.

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About the CDF General Assembly

The General Assembly is the highest authority of the CDF and is constituted by all Governing and Honorary Members, as well as members of the Board of Directors. The Charles Darwin Foundation’s General Assembly meeting has been held annually since 1971 to review the results of the previous year’s work and make decisions for the execution of its projects and plans for the upcoming period.

About the Charles Darwin Foundation

The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galápagos Islands (CDF) is an international non-profit organization that has operated in Galápagos since 1959, under a special agreement with the Government of Ecuador. Its mission, and that of its Research Station, is to address the greatest threats and challenges facing Galápagos through scientific research and conservation actions, to protect one of the world’s most important natural treasures. Today, CDF carries out more than 25 research and conservation projects and safeguards over 135,000 specimens in its Natural History Collections. Our diverse team of more than 140 people is composed primarily of Ecuadorian citizens, with over 60% being Galápagos residents. For more information, visit: www.darwinfoundation.org