The Network that Connects Generations of Young Galápagos Leaders
Sometimes conservation work is best told through life stories rather than data and technical reports.
In 2022, amid meetings, whiteboards crowded with words and the steady breeze that reaches the Van Straelen building at the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), we asked ourselves an essential question: what happens to our Tibu-Embajadores once they graduate from high school? We knew our Science Club had become a safe and different space, where learning grew out of questioning and breaking paradigms. But once they graduated, they left, and deep down we knew their commitment to Galápagos should not end with school.
Fernanda Loayza CDF
That concern gave rise to the CDF Leaders Club, which trained its fifth generation of young leaders in March 2026. After completing the program, each generation joined a group where we shared information and growth opportunities. Then the same concern returned: we did not want to leave our leaders adrift, and we already had a platform in our hands.
We added goals, refined our methods and built a structure that creates real opportunities for personal development. That is how we strengthened and consolidated the CDF Leaders Alumni Network.
The club cycle keeps growing
For several years, the Clubs component of CDF’s ECO-FCD environmental education program worked as a structured spiral:
- Curiosity sparks in the Vacation Club.
- Active commitment grows in the Tibu-Embajadores Science Club.
- Critical thinking takes root in the CDF Leaders Club.
Even so, we felt something was missing to sustain the impact over the long term. With the CDF Leaders Alumni Network, we added the missing link in the chain.
Every generation of Leaders treasures one milestone: the exchange trip to Isabela Island. More than a field trip, it is the showcase where young people put what they have learned into practice: teamwork, empathy, leadership on the ground and respect for Galápagos biodiversity. Today, those who made that trip are professionals, university students and entrepreneurs who deserve follow-up and new opportunities to keep growing.
Fernanda Loayza CDF
Fernanda Loayza CDF
Leadership beyond words
We created the CDF Leaders Alumni Network to make a difference. We believe in opening real decision-making spaces because we want young people to lead conservation. The Network works both ways: CDF shares tools and growth opportunities, such as scholarships and training workshops in priority areas the alumni choose themselves; in return, the alumni bring fresh perspectives and the experience they gain in their new endeavors.
Their answers prove it when we ask: how much did the Leaders Club shape your career and life choices?
“The way I see life, my love and curiosity for nature: I built all of that here. This experience helped me choose what to study.” Isabel Espinoza, Class of 2024
“It inspired me to learn more about biology, especially marine life, and the best part is that there is always something new to discover.” Ronny Chica, Class of 2022
“I feel it gave me the curiosity bug to find what I really love: everything related to conservation and caring for the place where I live. I hope these programs help more young people.” Danna Zhunaula, Class of 2023
“I’m not at university yet, but I want to study biology. The club made me more interested in science.” Nayely Zambrano, Class of 2026
Fernanda Loayza CDF
Galápagos conservation depends on local people who make decisions every day. When our alumni train in environmental management, law, education, sustainable tourism or biology, and have the backing of a united community, they multiply their impact on the islands.
A bridge between generations
We recently held the first gathering of the CDF Leaders Alumni Network, which brought together 26 participants from all five generations at CDF’s Inspiration Complex. The meeting proved that the Network is already a reality. Watching the Class of 2022 share experiences with the Class of 2026 showed us that the sense of belonging grows stronger over time.
The CDF Leaders Alumni Network is taking shape as an ever-evolving community and a path for mutual learning. With this new link, we at the ECO-FCD Program reaffirm that our environmental education work goes beyond planning and running workshops: we walk alongside young people, foster their independence and, together with Galápagos youth, build the present and future of the islands
David Guijarro CDF
