For 26 years, scientists have returned to the misty highlands of Santa Cruz to track the impacts of the invasive quinine and of the management actions. The continuous control of invasive plants resulted in the remarkable recovery of endemic plant species, especially that of the iconic Miconia robinsoniana. This is the story of endurance, restoration, and how a long-term commitment can strengthen conservation actions to protect the Galapagos ecosystems.

Planning your trip to the Galapagos Islands? Here are our top travel tips to help you prepare for an unforgettable and responsible journey to this unique destination.

Learn how to explore the Galapagos Islands responsibly. Our FAQs cover their volcanic origins, unique wildlife, and how every visit can help protect this extraordinary ecosystem.

At the Charles Darwin Foundation, we believe that sustainable conservation depends on the involvement of the local community. Our goal is to inspire future generations of local conservation leaders, and embed conservation and sustainable development in the local culture.

More than half of the endemic plant species in Galapagos are currently classified as threatened. The potential loss of these imperiled species not only disrupts ecosystem integrity, but also jeopardizes the survival of iconic native fauna that depend on it. We are updating the IUCN Red List of endangered plant species of Galapagos in order to enable targeted species conservation actions.

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.

The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) has joined the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project as a co-executor, alongside other key organizations. This project aims to restore Floreana Island's ecosystem by eradicating invasive species and reintroducing native animals. CDF will lead habitat restoration efforts and support species reintroductions and monitoring. The initiative focuses on holistic restoration, serving as a model for future conservation projects across the Galapagos and beyond.

On February 11, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day to recognize the importance of strengthening female participation in science, especially in places like the Galapagos Islands. This archipelago, iconic for global conservation, has become a living laboratory where women and men work together to protect this unique ecosystem. The women of Galapagos, with their talent and dedication, demonstrate that conservation is stronger when everyone joins forces.