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Joshua Vela
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Together, we can ensure that the Galapagos Islands remain a beacon of biodiversity and scientific inspiration. Donate today!

Nancy Tapia
MY SECOND CHANCE

After 20 years, Nancy Tapia Paredes returned to the Galapagos, volunteering at the Community Library on Santa Cruz Island. Through storytelling and environmental education inspired by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, she rediscovered her passion for conservation and found healing. Discover her story of second chances, growth, and a renewed purpose in protecting this extraordinary place.

Pelayo Salinas de León/CDF
Oceanic MPAs Harbor Highest Concentrations of Sharks

A groundbreaking study across seven marine protected areas in the Eastern Tropical Pacific reveals thriving shark and predator populations in remote island MPAs like Galapagos and Malpelo, while coastal reserves are severely depleted. Discover what this means for ocean protection, why it matters, and the urgent actions scientists recommend.

CDF Archive
65 Years of Science and Conservation: The Living Legacy of the Charles Darwin Foundation

In 2024, the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) commemorated 65 years of continuous work in favor of scientific research and conservation of the Galapagos Islands. This anniversary not only marks an outstanding trajectory, but also invites reflection on the role that new generations and authorities must assume to strengthen the protection of this unique natural heritage.

Carlos Espinosa CDF
Born to Return

Galápagos green sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. At Quinta Playa, scientists monitor their nesting activity to better understand the impacts of climate change. This research provides critical information to protect one of the most important green turtle nesting populations in the Eastern Pacific.

Carlos Espinosa/CDF
Windows to the 19th Century Ocean

Collected more than 130 years ago, some of the oldest marine specimens from Galápagos are preserved at the Marine Organisms Collection of the Charles Darwin Research Station. These historic corals, gathered during the 1888 Albatross expedition, continue to provide valuable insights into the past and present of Galápagos marine biodiversity, highlighting the importance of scientific collections for research and conservation.

Squat lobsters guide scientists to new hydrothermal vent field

Scientists on a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition have discovered a new hydrothermal vent field larger than a professional soccer field. The vent field found in the Pacific Ocean off the Western Galápagos Islands consists of five geyser-like chimneys and three hot springs, like those you might see in Yellowstone.

Alma Suárez / CDF
How conservation began in Galápagos

The conservation of Galápagos began in the 1950s, when scientists first raised concerns about threats to the islands’ unique biodiversity. This period led to the creation of the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galápagos National Park in 1959.