Scientists in Galápagos are tracing the origin of the invasive avian vampire fly to find a safe, long-term solution. This story follows a decade-long scientific journey into biological control—where patience, precaution, and nature itself may offer new hope for endemic birds on the brink.

After nearly 70 years, the Opuntia echios cactus is naturally regenerating on Plaza Sur. This milestone marks a triumph for the Galápagos Verde 2050 program’s decade-long restoration efforts. Discover how science, teamwork, and innovation are helping revive a fragile island ecosystem—one cactus at a time. Read the full story.

A special year deserves a special celebration. The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) opens its doors in collaboration with the Galapagos National Park (GNP), our strategic partner with whom we have worked hand in hand for 65 years.

Discover how our projects foster the protection of the Galapagos Islands and how the Charles Darwin Foundation works to ensure that they remain a natural paradise for generations to come.

While diving in Galapagos, Erika De la Cruz encountered a hammerhead shark unlike any she’d seen before—one with a curved spine. What began as a routine dive turned into a groundbreaking scientific discovery. Read her story of wonder, resilience, and the power of observation beneath the waves.

The Galapagos Atlas maps 69 endemic, native and invasive species across 309 pages — CDF's reference guide to Galapagos biodiversity.

Galápagos still hides biodiversity. A study led by ESPOCH, with CDF and the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, compiled 21,364 records and raised the archipelago’s known bees, ants and wasps from 84 to 524 species and morphospecies. It also recorded 20 species, 134 genera and 11 families never before documented there.

While a mere 3% of the Galapagos Islands are home to people, our presence in this small fraction of the archipelago has put the native vegetation at risk. Our restoration program in urban and rural areas engages the local community in conservation and restoration efforts to secure the long-term health of these unique ecosystems.