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.

The population of the Galapagos pricky pear cactus declined during the 1960s and 1970s due to the impact of invasive species and human activities. By adopting a Galapagos prickly pear cactus you will support the Charles Darwin Foundation’s Galapagos Verde 2050 program, which works to restore the populations and enhance the conservation process of the Galapagos ecosystems by using ecological restoration tools.

Inaugurated in 1964 as a base for scientists conducting their research on Galapagos, the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island welcomes all visitors to discover how our scientific research and conservation actions ensure we safeguard one of the world’s most important natural treasures for future generations.