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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.

Archivo CDF
When Observation Became Knowledge

The 1905–1906 expedition of the California Academy of Sciences, led by Rollo Howard Beck, introduced a systematic approach to studying the Galápagos. By documenting specimen origins, it revealed variation among islands, established the archipelago as a natural laboratory of evolution, and laid foundations for ongoing research and conservation.

Bryan Perez Jocotoco
Galápagos Responsible Fishing Network Strengthens Artisanal Fishers’ Capacities and Reinforces Commitment to Marine Sustainability

The Galápagos Responsible Fishing Network brings together artisanal fishers, conservation organizations, scientists, and private-sector partners to promote sustainable fishing practices, traceability, and responsible markets. Through technology, collaboration, and transparency, the initiative strengthens local capacities while supporting marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and community well-being.

Carlos Espinosa/CDF
Carlos Espinosa/CDF
Carlos Espinosa/CDF
Galapagos Coral Conservation and Management Plan

The Galapagos Coral Conservation and Management Plan (PCMCG) aims to protect and restore corals across the archipelago through a management plan to 2030 combining long-term research with prioritized actions, recognizing the role corals play in marine ecosystems, coastal protection, tourism, fisheries, and science.

Date:
2026
Language:
English
Archivo Margarita Masaquiza
The Indigenous Community That Helped Build Galapagos

Salasacas de Galápagos tells the overlooked story of an Indigenous community that helped shape Santa Cruz. Drawing on historical research and personal testimonies, the book explores migration, discrimination, community organization, and cultural reaffirmation, revealing how the Salasaca people preserved their identity while contributing to the development of the Galapagos Islands.

Carlos Espinosa/CDF
A Near Extinct Plant in Galápagos Is Now Recovering

Once on the brink of extinction, the Galápagos snapdragon (Galvezia leucantha) is showing encouraging signs of recovery after 30 years of conservation. From just six surviving plants to 28 adults today, science, restoration and collaboration are helping bring this critically endangered species back to its historic habitat. Discover its remarkable journey.

Carlos Espinosa/CDF
CDF Archive
Our History

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.

Pelayo Salinas de León/CDF
Silky shark's record-breaking migration of more than 27,000 km on the Tropical Eastern Pacific sheds light on urgent conservation need

Silky shark's record-breaking migration of more than 27,000 km on the Tropical Eastern Pacific sheds light on urgent conservation need

Celebrating the life of Phil van Haarlem

Phil van Haarlem was truly a force of nature. In celebration of his life, and to honour his time with us over the last 10 years, we have asked colleagues and friends to tell us their unique experience with Phil, whom we miss dearly.

Rashid Cruz/CDF
New Populations of Scalesia cordata Found in Southern Isabela Island, Galapagos

Park rangers from the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD), in collaboration with scientists from the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), have discovered two new areas of Scalesia cordata on Sierra Negra volcano, located in southern Isabela Island. This discovery marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to preserve this critically endangered species, which has seen its natural habitat severely reduced.

Joshua Vela
CDF Launches First Digital Dashboard of Introduced Species in the Galapagos Islands

The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) is pleased to unveil the Galapagos Introduced Species Dashboard, the first open-access digital repository of information about species introduced to the Galapagos Islands.

Carlos Espinosa/CDF
Pinus radiata D. Don
Species Database Pinus radiata D. Don