In Galapagos, 83% of the landmass falls within the arid zone. Restoring plant communities in this zone is challenging and slow, and natural regeneration in severely degraded areas is very limiting. Our scientists work to restore the arid habitat across various islands in the archipelago, notably Baltra Island, which has undergone significant human alteration, and special use sites such as garbage dumps and quarries on inhabited islands.

It is estimated that 20% of the populations of small landbirds found on the Galapagos Islands are declining or have gone locally extinct. Our scientists work to ensure the long-term conservation of small Galapagos landbird populations for the health of the islands’ ecosystems at large.

In Galapagos, 83% of the landmass falls within the arid zone. Restoring plant communities in this zone is challenging and slow, and natural regeneration in severely degraded areas is very limiting. Our scientists work to restore the arid habitat across various islands in the archipelago, notably Baltra Island, which has undergone significant human alteration, and special use sites such as garbage dumps and quarries on inhabited islands.

18 NGOs and civil society organisations have today published a statement calling for the governments of Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia and Panama to ratify the UN High Seas Treaty in order to accelerate the protection of the oceans.

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.

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.

Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, waved albatross, and flamingos are among the most iconic birds in Galapagos. Yet, these sentinel species are all classified as threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, and face continued risk of population decline.

Embarking on a trip to the Galapagos Islands is an unforgettable experience, but packing for it requires some special consideration. To help you prepare, the researchers at the Charles Darwin Foundation have curated the ultimate packing list.