Friends of Galapagos
A global community protecting an irreplaceable place
A global community protecting an irreplaceable place
Galapagos may be a remote archipelago, but its future matters to people everywhere. Its extraordinary wildlife and ecosystems, scientific importance, and global influence have inspired generations, while reminding us that protecting one unique place can help shape a more hopeful future for nature worldwide.
Around the world, independent Friends of Galapagos organisations bring together people who share a commitment to protecting the islands. They raise awareness, mobilise support, and help advance scientific research, conservation, and education in Galapagos, including the work of the Charles Darwin Foundation.
By supporting an organisation in your country or region, you can help turn a shared appreciation for Galapagos into meaningful conservation action.
Find an organisation near you and discover how you can get involved.
Galapagos Verde 2050-CDF
Friends of the Charles Darwin Foundation
United States
Juan Manuel Garcia-CDF
Friends of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands is the only U.S.-registered public charity dedicated exclusively to supporting the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Established in 2021, the organisation raises funds for CDF’s work at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where scientists, conservation practitioners, educators, and other experts work together to understand and protect the unique wildlife and ecosystems of Galapagos.
For U.S.-based supporters, Friends of CDF provides tax-efficient ways to contribute, including one-time and monthly gifts, stock donations, donor-advised fund grants, and legacy gifts. Every donation supports the work of the Charles Darwin Foundation in Galapagos.
Our Friends around the world
Each of the organisations below is independently governed and provides people in its country or region with opportunities to learn about Galapagos, connect with others who care about the islands, and support conservation initiatives carried out by the Charles Darwin Foundation, as well as by other institutions working across the archipelago.
Carlos Espinosa-CDF
Friends of the Galapagos Islands Switzerland
Friends of the Galapagos Islands Switzerland has supported the research and protection of Galapagos since 1998. Working with national and international partners, it funds research, conservation, and education projects. At the Charles Darwin Foundation, its support has focused particularly on landbird conservation, while also contributing to giant tortoise reserach, Floreana restoration, and the protection of endangered plant species.
The organization builds a community of Galapagos supporters in Switzerland through membership, events, and regular updates on conservation work in the islands.
Friends of the Galapagos Islands Netherlands
Friends of the Galapagos Islands Netherlands supports projects that focus on nature conservation, scientific research, education, and local leadership. The foundation works closely with the Charles Darwin Foundation while also supporting other initiatives that help protect the archipelago’s biodiversity and strengthen the connection between science, nature, and the local community.
Its recent support for CDF has included the Education and Community Outreach Program and research on the Vegetarian Finch in preparation for its reintroduction to Floreana Island.
Carlos Espinosa/CDF
Heinke Jäger-CDF
Japan Association for Galapagos
The Japan Association for Galapagos, also known as JAGA, builds bridges between Japan and Galapagos by supporting scientific research, conservation, education, and knowledge exchange.
Founded in 2005, JAGA works with the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park to increase understanding of Galapagos in Japan. Its activities have included support for endemic plant conservation, the exchange of scientific knowledge, and collaboration between Galapagos and Japan’s Ogasawara Islands, a remote volcanic chain known as "Galapagos of the East."
Galapagos Conservancy Canada
Galapagos Conservancy Canada works with key institutions in Galapagos, including the Charles Darwin Foundation, to support the effective management and long-term protection of the archipelago’s biodiversity.
Its work has included support for the recovery of the Floreana mockingbird, the restoration of Pinta Island, and research on Galapagos green sea turtles led by CDF.
Andres Cruz
Andres Cruz
Galapagos Aktiv Germany
A new Friends of Galapagos organisation is taking shape in Germany, creating a new platform for people to connect with and support conservation in the islands.
The organisation will help strengthen connections between German supporters and the archipelago, and contribute to research, conservation, and environmental education in Galapagos.