For nearly 50 years CDF has been a leader in conservation science and the practical application of information gained and lessons learned in Galapagos.
When CDF was formed in 1959, scientists began to build a baseline of knowledge about Galapagos species and ecosystems. Understanding the reproduction of endangered endemic reptiles and managing the many introduced species were the initial priorities. As CDF's success grew, so did the complexity of its work. The Galapagos knowledge base was expanded and enhanced, leading to the following achievements:
Galapagos flora and fauna
- An internationally recognized herbarium containing the largest Galapagos plant collection in the world.
- All Galapagos endemic vascular flora included on the IUCN Red List of endangered species.
- The rediscovery of several “extinct” Galapagos plant species
- The world’s most complete reference collection of Galapagos invertebrates (worldwide) in a museum of Galapagos animal species.
- The rescue of several species from extinction, such as the Giant tortoises of Española and the land iguanas of Baltra, Isabela and Santa Cruz.
Galapagos sustainability
- A sustainable model of tourism for the islands that is still in use today.
- Key scientific data used to establish commercial fishing (parameters / regulations) in the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
- Seed funding for 95 conservation community programs and sustainable businesses through Funds for Local Conservation Action.
Galapagos health
- The world’s largest eradication/restoration program and the removal of feral goats, pigs, rats, invasive plants, and fire ants from several Galapagos islands.
- Identification of the dengue carrying mosquito in Galapagos and measures to educate the public and authorities to protect the people of Galapagos from this serious health risk.
Galapagos ecosystem protection
- Major contribution to the creation of the Galapagos quarantine system to prevent introduced species from reaching the islands.
- Fast response to marine disasters such as the Jessica and Darwin Explorer oil spills with staff assistance and ecosystem monitoring.
Galapagos policy and legislation
- Contributions to developing the Special Law for Galapagos, crucial in ensuring that Galapagos’ needs for sustainable local development and environmental education are central to management of the islands and the marine reserve.
Galapagos education
- Cadre of well-trained scientists and conservation professionals vital to the future of Galapagos.
- CDF Environmental education centers, providing learning resources for all ages in Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Isabela.
CDF’s drive and commitment has meant that Galapagos is the best-preserved tropical archipelago in the world.
As in all human endeavors, one cannot always carry out plans efficiently and to previously established schedules. However, one works, one corrects one’s course, one has the wisdom of hope and never loses faith in the work once begun….
There is no doubt that in present circumstances, international collaboration is the best formula for scientific work in the Galapagos Islands. In this way the Ecuadorean government, sovereign owner of the islands, may contribute land and labor to the work of conservation, which would otherwise be difficult to achieve. In its turn, the international scientific world, which has always been interested in pursuing the research begun by Darwin to preserve the rarity and richness of the Galapagos fauna, can find in this association the best opportunity to fulfil its plans …
My sincere best wishes for the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands; may it continue its task and be able to find the encouragement and help for the work that they propose to do in the Enchanted Islands, so that … the islands can also enchant the world of Science.
Translated from Jaramillo,D.E. Las Islas Galapagos ante la Ciencia,
in Noticias de Galapagos, Issue 2, 1963, 1-2
Dr. Jaramillo was Ecuador´s permanent representative to UNESCO.