Press Release
Puerto Ayora, Galapagos – November 23, 2006
Organization's General Assembly Elect New Members
The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) General Assembly recently welcomed 12 new members, including four local residents who each have shown their commitment and passion to helping Galapagos, its people and creating a sustainable future for the islands. Hernan Vargas, Ph.D., Emma Flor de Tejada, María Lopez Balseca and Maria Eulalia Arízaga de Balfour were recommended by other Assembly members in recognition of their work in local education, research and alternatives for the fishing sector.
Reflecting the international and multidisciplinary character of the CDF a cadre of national and world experts were accepted as new members adding many specialties to existing strengths and equipping the CDF with the skills to confront a wide range of problems and situations.
New members from Ecuador will bring a high level of experience in business administration, organizational leadership, and a deep understanding of Galapagos and the challenges to conservation. Joining the CDF this year are marine scientist Segundo Coello, Ph.D., Juan Holguin, Ecuadorian representative to the World Trade Organization and ex-vice-president of the CDF representing the government, Pablo Iturralde who has extensive experience in business and financial administration, and Rodolfo Rendon Blacio, a previous Minister of the Environment.
CDF now also counts on the expertise and commitment of several celebrated international scientific experts. Joseph Flanagan, Ph.D., is a widely respected reptile expert and US veterinarian who has worked in close collaboration with the CDF for many years. From Canada is Michael Jackson who for over 26 years has been involved with Galapagos as a guide, diver, scientist, and writer and is a founding director of the Charles Darwin Foundation of Canada. Japanese marine scientist Kazumi Matsuoka, Ph.D., is known not only for his work in the Galapagos Marine Reserve but is also a core member of the Japanese Association for Galapagos, created to strengthen the relationship between Japan and CDF. Ray Rifenburg brings over three decades of experience in management and organizational development working with USAID and involved with US-based fundraising activities that support CDF's work in the islands.
Peter Kramer, President of the Charles Darwin Foundation, commented, "The CDF is proud to welcome these new members. Each one is a committed and enthusiastic specialist in their field with a strong motivation to help ensure Galapagos and its people have a positive future".
The General Assembly is the governing body of the CDF. Traditionally, the Assembly has been mostly comprised of scientists. However, over the past 15 years new challenges to the long term protection of the Galapagos have appeared that are the results of major economic, social, cultural and ecological changes. To adapt to these changes the General Assembly seeks to add members with a wider range of expertise. In doing so, the CDF will be able to support the development of a sustainable local society that is united by a shared vision to safeguard these extraordinary islands for future generations.
Media contact: Ivonne Guzmán – Email: cdfinfo@fcdarwin.org.ec