Our History
65 years of science & conservation action
Founded in 1959 by a dedicated group of scientists, researchers, and conservationists, the Charles Darwin Foundation was created to help protect the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands. Today, it is the largest and oldest science and conservation organization in the archipelago, with its Research Station leading efforts to conserve this unique environment.
Explore the milestones of the Charles Darwin Foundation and its Research Station, from its early beginnings to the present day. These significant moments highlight how our scientific research and conservation efforts have helped protect one of the world’s most valuable natural treasures—the Galapagos Islands.
Explore our History:
Although the Charles Darwin Foundation was founded in 1959, the effort began in the early 1950s when two young scientists alerted the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) about the potential extinction of Galapagos species. A few years after our founding, we established the Charles Darwin Research Station and launched key initiatives, including the Natural History Collections and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Program. In 1978, the Galapagos Islands were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1952 - 1954
A call to action
Robert Bowman and Irenäus Eibl-Eibesfeldt call for a research station in the Galapagos after reporting to the IUCN that much of the endemic wildlife is being destroyed and species are at risk of extinction.
1959
The CDF and National Park are founded
July 4 - President Camilo Ponce Enrique establishes the Galapagos National Park.
July 23 - The Charles Darwin Foundation is founded as the scientific advisor to the Galapagos National Park with a view to protect the wildlife and conserve the ecosystems of Galapagos. Victor Van Straelen is elected as its first president.
1963
First Edition of Noticias de Galapagos
The first edition of Galapagos Research, formerly known as Noticias de Galapagos, is published, sharing the latest findings and discussions in the field on natural history and biology to ecology, evolution and more.
CDF Archive
1964
The Charles Darwin Research Station is created
The Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) opens in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, under a 25-year agreement with the Ecuadorian State, providing a base for scientists to conduct research and advise the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) on conservation policies.
1964
A royal visit
His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, a Patron of CDF and supporter of Galapagos conservation, makes his first visit to the islands, followed by visits in 1970 and 1988.
Juan Manuel Garcia-CDF
1964
Creation of the CDF Herbarium
An internationally recognized herbarium is established, housing the largest Galapagos plant collection. Over time, three more collections are added, creating a 65-year record of Galapagos biodiversity with over 135,000 specimens belonging to 7,500 species.
1965
Captive giant tortoise breeding program
Dr. Roger Perry, then CEO of CDRS initiates the captive giant tortoise breeding program. The program begins with eggs from Pinzón Island, where a small population of tortoises have been trying to reproduce without success due to introduced rats. Together with the first Galapagos National Park officers, the first batch of young Pinzón tortoises hatch by the end of 1970.
Since its creation, the program, now managed by the Galapagos National Park Directorate, has allowed for the successful reintroduction of over 8,000 tortoises into the wild.
1966
Education for Conservation
The first education for conservation of the Galapagos Islands program was established, in collaboration with the Education Supervisor of Santa Cruz Island. This program, originally aimed at primary school teachers, was expanded years later to include local park rangers and naturalist guides.
CDF Archive
1971
Discovery of "Lonesome George"
CDF collaborating scientist József Vágvölgyi chanced upon a giant tortoise (Chelonoidis abingdonii) while studying snails on Pinta Island. Without knowing the significance of this moment, József took the first photograph of “Lonesome George”. One year later, a joint expedition between GNPD and CDF recovers “Lonesome George.”
1972
CDF Scholarships and Volunteer Program
The CDF Scholarships and Volunteer Program is established to provide funding, mentorship, and support to students from the Galapagos Islands with strong academic records and a demonstrated interest in conservation. Since its launch, over 250 students from Galapagos have received scholarships and thousands of volunteers have been trained in the field.
Rashid Cruz-CDF
1973
Studying evolution in the wild
Peter and Rosemary Grant, both collaborating scientists with CDF, begin their long-term study of finches on Daphne Major Island, offering invaluable insights into natural selection and evolution. In 1994, their incredible story is chronicled in the Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Beak of the Finch.
1973
The First Galapagos National Park Management Plan
The Galapagos National Park Management Plan was launched with technical advice from CDF. It originally had 12 specific objectives, encompassing the long-term conservation of marine and coastal habitats, endemic and vulnerable species, and resource species, including management actions for their recovery where necessary.
CDF Archive
1976
Land Iguanas Breeding & Repatriation Program
CDF and GNPD launch the Land Iguanas Breeding and Repatriation Program to combat iguana population declines due to invasive species like rats, cats, and dogs which prey on iguana eggs and hatchlings. The program includes breeding adult iguanas from Isabela, Santa Cruz, and North Seymour.
Carlos Espinosa-CDF
1978
Galapagos declared a Natural Heritage Site
UNESCO declares the Galapagos Islands as a Natural Heritage Site for Humanity - the first to be created in the world.
That same year, CDF's Van Straelen Building is built as an interpretation center for visitors and tourists, and its first annual report is published.
1982
Saving the Galapagos Petrel
CDF initiates a conservation program on Floreana Island for the endangered Galapagos Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia), focusing on habitat protection and invasive species management.
1984
Galapagos Designated as a Biosphere Reserve
The Galapagos National Park is designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
The Next Chapter
1980s-2010s
Coinciding with the renewal of its agreement with the Ecuadorian State, CDF entered a new chapter, building on strong foundations. In addition to advancing scientific research, CDF advocated for the conservation of the Galapagos Islands, leading to the creation of the Marine Resources Reserve and the Galapagos Quarantine and Inspection Program. However, the growing popularity of the islands brought significant economic, social, cultural, and ecological changes, threatening biodiversity. In 2007, CDF published Galapagos at Risk, the same year the islands were added to the list of World Heritage Sites in danger.
Daniela Vilema
1986
Marine Resources Reserve for the Galapagos Islands
The Marine Resources Reserve for the Galapagos Islands is established, after many years of urging by CDF. A modest marine laboratory and a research vessel is maintained by the CDRS to assist in protecting valuable marine resources as tourism and resident population continue to rise.
In this year:
- CDF's first Operational Plan is produced.
- Their Majesties King Carl Gustav, Honorary President of WWF-Sweden, and Queen Sylvia of Sweden visit the Islands, delivering a generous donation to CDF on behalf of Swedish businessman Tomas Fischer for the construction of what became (and remains to this day) the main scientific facility at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
CDF Archive
1989
Estblishing a presence in San Cristobal
CDRS's San Cristobal office is built as a new multiple-use building, establishing a key presence in the region's capital wit ha focus on environmental education.
1989 also sees the renewal of CDF's original 25-year Agreement with the Ecuadorian State for another 25 years.
1995
Scalesia atractyloides Discovered
CDF staff discover the tree Scalesia atractyloides which is classified as Critically Endangered. The Floreana Flax (Linum cratericola), believed to be extinct and endemic to the craters of the island, is also re-discovered.
CDF Archive
1997
Eradicating Introduced Species
Project Isabela is initiated alongside the GNPD to eradicate large introduced species, such as goats, donkeys and pigs, responsible for decline of numerous endemic and native species in the north of Isabela and on Santiago and Pinta Islands. This major undertaking took almost a decade to complete.
In the same year:
- The endemic rice rat of Santiago Island (Nesoryzomys swarthi) that was believed extinct is rediscovered.
- CDF and Lindblad begin their collaboration on local conservation initiatives.
Pelayo Salinas de León/CDF
1998
Galapagos Marine Reserve Established
With the approval of the Special Law for Galapagos (LOREG), the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) is established. This is a historical milestone as previously unconnected strips of protected waters in Galapagos are linked together, officially creating the GMR, which today covers an area of 138,000 square kilometers.
In the same year:
- The Local Conservation Action Fund is launched, supporting 95 community conservation programs and sustainable businesses.
Juan Manuel García-CDF
2000
Natural History Collections
The database for the Natural History Collections and the Terrestrial Invertebrates Collection is created to provide a long-term resource for the study of biodiversity, taxonomy, and speciation of the organisms that make up the natural living laboratory that is the Galapagos Islands.
2000
Galapagos Quarantine and Inspection Program
The pioneering Galapagos Quarantine and Inspection Program (SICGAL), today known as the ABG, is started, with major contributions from CDF. The program aims to prevent the introduction of invasive species into the archipelago.
Joshua Vela
2001
Jessica oil spill
The fuel tanker Jessica is grounded near San Cristobal leading to a major oil spill in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. CDF responds quickly to the spill with staff assistance and ecosystem monitoring, aongside local authorities.
2002
Biological control as a successful conservation measure
After several years of studies led by CDF on potential biological controls, the Australian Ladybug (Rodolia cardinalis) is successfully released to manage the invasive cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi), a tree-dwelling pest that severely impacts 98 plant species in Galapagos. To this day, the control method is active, keeping the cottony cushion scale population at bay. This is the first and only biological control introduced in Galapagos to date.
2003
Law for Total Control of Introduced Species
The Ecuador State enacts the Law for Total Control of Introduced Species in Galapagos. In the same year:
- The Baseline Study of the Marine Reserve and Baseline Study of Plant Research are published.
Juan Manuel Garcia-CDF
2005
Saving Galapagos' rarest bird
The Mangrove Finch Project, a collaboration between the CDF, GNPD and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, begins with the aim to mitigate the threat posed by introduced black rats to the rarest breeding bird in the Galapagos. Permanent bait stations are set up by CDF and GNPD throughout the forest and around the periphery to control the pest.
Today the Mangrove Finch remains on the brink of extinction, with conservation and management efforts essential to keep the species alive. 60 individuals are estimated to be left in the world in two mangrove forest patches in the south of Isabela Island.
Arno Cimadom
2006
Galapagos at Risk
The Charles Darwin Foundation issues the "Galapagos at Risk" report - a socioeconomic analysis of the drastic economic, social, cultural and ecological changes experienced by the Galapagos in the last 15 years which puts the extraordinary biodiversity of Galapagos at risk.
This year, the UNESCO adds the Galapagos Islands to the list of World Heritage Sites in danger.
2009
CDF's 50th Anniversary
CDF celebrates its 50th Anniversary, having grown from a remote research outpost to a center of excellence for Galapagos conservation science, research, and discovery. To address the pivotal changes confronted by the archipelago, CDF launches three flagship initiatives:
- Galapagos Geographic Index - Measuring Human Impact
- Galapagos Climate Change Initiative
- Project Floreana - the precursor to today's ambitious Floreana Ecological Restoration Project
2012
DataZone
DataZone launches as a one-stop online platform to share the vast research data and other scientific information on Galapagos that has been aggregated by CDF.
In the same year, "Lonesome George" dies.
Juan Manuel Garcia-CDF
2013
Saving Landbirds from the Avian Vampire Fly
Research efforts to save landbirds from the introduced and highly invasive Avian Vampire Fly (Philornis downsi) are initiated to save the precious land birds in danger of extinction. They include the stunning Vermillion Flycatcher and Mangrove Finch, both already on the Critically Endangered list. The Avian Vampire Fly is the principal cause for the declining populations of more than 20 endemic landbird species.
Joshua Vela
2013
Galapagos Islands Virtually Mapped
The Galapagos Islands are virtually mapped for the first time, after CDF reached out to California-based Google to add images from the Galapagos Islands to Google Maps to let people virtually explore without treading on the fragile ecosystem and as resources for research and education.
2013
The beginning of a new partnership
CDF launches the Galapagos Verde 2050 Project (GV2050), in collaboration with the GNPD, in an effort to leverage applied science for ecological restoration and sustainable agriculture. This ambitious project is supported by, what will later become CDF's major strategic donor, the COmON Foundation, which today supports a variety of CDF Projects, as well as various initiatives to upgrade its campus.
Modern Days
2010s-today
As the largest and oldest science and conservation organization in Galapagos, CDF has faced challenges, including funding issues and the COVID19 pandemic. Drawing from these lessons, we strengthened our core expertise and strategic role as the primary partner of the Galapagos National Park Directorate. By adopting advanced resources and fostering a dynamic interdisciplinary research environment, we continue to drive groundbreaking discoveries and effective conservation efforts to protect the unique biodiversity of the archipelago.
Tui De Roy
2014
40 Hand-Reared Mangrove Finches Released
The first captive Mangrove Finch is born in the CDRS as part of the Captive Breeding Program for endangered species. As testament to the success of this program, more than 40 hand-reared individuals have since been released into the wild.
Schmidt Ocean Institute
2015
Deep Sea Exploration Program
CDF’s Deep Sea Exploration Program begins, with the goal to advance exploration, research, and knowledge sharing across the hidden, and fascinating deep-water and seamount ecosystems of Galapagos and the wider Eastern Tropical Pacific and contribute towards their improved and responsible management.
The first photographs of Mustelus albipinnis, a recently described shark species, are captured by the CDF research team. Although these sharks seem common in shallow waters, their "shy" behavior means they are rarely spotted by divers. This highlights the importance of using baited remote underwater vehicles for effective monitoring.
Jordi Chias
2016
Darwin & Wolf Islands Declared a Marine Sanctuary
A study by CDF scientists supported the declaration of the Darwin and Wolf Islands Marine Sanctuary, which hosts the planet’s largest biomass of sharks - with an average of 17.5 tons per hectare.
In the same year:
- CDF officially renews its Cooperation Agreement with the Ecuadorian State for a further 25 years.
- The CDRS Exhibition Hall opens to the public as an interpretation center for visitors and the local community.
Juan Manuel Garcia-CDF
2017
Shark Ambassadors
The Shark Ambassadors Program, part of CDF’s Marine Education Project, launches. It uses experience as a tool to learn more about sharks and marine ecosystems. Today the Shark Ambassador Program is integrated in CDF’s Education and Community Outreach program.
2018
"Marine World" Exhibit
A new exhibit featuring the theme “Marine World” at the Van Straelen Interpretation Center opens on World Oceans Day, with the Center re-designed to carry out CDF's Shark Ambassadors Program and other educational activities with the local community.
2018
Atlas of Galapagos
CDF publishes the first "Atlas of Galapagos, Ecuador: Native and Invasive Species", co-authored with WWF-Ecuador. This resource is crucial to understand and address environmental challenges in the Galapagos Islands, and provides valuable insights into biodiversity conservation, highlighting key threats and conservation objectives.
Bernie Jacome
2019
Galapagos, Hope for the Future
CDF celebrates its 60th Anniversary and presents the documentary "Galapagos, Hope for the Future" to commemorate this milestone.
2019
PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN KELP FORESTS REGISTERED
The Deep Ocean exploration and conservation program, led by scientists from CDF, found an extensive kelp forest covering the summit of an underwater mountain in the south of the Galapagos.
2020
30 Deep-Sea Invertebrates New-to-Science
Scientists from CDF, in collaboration with the GNPD, the Ocean Exploration Trust and an international team of deep-sea experts discovered fragile coral and sponge communities hosting 30 deep-sea invertebrate species that are new to science.
Rashid Cruz-CDF
2021
New Marine Research Center
CDF's new Marine Research Center is inaugurated, housed within the newly renovated Inspiration Complex, as a space not just for marine scientific research, but also a conference center.
2021
Galapagueana launches
Galapagueana launches as a digital and bilingual platform dedicated to the recovery, management, and dissemination of the cultural heritage, and the social and scientific memory of the Galapagos. In addition to online content, the platform offers downloadable digitized documents and outreach materials related to Galapagos society.
Andres Cruz
2022
Friends of Charles Darwin Foundation
Friends of Charles Darwin Foundation (FCDF) Launches in the U.S. as a registered 501c3 to conduct activities that support or benefit the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Rashid Cruz-CDF
2022
CREATION OF THE HERMANDAD MARINE RESERVE
The new marine reserve is established to expand protections for marine life in the Galapagos Islands and to connect with the protected waters of other countries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. The reserve adds 60,000 square kilometers to the already existing GMR, primarily safeguarding migratory routes for endangered species such as sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays.
Joshua Vela
2022
5 year strategic plan
CDF presents its Strategic Plan 2022-2027, which sets the course for the Foundation and its Research Station and is framed around six core pillars, all designed to better position the foundation to address today’s challenges.
2023
A new mission for new times
With a new plan and reinvigored strategy, CDF unveils its new mission: to tackle the greatest threats and challenges to Galapagos through scientific research and conservation action, in order to safeguard one of the world’s most important natural treasures.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
2023
HISTORIC DEBT-FOR-NATURE SWAP
The Ecuadorian State announces the world’s largest debt-for-nature swap of $1.6 billion, which is set to strengthen management of the Galapagos and Hermandad marine reserves and protect key migratory species such as the critically endangered scalloped hammerhead shark.
2023
PRISTINE DEEP-SEA CORAL REEFS DISCOVERED
CDF scientists discover extensive, ancient deep-sea coral reefs within the GMR, the first of their kind ever to be documented inside the Marine Protected Area (MPA) since it was established in 1998. The discovery is made onboard the R/V Atlantis and ROV Alvin on a deep sea expedition in collaboration with the Woods Hole Institute of Oceanography and other national and international collaborators.
Octavio Aburto
2023
“Habla Tiburón" launches as a strategic project
CDF and WWF-Ecuador launch “Habla Tiburón”, a development project made possible by USAID, which seeks to empower the artisanal fishing sector and improve the long-term viability of sharks and rays populations in the continental and insular exclusive economic zone of Ecuador.
Sam Rowley
2023
Floreana Ecological Restoration Project
After a decade of planning, the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project's operational phase begins with the eradication of invasive species. The project's goal is to reintroduce twelve animal species considered locally extinct on the island over the next decade. This is the largest and most ambitious restoration initiative in the Galapagos to date. The project is being implemented by the GNPD, ABG, Jocotoco Foundation, and Island Conservation, with advice from CDF experts and other partners.
2023
Science Plan
CDF publishes its Science Plan, outlining how it prioritizes research and conservation efforts for the next five years in support of its mission. The plan focuses on five key priorities: 1) Biodiversity, 2) Bioinvasions, 3) Ocean and Climate Change, 4) Ecosystem Resilience and Restoration, and 5) Science to Action.
Fabian Salame
2024
a hub for modern science
CDF initiates a historic overhaul of its iconic Tomas Fischer buildings, located at the heart of the research station, to create a centralized facility for its four Natural History Collections, along with modern offices and research labs, all designed to support modern scientific research, collaboration, and growth.
In the same year:
- CDF celebrates 65 years of science and conservation action alongside the Galapagos National Park
Andres Cruz
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