65 Years Protecting Galápagos

21st Century Innovations

In the early 21st century, after several years of studies, the CDF introduced over 20,000 Australian ladybugs to combat the cottony cushion scale, a pest affecting 69 species of endemic and native plants, as well as some crops. This effort, in collaboration with the Galápagos National Park Directorate (GNPD), exemplifies the CDF's commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions.

Since 1966, the CDF has implemented environmental education programs that today are an essential part of efforts to strengthen education in Galápagos, generating a deep sense of belonging and connectivity between people and nature. Strengthening and professionally training the permanent residents of the islands is a priority for the CDF, which is why, through its university scholarship program, it has awarded more than 260 scholarships, thus promoting opportunities for local professionals.

From 2010 onwards, programs to protect marine and terrestrial birds were strengthened through research and management actions that update their status in international agreements.

Celebration of the 65th Anniversary

To commemorate more than six decades of continuous work, in June 2024, during the 53rd General Assembly, the first stone of the new north wing of the “Tomas Fischer” scientific complex was laid. This new space will house the Natural History Collections, the largest and most important collection in Galápagos and one of the most significant in the world. Additionally, a commemorative mural titled “Paths of Sea and Land: 65 Years of a Legacy of Conservation” was unveiled, a vibrant representation of marine and terrestrial landscapes celebrating the interconnectedness of our ecosystems and the importance of protecting them.

During this assembly, the Charles Darwin Foundation also presented to its Board of Directors the most important milestones espin conservation and environmental education achieved in the past year. In 2023, during the "Galapagos Deep" expedition of the R/V Atlantis, an extensive deep-water coral reef was discovered in the Galápagos Marine Reserve, the first of its kind in the region, providing a unique opportunity to expand the understanding of deep ocean ecosystems. In conservation initiatives, with funding from USAID, a shark and ray conservation project was initiated in Ecuadorian waters together with WWF-Ecuador, and an ambitious project for exploring the deep ocean in Galápagos and the Eastern Tropical Pacific was launched with the support of the Bezos Earth Fund and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. In Environmental Education, the team expanded to San Cristóbal and Isabela islands, actively engaging local youth through clubs and educational activities. Additionally, the "Traveling Libraries" project was reactivated, benefiting 190 young people and adults on various islands.

In 2021, five initial ideas gave rise to the Community of Entrepreneurship of the Galápagos Sea Food System, which today supports more than 20 businesses, led by the CDF. This initiative manages business ideas, incubating and accelerating the commercialization of innovative products. In 2023, this community entered its second phase, resulting in the creation of 16 new ventures that have been mentored and financially supported for their initial launch, positioning Galápagos as a model of resilience and innovation in small-scale fisheries.

In July, the CDF and the GNPD, which also celebrates 65 years, presented their progress and results in joint projects during an Open House that received approximately 1,200 visitors. Throughout the year, more events and activities will be held, highlighting the CDF's ongoing commitment to the conservation of the Galápagos Islands.

“Celebrating our 65th anniversary is not only an opportunity to reflect on our past achievements but also to reaffirm our commitment to the future of the Galápagos Islands. The Open House we held with the GNPD, which also turns 65, symbolizes our continuous dedication to conservation and environmental education. Through new collaborations and innovative projects, we will strengthen studies and research, ensuring that the Charles Darwin Foundation remains a pillar in the protection and study of this invaluable ecosystem, and that its legacy endures for future generations,” emphasized Rakan Zahawi, Executive Director of the CDF.