Charles Darwin Foundation Joins Floreana Ecological Restoration Project as Co-Executor
Puerto Ayora, Galapagos, Ecuador | 20 March 2025 – The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) is pleased to announce that it has been appointed as a co-executor of the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project, a groundbreaking and ambitious initiative that aims to restore ecosystem health to Floreana Island, one of Galapagos’ four inhabited islands. The Project is led by the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) and the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency (ABG), with CDF, Jocotoco Foundation and Island Conservation as co-executors. Effective immediately, CDF will lead large-scale habitat restoration efforts, adding a crucial component to this ambitious initiative, while continuing to contribute to key aspects of species reintroductions and long-term monitoring.
Floreana, one of the few islands in Galapagos with a freshwater source, was among the first to be colonized. Over time, it became one of the most ecologically degraded. A little over a decade ago, the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project was launched with the goal of restoring ecosystem health by eradicating three invasive species—two rodent species and feral cats—and thereafter reintroducing 12 native animal species that had disappeared from the island. Through science-based actions and collaboration with the local community, this effort aims to reestablish the island’s ecological balance, while also supporting Floreana’s residents through sustainable livelihood initiatives and productive activities that align with conservation efforts, benefiting both its biodiversity and its 150 residents.
Following the large-scale invasive species eradication campaign at the end of 2023, which was executed by Jocotoco Foundation with support from Island Conservation and other partners, CDF has been advancing critical work to restore habitats that will be essential to ensuring the survival and re-establishment of reintroduced species, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more resilient Floreana. Working closely with the GNPD, these efforts have proven essential and are now recognized as an integral part of the project.
Dr. Rakan Zahawi, Executive Director of the Charles Darwin Foundation and a habitat restoration expert, will oversee CDF’s role in the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project, working in close partnership with the GNPD, the ABG, Jocotoco Foundation, Island Conservation, and CDF scientists.
Commenting on the announcement, Rakan stated: “Fifteen years ago, the idea of restoring Floreana to its original state was born. Since then, Floreana has remained close to our hearts, and we have been committed to making this restoration endeavor a success every step of the way, bringing our expertise when requested and where it was most needed. Many of our scientists have been deeply involved in the project, from vegetation monitoring to tracking the impacts of invasive species control, habitat restoration to prepare for species reintroductions, and landbird population monitoring. Today, we are proud to bring our scientific expertise to the table and take on a strategic role alongside our partners, to ensure that this ambitious rewilding initiative succeeds.”
Carlos Espinosa/CDF
Carlos Espinosa/CDF
Conservation strategies have historically focused on protecting what remains of natural ecosystems. However, with the accelerating impacts of climate change and other human-induced pressures, protection alone is no longer sufficient. Decades of experience in island ecosystem restoration have shown that a more proactive approach is necessary. Holistic restoration involves not only the removal of invasive species but also the reintroduction of key native species and the restoration of critical habitats—an approach that has been underway for years in Galapagos. This approach strengthens ecological resilience, enhances ecosystem function, and moves us towards greater environmental health. The long-term goal is to replicate what has been done in Floreana and establish a self-sustaining network of resilient ecosystems across the Galapagos and Cocos Island, serving as a global model for island restoration and biodiversity conservation.
“This is no easy feat, requiring patience and perseverance, but we have the right team in place to execute,” adds Rakan. “Floreana represents an incredible case study—one that, if done right, can be replicated on other islands in Galapagos and elsewhere. We are grateful for the leadership provided by the Galapagos National Park alongside the incredible initial efforts of Island Conservation and later the Jocotoco Foundation in executing this major initiative, and for the unwavering support of Floreana’s incredible community, without whom none of this would be possible. We must also recognize the many generous donors who share our vision for restoring one of Galapagos’ most iconic islands as a global conservation success story.”
Carlos Espinosa/CDF
Eliecer Cruz, Director of the Galapagos Program at Fundación Jocotoco, highlighted the importance of having the Charles Darwin Foundation as a co-executor of the project: "The integration of the Charles Darwin Foundation into this effort is key to strengthening the scientific foundation of Floreana’s ecological restoration process. Their capacity to generate rigorous information will enable science-based decision-making, optimizing species reintroduction strategies and habitat restoration. With this support, we are taking another step toward making Floreana flourish once again."
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About the Charles Darwin Foundation
The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galápagos Islands (CDF) is an international non-profit organization that has been present in Galápagos since 1959, operating under a special agreement with the Government of Ecuador. Its mission, along with that of its Research Station, is to tackle the greatest threats and challenges facing Galapagos through scientific research and conservation actions, aiming to protect one of the world’s most important natural treasures. Currently, CDF conducts over 25 research and conservation projects and curates more than 135,000 specimens within its Natural History Collections. The foundation's diverse team consists of more than 140 members, primarily Ecuadorian citizens, with over 60% being Galapagos residents. For more information, visit: www.darwinfoundation.org.
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