The Charles Darwin Foundation Appoints Researcher Arturo Izurieta Valery as New Executive Director

Professor Dennis Geist, President of the CDF, remarks, “This is a transformation for the Charles Darwin Foundation, a real opportunity to take a major step forward in our scientific support of Galápagos conservation and support of national scientific capacity. Dr. Arturo Izurieta Valery is just the person to meet this challenge. Arturo is a well-known professional with experience in science, protected area management, and local issues, being an Ecuadorian and permanent resident of the Galapagos.”

Like many conservation organizations in recent years, the Charles Darwin Foundation has been challenged by the need to increase its effort and its sustainability in the face of worldwide economic challenges.  The historical role of the Foundation as a scientific advisor to the Government of Ecuador has served as a model for similar types of conservation efforts throughout the world. In his role as Director of the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve for 18 months, Dr. Izurieta Valery has sought to create bridges between scientists, an international community of conservationists and local institutions and individuals creating and enhancing important efforts such as the work to preserve the mangrove finch and the newly instituted Galapagos Verde project, both shared with the Galapagos National Park Directorate.

Although it is an international organization dedicated to the science of preserving the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands as a contributing factor to the well-being of its inhabitants, the Charles Darwin Foundation is served by a dedicated, mostly Ecuadorian staff, mostly residents of the Galapagos Islands.  The role of local individuals in the conservation efforts of the research station have traditionally played a key role in the sustainability of its efforts to preserve species like the Galapagos tortoise, the land  iguanas, Galapagos petrels and the mangrove finch. 

“There is no conservation unless there is a bond between the knowledge of the natural capital and the human dimensions of the people residing in the islands”, states Dr. Izurieta Valery.

In addition to his work in the Galapagos Islands, Dr. Izurieta Valery has worked for many years to create partnerships between government officials, indigenous peoples and scientific communities in Australia, Malaysia and Central America.  Over the next few months Dr. Izurieta Valery will be meeting with government officials, donors, scientific organizations and local Ecuadorian communities to share his dedication and inspire a new future of conservation collaboration.