Puerto Ayora, Galapagos, Ecuador, 11 November, 2024 -- The Board of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands (“CDF”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lúcia G. Lohmann, Andrew Balfour, and Mary C. Pearl to its Board of Directors, with immediate effect. Each new member brings unique expertise and a deep commitment to CDF’s mission of safeguarding the Galapagos Islands through science and conservation.
Commenting on the appointments, Yolanda Kakabadse, Chair of the CDF Board of Directors, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew, Lúcia, and Mary to the Board. Each brings a unique set of skills and experiences that greatly enrich our team. Their combined expertise and dedication to environmental stewardship will significantly strengthen our efforts to tackle the major conservation challenges facing Galapagos and the Eastern Tropical Pacific region.”
Lúcia G. Lohmann, Ph.D. is a renowned botanist and faculty at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of São Paulo. She is widely respected for her work in plant ecology, evolution, and biogeography. Currently the Director of the University and Jepson Herbaria at UC Berkeley, Lúcia will be stepping into a new role as President and Director of the world-famous Missouri Botanical Garden in January 2025. A former President of the International Association for Plant Taxonomy and Executive Director of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Lúcia’s background in biodiversity science and conservation networks brings a unique and global scientific perspective to the Board. “Joining CDF is an incredible opportunity to apply my expertise in biodiversity and conservation to one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems,” said Lúcia. “My previous visit to the Galapagos left me deeply impressed by both the islands' unique biodiversity and the impactful work of the Charles Darwin Foundation in preserving it. I look forward to working with my fellow Board members to support CDF’s mission to protect this remarkable environment for generations to come.”
Andrew Balfour, a lifelong resident of the Galapagos with extensive experience in sustainable tourism, brings over a decade of business experience dedicated to responsible development in the islands. Andrew’s deep connection to the Galapagos community and focus on balancing local growth with conservation make him a valuable asset to the CDF. “As someone who has spent my life in Galapagos, I understand the daily challenges that our archipelago faces and am deeply committed to aligning local development with conservation goals,” said Andrew. “I have always admired the work of the CDF and am honored today to be able to contribute to its mission and ensure that science informs the future of our community.”
Mary C. Pearl, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized scientist, educator, and conservationist, who brings an impressive legacy of environmental leadership. A Yale graduate with a Ph.D. in physical anthropology and evolutionary biology, Mary has served as President of Wildlife Trust (now EcoHealth Alliance) and as the founding Dean of Stony Brook Southampton, an innovative undergraduate campus focused on sustainability. She has also led Macaulay Honors College of the City University of New York, where she championed environmental education and expanded opportunities for underrepresented students. “The Galapagos are a vital link in our understanding of evolution and biodiversity and offer a unique opportunity to demonstrate how sustainable development can balance the needs of both people and nature. I am excited to bring my experience and network to support CDF’s efforts in advancing conservation and education initiatives that will benefit the islands and serve as a model for global conservation.”
With the new appointments, the CDF Board, chaired by Yolanda Kakabadse, has 13 members including Paul A. Baker, Andrew Balfour, Mark Bauman, Alfredo Carrasco, Andrés Córdova, Lúcia G. Lohmann, John Loudon, Juan Pablo Moncayo, Mary C. Pearl, Carla Pinto, Darrel Schoeling and Ronnie Stewart.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Charles Darwin Foundation
Ambre Tanty-Lamothe
comunicacion@fcdarwin.org.ec
About the Charles Darwin Foundation
The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands (CDF) is an international nonprofit organization present in Galapagos since 1959, operating under a special agreement with the Government of Ecuador. Its mission, and that of its Research Station, is to address the greatest threats and challenges facing Galapagos through scientific research and conservation actions, with the goal of protecting one of the world’s most important natural treasures. Currently, CDF carries out more than 25 research and conservation projects and is the custodian of more than 135,000 specimens within its Natural History Collections. Our diverse team of more than 140 people is predominantly composed of Ecuadorian citizens, with over 60% being residents hailing from the Galapagos Islands. For more information, visit: www.darwinfoundation.org
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