Understanding. Sustaining.
Protecting the Galapagos

The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands (CDF) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to
scientific research. CDF has carried out its mission in the Galapagos since 1959, thanks to an agreement with the
Government of Ecuador and with the mandate to pursue and maintain collaborations with government agencies by providing
scientific knowledge and technical assistance to promote and secure conservation of the Galapagos Archipelago.

Our Impact

The biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands is incredibly unique. The archipelago has an established global reputation as a living laboratory, and as such is enormously important for the research contributions it provides to national and international scientific and conservation initiatives.

Since it was founded in 1959, the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands (CDF) has been the premier research center dedicated solely to bettering the conservation and sustainability of the Islands’ ecosystems. CDF scientists and researchers are leaders in their fields and provide opportunities, access, and partnerships for scientists worldwide.

Establishment of the first Galapagos Giant Tortoise Breeding Program in 1965 (now managed by the Galapagos National Park Directorate)

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Declaration of the Galapagos Marine Reserve in 1998

Eradication of aggressive introduced herbivores from various
islands

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Implementation of the first successful biological control program to reduce infestation of invasive cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchase) on native mangrove forest

CDF SUCCESS STORIES

Get Involved

You can support the Charles Darwin Foundation’s efforts to conserve and protect Galapagos through the Friends of the Charles Darwin Foundation (FCDF).

Sponsor a species Gift Stock Make a Bequest

About Us

Friends of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands (FCDF) was established in 2021 to conduct activities that support or benefit the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands (CDF), a Belgian AISBL.

Leadership

Dr. Dennis Geist – President
George R. Krouse Jr. – Member of the Board
Hans van Poelvoorde – Member of the Board
Dr. Rakan Zahawi – Member/Exec. Director of CDF
Phil van Haarlem – Treasurer
Renée Monroe – Secretary

Connect with us

We would love to hear from you! Get in touch with us by filling out the form below.

Friends of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands

Friends of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands (FCDF) was established in the U.S. in 2021 and operates as a Public Charity under IRS Code 501(c)(3), with a tax ID number 86-2660112

Address

420 Columbus Avenue, Suite 304
Valhalla, NY 10595

telephone: +1 518 796 8611
e-mail: donations@friendsofcdf.org

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Overview of the Charles Darwin Research Station

Our ​Impact